The members of One Direction have released a statement on the death of bandmate Liam Payne.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the Instagram statement started.
“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 artists said they will treasure the memories they shared with Payne “forever.”
“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly,” the note, signed by Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry, ended.
Bandmate Zayn Malik posted an old photo on Instagram of the two during their teenage years, asleep on the road.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
While Malik was older, he noted that Payne was “more sensible,” as well as “headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f—s 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,” he confessed. “When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.”
The “Pillowtalk” singer said that “no matter what happened on stage” the band “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 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,” Malik continued. “(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.”
Louis Tomlinson also posted a lengthy tribute to Payne also on Instagram.
“I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul,” he wrote.
“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,” he continued. “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 then wrote a message for Payne saying that he was “beyond lucky” to have had him in his life.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
The English-Irish pop band One Direction, also known as 1D, was formed in London in 2010 and became one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. The group disbanded in 2016, with members embarking on solo careers. They’re best known for hits like “Story of My Life” and “What Makes You Beautiful.”
Payne passed away on Wednesday after falling through a third-story window of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He was 31 years old and leaves behind a seven-year-old son, which he shares with ex-partner Cheryl Cole.
