Watch: Liam Payne’s One Direction Bandmates Break Silence on Singer’s Death
Zayn Malik is mourning the loss of former bandmate Liam Payne.
The “Pillowtalk” singer, who rose to fame as a member of One Direction alongside Liam, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, shared a heartfelt remembrance of his late friend.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me,” he wrote on Instagram Oct. 17. “I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.”
Zayn then shared what he wished he could have told the 31-year-old before his sudden passing in Argentina.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life,” he continued. “When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
Calling Liam his lost “brother,” Zayn noted that he “can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.”
Michael Buckner/AMA2014/Getty Images for DCP
In fact, Zayn admitted that he relied on Liam a lot during the boyband’s rise to fame, even when they disagreed at times.
“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f–ks about telling people when they were wrong,” he wrote. “Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.”
The 31-year-old—who shares 4-year-old Khai with ex Gigi Hadid—explained that Liam was also the heart and soul of One Direction’s songs.
“When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense,” he shared. “I knew nothing in comparison,l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional. I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.”
Saying he “will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever,” Zayn added, “There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.”
Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images
Liam died Oct. 16 due to injuries sustained after a fatal fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, according to a press release shared by Argentine officials. He was 31 years old.
Zayn and Liam were brought together after being grouped with Harry, Niall and Louis to form One Direction on The X-Factor in 2010. Following their run on the competition show, where they placed third, the boy band became a global sensation, selling more than 50 million records, per Billboard, before going on a hiatus in 2016.
Zayn, who left the band in 2015, and Liam had a complicated relationship over the years, with the “Strip that Down” singer sharing in 2022 that despite their differences, he would always have his former bandmate’s back.
“There’s many reasons why I dislike Zayn,” he said on Impaulsive with Logan Paul in May 2022, “and there’s many reasons why I’ll always, always be on his side.”
After all, the whirlwind years in One Direction led to the bandmates forming deep bonds.
“There will always be things we disagree on but I will always, always be on his side,” he wrote in a post on X, formerly twitter on June 2 of the same year. “That’s family. Zayn is my brother and I will stand by him forever.”
In 2023, the two officially laid any rumors on their rocky friendship to rest when Zayn, 31, shared an update about his new music on Instagram, and Liam commented, “This sounds big already.”
Zayn went on to reply, “Appreciate it bro, thanks for the love.”
Following Liam’s sudden death, his family remembered him in a heartfelt tribute.
“We are heartbroken,” they said in a statement to the BBC. “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
Keep reading to see all the moving messages from fellow stars.
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” Harry began in his Instagram post. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.”
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious,” he added of his legacy. “He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Myrna Suarez/Getty Images
Liam’s former One Direction bandmate reflected on all he wished he could have said to him.
“I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” Zayn wrote on Instagram. “I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f–ks about telling people when they were wrong,” he continued. “Even though we butted heads because of this a few times,I always secretly respected you for it.”
Zayn also called Liam “the most qualified” musician in the band “in every sense.”
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” he wrote. “[I] will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.”
Luca Teuchmann/Getty Images
Louis shared a lengthy statement to his own Instagram, commemorating Liam’s legacy and his friendship.
“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother,” Louis wrote. “Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got the chance to see the kind of brother I’d longed all my life for.”
The “Back To You” singer—who cowrote many One Direction songs with Liam—continued to note Liam’s impact on the band.
“Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back into the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band,” he added. “And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the band wrote in a joint statement on Instagram. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry continued to emphasize the impact Liam had on their lives.
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever,” the statement added. “For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
“We are heartbroken,” Liam’s family, including mom Karen, dad Geoff, and sisters Ruth and Nicola, told the BBC. “Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
Dave Benett/Getty Images for The London EDITION
“The news of Liam’s passing is truly devastating,” The Little Mix member wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram Story. “Sending so much love to his family, friends, fans, loved ones and all who knew him.”
Jade—who competed on The X Factor UK alongside Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson in 2011 as Little Mix—also shared a memory of coming up in the industry with Liam.
“We fell out of touch as the years went by,” Jade continued. “But back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry. Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it.’ I hope you are at peace now.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia
The Fifth Harmony alum, who collaborated with Liam for a 2018 mixtape, thanked the late singer for “for all the joy you brought my friends and i.”
“It really made an impression on me as a young girl to meet a member of a group i loved and have him be so kind,” she wrote on Instagram Story. “it’s a tragedy to have him gone way too soon.”
Kevin Mazur/2020 MTV Movie & TV Awards/Getty Images
“I’ll miss u dear friend. It’s so difficult to write this out,” the DJ wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram post. “Doesn’t make sense, I can’t believe you’re gone brother. We had so many amazing memories together on and off the stage. A true legend and a kinder soul with a heart of gold. Miss u my brother.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Liam Payne,” the boy band shared to their offical account’s Instagram Story. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and fans during this difficult time.”
The former *NSYNC member, who collaborated with the One Direction star on his last solo single “Teardrops,” shared a tribute to Liam on Instagram, “I will miss you my friend—my heart is with your family.”
Lia Toby/BFC/Getty Images for BFC
“I’m devastated,” the singer, who sang with Liam on the single “For You,” wrote on X, formerly Twitter Oct. 17. “He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much—he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage. This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”
Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images
The former Late Late host, who was a longtime friend and fan of the British boy band, wrote in an Instagram post.
“Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking,” he wrote. “He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
The boy band—made up of Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Kevin Richardson and Howie Dorough—shared their condolences.
“Words can not express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat,” the statement on X, formerly Twitter, said. “Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends, and Directioners around the world. Rest in peace brother.
In a statement of his own, the Backstreet Boys singer—who served as a judge alongside Liam in the upcoming Netflix series Building the Band—said, “Words cannot begin to express the pain I have for this man and the great loss we have endured!”
“We became very close almost immediately and shared so many stories, laughs, and life experiences,” he continued. “Gone too soon my friend. You were such a light an incredible person to be in the presence of daily while we worked together!”
AJ added, “I cannot believe you are gone. Keep shining and keep singing for us all to hear. My deepest condolences to your family , loved ones, and your bandmates. Love you bro.”
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia
In a post shared on his Instagram Story, the “See You Again” singer said Liam was “always so kind to me.”
“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with,” Charlie, who worked with the One Direction alum on 2017’s “Bedroom Floor,” continued. “I can not believe he is gone.”
David M Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
“This news is devastating, am lost for words,” the X Factor runner-up wrote on Instagram. “We always had a good laugh when we saw each other, sometimes the catch ups were only short and sweet but when we did it was mostly about how annoyingly good his hair always looked, or our love for Becks, the old XF days and the tour we shared together.”
The musician continued, “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x am thinking of them! RIP Liam.”
Robert Smith/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
The “Without Me” singer shared a lengthy Tumblr post to commemorate the late One Direction member.
“I loved one direction with an all-consuming force when i was younger—it hurts deeply to mourn someone you were a massive fan of as teenager, and became a peer of as an adult,” she wrote. “I know people change and grief is unsure or complicated when it’s attached to a fond memory or the feeling a person gave you and not tangibly the person themself. I can see many of you on here are struggling with that right now and i understand.”
And Halsey finished by sharing a fond memory of Liam.
“A few years ago i purchased a home that Liam previously owned,” she continued. “There were rumors the house was haunted. He assured me it was not, and i believed him. because i know the ghosts that haunt us aren’t tethered to buildings. They live in parts of us that are harder to reach and they go wherever we do. As a parent, a fellow artist, and a fan, I simply cannot fathom this untimely loss. my heart goes out to his family, friends, and the fans.”
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend Liam,” the Vampire Diaries alum wrote on Instagram Story. “Such a tragedy. Far too young.”
Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Fanatics
The rapper, who was featured on Liam’s biggest solo hit “Strip that Down” wrote in an Oct. 16 Instagram Story tribute, “Rest in Paradise.”
Kevin Mazur/OneD/Getty Images
“This all feels so surreal,” the guitar player—who toured with One Direction—wrote in an Oct. 16 Instagram Story. “Thanks to everyone reaching out, still trying to wrap my head around it all. My thoughts go out to Liam’s family at this time.”
Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images
The Rolling Stones member, who performed with One Direction on The X Factor UK in 2014, shared his condolences online.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Liam Payne,” Ronnie wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, statement. “It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed.”
FOX Image Collection via Getty Images
“We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne,” the show—which Liam was apart of for two seasons in 2008 as a solo artist and with One Direction in 2010—wrote in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. “He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
The “Want U Back” singer, who competed alongside One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, wrote a heartfelt message to the late member on Instagram, alongside a throwback photo of the pair.
“From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams,” Cher wrote on Instagram Oct. 17. “I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you. My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam.”
The drummer, who toured with One Direction, shared a heartfelt tribute to social media.
“Heartbreaking news,” he wrote in an Oct. 17 Instagram Story. “I just pray for Liam’s family, and all that knew and loved him. Some of my fav memories in life were because of this man. No words.”
Liam’s “Familiar” duet partner wrote on his Instagram Story, “Rest in peace my g.”
The vocal coach, who worked with One Direction throughout their five-year run, shared a vulnerable post for Liam.
“Liam was the loveliest young man who just loved to sing,” she wrote in a Oct. 17 Instagram post. “He was only a teenager when I met him and One Direction was formed. His talent and professionalism had a big impact on the band especially in the early days as Liam always strived for the best during all of our sessions. Liam was fun and a joy to spend time with, he even re named some of my vocal exercises as he had such a wonderful sense of humour and upbeat energy.”
She continued, “I will always remember Liam as a polite young man who was caring and kind.”
And the vocal coach finished by sharing a story of the late boyband member.
“Whenever my son Cai would join the world tours Liam would invite him along on his tourbus, sit and play video games with him, make sure he was OK, such a person was Liam, warm and friendly,” she added. “Thank you for all the wonderful years dear Liam, you will forever be in my heart and your voice will live on, not only in my memories but also in the incredible songs. Rest in peace sweet darling.”
The former X Factor contestant, who competed alongside One Direction in 2010, wrote a lengthy X post memorializing Liam and speaking out against fame.
“I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects—many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD,” she wrote. “Rest in peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side, and love to your mum and family.”
Niall Horan‘s older brother wrote a lengthy tribute to the One Direction member in an Instagram post.
“To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement,” Greg wrote in an Oct. 17 post. “A weird feeling this morning and all night you were a top young boy to a man a son a brother you are only one of 4 lads I was happy enough to take my place in nialls life as a brother you will be forever missed Liam.”
He continued with a note on the blended family between the five members of One Direction.
“My heart goes out to your family, parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers,” he continued. “10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on the all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo.”
Waliyha Malik, Safaa Malik & Doniya Malik
Zayn Malik‘s three sisters paid tribute to the late One Direction member in their respective Instagram stories, each calling his death “heartbreaking,” and following up with photos of Liam with their brother.
“I have no words,” Waliyha, who appeared in the “Story of My Life” music video, wrote in an Instagram Story. “Literally heartbroken. RIP.”
Rob Kim/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
As an avid fan of One Direction, Noah wrote a tribute to the late member in a heartfelt Instagram Story.
“I’m not ever going to be able to fully voice how I am feeling,” Noah wrote. “But I feel so fortunate to have been in the same generation as Liam Payne and the pheneomenon of 1D. Liam you are so loved and will always be loved by so many.”
The “I Burned LA Down” singer continued with a note on how much One Direction meant to her, and sent condolences to Liam’s family and friends, as well as other fans.
“Rest in peace Liam,” she finished. “I really wish you so much peace beyond this world. You deserve it.”
