‘Our brother’: All the tributes from Liam Payne’s One Direction band members so far

Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson have posted moving statements on Instagram

1 month ago

Claudia Cox | News

Liam Payne was found dead on Wednesday evening after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires. Now, each of the former One Direction members are paying their respects to Liam Payne.

Niall Horan

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A post shared by Niall Horan (@niallhoran)

At 11:30am on Friday morning, Niall Horan paid his respects to Liam Payne on Instagram.

He posted an old photo of him giving Liam a piggyback and shared how lucky he felt to have seen Liam two weeks ago at his concert.

He wrote, “I’m absolutely devasted about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real.

“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.

“All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.

“I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.

“My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear.

“Thank you for everything, Payno.

“Love you brother.

“Nialler.”

Liam and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy went to Niall Horan’s concert in Buenos Aires on 2nd October together. Liam posted selfies with Niall on Snapchat.

Louis Tomlinson

Credit: Joanne Davidson/Shutterstock

Louis Tomlinson shared a picture of Liam Payne hugging him on stage at a One Direction show. He wrote about the first time he met Liam, and praised his skills as a musician. Louis called Liam Payne, “the most vital part of One Direction”. He promised to act like an Uncle for Liam’s seven-year-old son Bear.

The post reads: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, 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 a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.

“Liam was an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.

“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.

“A message to you Liam if you’re listening,

“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.

“I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”

Zayn Malik

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Zayn Malik chose a picture of him resting on Liam’s lap when they were teenagers. Zayn reflected on his time with Liam Payne in One Direction, and how he “always secretly respected” Liam through the times when they “butted heads”.

He wrote: “Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.

“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-year-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*cks about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.

“When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, I 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.

“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give just (to) give you a hug one more time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever.

“There (are) 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.

“Love you bro.”

Harry Styles

Credit: Matt Baron/Shutterstock

Late on Thursday night, Harry Styles posted a picture of Liam performing at a concert. He said the time he spent with Liam Payne “will forever remain among the most cherished years of (his) life.”

He wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing. 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 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.

“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicole and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”

The One Direction joint statement

The four One Direction members also released a joint statement late on Thursday evening through the old One Direction Instagram account.

The post reads: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam[‘s passing. 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.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.

“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.

“Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”