All the surviving members of One Direction have now broken their silence on the sudden death of bandmate Liam Payne, as Niall Horan shared his tribute early Friday morning.
For the “Slow Hands” singer and judge on “The Voice,” Payne’s death “just doesn’t feel real,” he said on Instagram . Horan included a throwback photo of himself carrying Payne on his back.
Payne, 31, died Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. He succumbed to injuries suffered on impact, authorities said.
Horan remembered Payne’s joyful energy and passion, noting how the late singer often made people feel comfortable and happy. He also reflected on living out his “wildest dreams” with Payne, moments of laughter they shared over the years and their rare bond and friendship that he said “doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”
Payne died about two weeks after he arrived in Argentina to attend Horan’s Oct. 2 concert at Movistar Arena. He was seen in video on social media greeting fans at the concert, shaking their hands and playfully doing the Macarena. Before the trip, Payne had posted a Snapchat story about wanting to reconnect with his old bandmate. Horan, in his tribute, also spoke about their recent reunion.
Liam Payne arriving at the Global Gift Gala in London five years ago.
(Joel C Ryan / Invision / Associated Press)
“I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently,” Horan wrote. “I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.”
Horan concluded his message sending his love to Payne’s loved ones and thanking his fellow “X Factor” alum and “brother” for their time together.
In a joint message shared Thursday, the surviving band members — Horan along with Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Harry Styles — said on the One Direction Instagram account: “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,” they said. “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.”
The five musicians — all former “X Factor” contestants — became One Direction in 2010, when the show’s judges determined they would be more successful as a boy band than as individual artists. The dreamy quintet, known for hits including “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life,” became a global phenomenon but went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
Shortly after the group’s statement went live, the singers began sharing their individual tributes to Payne on social media.
Tomlinson, in a solo post, praised his late bandmate, who he said was an inspiration and a “positive, funny and kind soul.” He also recalled meeting Payne and hearing his voice during their time as competitors on “X Factor.”
“I got the chance to see the kind of brother I’d longed all my life for,” Tomlinson continued, praising Payne’s musical skills and sharing that they had spoken about reuniting.
Tomlinson concluded his post, which included a throwback photo of them sharing a moment onstage, with a message just for Payne.
“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.”
Malik, who departed One Direction in 2015 to pursue a solo career, mourned Payne in his own statement shortly after the band’s joint post.
“I can’t help but think officially that there were so many conversations for us to have in our lives,” he said, captioning a photo of himself napping on Payne’s lap. He said Payne was a source of support and positivity amid “some of the most difficult times in my life” during his teenage years.
The “Pillow Talk” singer praised Payne for his leadership, writing, “[W]e could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.”
Styles shared similar memories of Payne in his Instagram tribute also shared Thursday afternoon. “His greatest joy was making other people happy,” Styles captioned a photo of his bandmate singing on stage, “and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.”
Liam Payne in Paris earlier this year.
(Marc Piasecki / GC Images via Getty Images)
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished of my life,” the “Watermelon Sugar” singer added. “I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Payne’s collaborators and One Direction fans aren’t alone in grieving the “Teardrops” singer’s death. His family is heartbroken, according to a statement shared with the Associated Press.
“Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Payne’s loved one said in a joint statement. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.’’
Times staff writer Malia Mendez contributed to this report.