INQUISITR.COM / Entertainment

Liam Payne ‘Meltdown’ May Spell The End For One Direction

By Alan Ewart
Published on: 04:29 PST, Oct 22, 2015

Earlier this week, Liam Payne fell ill and caused One Direction to cancel a concert in Belfast just minutes before they were due on stage. As reported by the Inquisitr and elsewhere, Payne’s illness led to thousands of One Direction fans being left upset and disappointed after it was announced that Liam was too ill to perform. Fans were told that Liam was ill, but no further explanation was given and, as a result, rumors swept the internet.

The cancellation of the Belfast show was the first time that One Direction had cancelled a show in their five-year history. Unsurprisingly, Payne’s fans were concerned over his health. Liam’s fans will hardly be reassured by the fact that claims are emerging that Payne had a “total meltdown” backstage shortly before One Direction’s scheduled performance. The Mirror claims that a source has told the Sun that Liam had a panic attack as the result of stress brought on by constant touring and living life in the public eye.

“The pressure of fame and being on the road for two years have made Liam ill. He was devastated about letting everyone down, especially the fans, but he wasn’t physically able to get on stage. He had a complete meltdown.”

Payne seems to have bounced back quickly and was able to take to the stage last night. The cancelled show has been rescheduled for Friday, and after that, Payne and his bandmates have just six shows left before their “On The Road Again” tour ends in Sheffield at the end of this month. No doubt Liam will be looking forward to a long break after One Direction complete a round of promotional appearances in support of their new album, which is due for release on November 13.

Liam took to Twitter to apologize to fans and to say that he was feeling better. According to Metro, Liam also thanked fans for their support. Payne said he was looking forward to making it up to fans.

“Thank you so much for all the trends and lovely messages you guys did for me it really shows how amazing u guys actually are. As I said I’m feeling much better now and I really can’t wait to perform and make it up to everyone later.”

One Direction fans will be very concerned that if Payne is suffering as a result of the pressures imposed by fame, it may spell the end for One Direction. Liam’s former bandmate Zayn Malik was also suffering from stress-related illness brought on by the pressures of fame before he quit the group back in March. It had been rumored for some time that Malik was suffering and sick of living life under constant media scrutiny.

As the current tour has progressed, there have been signs that Payne has been under similar pressure. Liam has lashed out at fans and paparazzi photographers on a number of occasions as he pleaded for privacy. In an interview with Attitude magazine, Liam admitted that at times he has turned to drink to help him cope with the pressures of fame.

Earlier today, Liam showed once again that he truly appreciates the support that One Directions fans give to the band but as Liam and Zayn Malik have shown there is a heavy price to pay for fame.

The question that Liam and his bandmates will have to answer after their long break is whether or not they are prepared to keep paying that price. Liam and his bandmates are financially secure, so if he is suffering from the effects of stress, Liam Payne may just decide that he wants to live life out of the limelight.

[Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images]

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