Harry Styles pays tribute to Liam Payne, as Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik also share heartfelt memories
17 October 2024, 22:48 | Updated: 18 October 2024, 00:46
Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik have each shared their own emotional tributes to former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne after his death on Wednesday.
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Tomlinson, 32, said that Payne, 31, was "the most vital part of One Direction" and added that he would make sure to tell his young son Bear "stories of how amazing his dad was".
Styles called him "my lovely friend" and Malik said he had "lost a brother".
Payne died on Wednesday after falling out of his hotel room in Buenos Aires. He left behind his son, Bear, who he had with Cheryl Cole in March 2017.
His death sparked tributes from people across the world, and the four remaining bandmates gave a joint statement to say how "devastated" they were on Thursday evening.
Tomlinson, Styles and Malik each also gave their own separate statements later that evening.
Styles, 30, said of Payne: ""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, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew him and loved him, as I did."
Read more: Liam Payne's One Direction bandmates 'completely devastated' by death of their 'brother'
Tomlinson told fans that he had "lost a brother".
"Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul," he said.
The music star said he was "instantly amazed" by Payne's voice when they met and added that he had "got a chance to see the kind brother I'd longed all my life for".
"Liam was an incredible song writer 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," he said.
"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."
Tomlinson continued with a "message" for Liam, which said: "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 also gave a separate statement, saying: "Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can't help but think selfishly that there was 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."
Malik admitted the two sometimes "butted heads" but that he "secretly respected" Payne.
"When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense," he said.
"I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional."
He added: "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. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever".
Payne's final words about his son, Bear, have resurfaced after his death.
Speaking earlier in the year, while celebrating his birthday, he opened up about the seven-year-old.
In an Instagram video, Payne said: "I didn't get any dad socks yet though. I'm going to speak to my son in a little bit which I'm really excited about.
"Bless him. He's getting so big now.
"He's a big boy and he looks like a mini me. As if we needed any more me in the world."
Tomlinson's statement came alongside another tribute signed by One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan, as well as Tomlinson.
They said: "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."
