OUT OF TUNE: What’s next when life behind music fades away?

In today’s musical generation, composed of an enriched fanbase, music thrives as a supplemental flavor that is imparted by each artist, band, or group in their songs. From their debut to their rise in the industry, fans are all over this juncture while screaming their hearts out– spending money for concert tickets and fan meetings, and doing everything to get the attention of these household names. Now the question remains: will their songs continue to play when they decide to separate ways or would unwanted situations take them away from the scene? 

Being a fan of a renowned artist or band speaks volumes about the magnitude of their influence and ascendancy. This social position impacts several lives around the global audience through their shared music as their stories drive people to come together and celebrate one feel-good love for music and of course, the artist. 

However, it is inescapable that these artists’ lives and passions often come to an end, just like the unfortunate event that shocked the world last month as former One Direction singer Liam Payne succumbed to death after his fatal fall from the hotel balcony he stayed in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This news brought One Direction’s fans, dubbed “Directioners”, and even people who witnessed Payne’s musical career into unrelenting emotions. 

Liam’s sudden death ignited former member Zayn Malik and other fellow members, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan to post emotional tributes on social media. The group also released a joint statement, noting the memories they shared with the late singer. 

Liam is an English singer-songwriter who was a part of the hit pop boy band, One Direction, where they debuted in 2010 and was signed by Simon Cowell’s Syco Records, following their 3rd place finish in British X Factor in the same year. As a solo artist, he charted his solo songs, “Strip That Down” and “Teardrops” to name a few of his acclaimed singles. 

Meanwhile, Payne and the other member’s solo careers were evidently followed by Directioners even after their indefinite hiatus in 2016. This break was spurred by plans to pursue individual careers that grew with fans' support of their projects. 

Now, as the world mourns his passing, a great memory of him will be forever remembered by his bandmates and listeners who witnessed his career — a gifted “brother” and inspiration even when the night changes. 

Global goodbyes 

On the other hand, the reality of these heartbreaks reveals the truest secrets of the music industry with today’s music market being poised at producing girl and boy groups, leading to a collective global prestige of their musical success. However, despite the notable global achievements, several circumstances led to eventual disbandments or temporary breaks to allow artists to focus on their solo careers, such as the K-Pop group Brave Girls in 2023 and the indefinite hiatus of Fifth Harmony in 2018 and Little Mix in 2022. In relation, some K-Pop big names were also quiet at some point in their group careers, but individual projects keep fans busy as they remain supportive of each member’s milestones amid the noise of the industry. This prompts a healthy fan culture embedded in a collective understanding of a sudden pause or interlude from the scene. 

Bidding goodbyes can never be avoided in the musical careers of various bands and groups, but time after time, fans have the responsibility to understand the bittersweet opportunities a farewell can bring to them as an audience. While no one can blame them as they find entertainment and companionship in these artists’ music and art, one major concern is how these behaviors were often times carried out as dreadful personas, situations that can be best avoided if there is an equal footing on fans’ private lives–away from their social upbringings on these celebrities.

It is true as they say, “comeback is real”, particularly with the iconic upturns of various artists into a renaissance of their group careers. Thus, as the global audience waits for the return of their favorite music stars on stage; their songs will perpetually remain beyond the charted playlists that could be their best comfort zones in times of longing, happiness, and everything in between. 

The feel-good life behind every song a musical artist or band produced over the years left a nostalgia that even death or sudden disbandment cannot take away. This, too, left a loud narrative to all fans: to be a responsible consumer rather than a mere worshiper. The music may be out of tune for some fans at some points in their lives, but life does not end when these artists turn solo or when they permanently fade away from the scene. Their songs stay on all media platforms and in a heartbeat, their lyrics will continue to linger as a good memory.