Following news of their former bandmate Liam Payne’s death, “One Direction” members, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles shared a joint statement.
On Oct. 17, the former bandmates got together one more time to share their heartbreak on Instagram.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” the statement began. “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 continued. “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 statement concluded.
The foursome signed the note, “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
In addition to their joint statement, some of the band members shared individual comments as well.
On Instagram, Tomlinson shared a photo of himself onstage with Payne. In the caption, Tomlinson said he is “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.”
“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,” he continued.
“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.”
Tomlinson then shared a direct message to Payne, “if you’re listening.”
“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,” he continued, talking about Payne’s 7-year-old son. “I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
(Warning: The below post contains language some may find offensive.)
Malik’s personal statement included a picture of him and Payne sleeping on each other while on the road. “Love you, bro,” he wrote in the caption.
“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,” Zayn continued.
“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 remembered Payne as “headstrong” and “opinionated,” admitting the would sometimes butt heads because of it.
“I always secretly respected you for it,” he admitted. “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.”
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what l’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 added that he will forever “cherish” the memories they made together. “There (are) no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.”