Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has shared a heartfelt tribute to his bandmate, Liam Payne, following Payne’s passing at the age of 31.
Payne was discovered deceased in a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, reportedly after a fall from the third-floor balcony.
Liam Payne gained fame as a member of the British boy band One Direction, which also included Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.
The group was formed on the reality competition show The X Factor in 2010 and became one of the most successful boybands in history.
In response to a joint statement issued by the band, Tomlinson expressed his personal tribute 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,” Tomlinson began.
“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 song writer 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.
“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.
“A message to you Liam 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.
“I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
He concluded the post by writing: “Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X.”