In 2024, the news of Liam Payne's passing sent shockwaves through the music industry. His former One Direction bandmates were deeply affected, along with his family, including his son Bear. Now, Niall Horan, who released a song dedicated to Payne, is opening up about their final meeting and the bond they shared.
Niall Horan on His Last Encounter with Liam Payne
In an interview with The Times, Horan recalled learning about Payne's death and their last time together. Payne, 31 at the time of his death, had traveled to Argentina to attend one of Horan's concerts. Videos and photos of Payne enjoying the show were widely shared. Horan said, "I'm glad of that; it means my last memory of him was happy."
Niall Horan Says He Was in Disbelief
Horan admitted he initially could not believe the news. "It still feels surreal. On day one, I was like, 'Nah, it didn't happen.' Our friendship was a bond that was there forever, even if we hadn't seen each other for a while, and it's wild that one day, like the flick of a switch, he's gone," he shared. He added that he keeps Payne alive through memories. "When I think of Liam's passing, there is sadness, but it also makes me laugh and smirk because of the memories we had. I'll go to places and think of something stupid in a hotel or something random that makes me laugh."
Niall Horan Released a Tribute Track to Liam Payne
Horan included a tribute song titled 'End of an Era' on his latest album. He believes Payne would have loved it. "I think it's his type of song. He liked Coldplay. He loved songs like 'You & I' by One Direction, songs that went somewhere." Louis Tomlinson also released a song called 'Dark to Light' dedicated to Payne. In an interview on the Zach Sang Show, Tomlinson said, "Those type of songs should be completely open to interpretation because I do think they have power to heal. So I wouldn't want to over-explain anything like that. People will find what they need in that kind of feeling."
Liam Payne died at age 31 after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2024.
