Liam Payne left a mark on his former One Direction bandmates and backing musicians alike ahead of his death at age 31.
“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,” the remaining members of the original group, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, said in a joint statement on Thursday, October 17, one day after Us Weekly confirmed that Payne died in Argentina after falling from a third-story balcony. Payne was 31.
The band, which formed in 2010 after meeting on Britain’s The X Factor and split in 2016, added: “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.”
Inside Liam Payne’s Bond With His Former One Direction Members
The group’s backup musicians, including guitarist Dan Richards and drummer Josh Devine also shared messages of heartbreak in the wake of the tragedy.
Scroll down to see what the former One Direction musicians have said about Payne:
Harry Styles
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing. His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it,” Styles wrote in a statement shared via Instagram. “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.”
He added, “The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.”
Niall Horan
In his own social media tribute, Horan remarked that he felt “fortunate” to reunite with Payne weeks earlier. (Payne and girlfriend Kate Cassidy attended Horan’s solo show in Argentina on October 2.)
“I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever,” Horan, in part, wrote. “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.”
Louis Tomlinson
Tomlinson was the first 1D singer to share a tribute, including a promise for Bear.
“I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to every day, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” Tomlinson penned via Instagram. “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. … 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.”
He added, “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.”
Zayn Malik
Malik was the first 1D member to leave the group, and he also memorialized Payne on Thursday while acknowledging their ups and downs.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there are so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” Malik wrote via Instagram statement. “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 that you were my friend and that I loved.”
The “Pillowtalk” singer continued, “Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f— 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.”
Dan Richards
“This all feels so surreal,” the guitarist wrote via his 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.”
Sandy Beales
“Love you, mate. Words won’t ever fully do you justice but thank you. For everything,” the bassist wrote via Instagram on Thursday, sharing a photo from their time on stage together.
Beales recalled Payne being “always so full of life and always up for a laugh.” He called him “insanely talented and charismatic on stage,” noting, “it was a pleasure and an honor to stand up there with you.”
The musician continued: “It felt like we all grew up together on the road, even when theaters turned into stadiums you and the lads would still have time for everyone in the crew and we felt the love on that wild, crazy, life changing ride.”
Beales concluded, “It’s hard to think that there won’t be a chance to reminisce on those crazy times. Huge love and strength to Liam’s family and the 1D boys at this horrific time. We are all thinking of you! Thank you Payno.”
Josh Devine
“Heartbreaking news,” Devine wrote via his Instagram Story on Thursday. “I just pray for Liam’s family and all that knew and loved him.”
The drummer added, “Some of my fav memories in life were because of this man. No words. 
.”
