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Liam Payne’s journey with One Direction was one of triumph, camaraderie, and, like in many bands—especially boybands—moments of tension. Thrown together by fate on The X Factor in 2010, Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan quickly bonded, but their meteoric rise to fame came with the pressures that often challenge friendships in such groups.
Now, following Payne’s untimely death on October 16, 2024 and his funeral which the remaining members of the band attended on November, 20, fans are reflecting on the complicated yet deeply meaningful friendships the bandmates shared over the years.
What happened between Liam and Zayn?
In boybands, the dynamics between members are often complicated by the intense scrutiny of fans, media, and the stresses of constant touring and performing. Payne, often viewed as the “responsible” one, was instrumental in keeping the group grounded during their chaotic rise to global superstardom. But as with many bands, the pressure to grow both individually and as a group took its toll.
One of the most notable examples of tension in the group was Payne’s relationship with Zayn Malik. Although the two had a strong bond during their time in One Direction, Malik’s sudden departure in 2015 created a rift that took years to heal. Despite Payne’s public support for Malik’s decision to leave the band, the two experienced several ups and downs in the years that followed.
By 2020, Payne openly admitted that they had clashed at times, but he consistently maintained that his love for Malik never wavered, describing him as a brother – an understanding that was reciprocated by Malik himself in October 2024, when he publically paid tribute to his late friend.
Despite their well-documented ups and downs, Malik’s tribute highlighted the deep respect he held for Payne. He spoke of how Liam had always been a source of support, especially during the early days of their careers when they were just teenagers navigating an overwhelming new world.
“Liam, you were always more sensible than me,” Malik wrote. “You were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f**** about telling people when they were wrong.”
Malik reflected on the times they butted heads, yet expressed admiration for Payne’s strength and leadership within the band. Payne’s professionalism, particularly when it came to the music, left a lasting impact on Malik. He ended his message by saying, “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.”
Were Liam and Niall friends?
Despite their individual paths since One Direction disbanded in 2015, the connection between the bandmates endured. Payne and Horan, in particular, maintained a bond that was reaffirmed just weeks before Payne’s untimely death. In a heartwarming moment that took place while Horan was on tour in Argentina in October 2024, Payne attended his former bandmate’s concert, proving that their friendship still had depth, even nearly a decade after One Direction went on hiatus.
Ahead of the show, Payne shared his excitement about reconnecting with Horan, posting a video for his Snapchat followers. “I think we might just go and say hello,” Payne said, smiling. “It’s been a while since me and Niall have spoken. We’ve got a lot to talk about. And I would like to square up a couple of things with the boy. No bad vibes or anything like that. But just, we need to talk.”
Payne’s candidness about his desire to catch up with Horan reflects the genuine affection they still held for each other. Their friendship had never been about rivalry, but rather mutual respect and understanding, even after all the time that had passed.
For his part, Horan had always been vocal about the bond between the One Direction boys, telling Esquire in April 2023, “We always try and support each other where we can. We’re all texting each other individually, if anyone’s got a song coming out or a thing, even outside of work, we know we have each other.”
Were Harry and Liam close?
Liam’s friendship with Harry Styles was also a unique and evolving one. Styles, who emerged as one of the biggest stars after the hiatus, shared a deep respect for Payne, but the dynamic between them appeared to change over the years as their solo careers took off. While they were never publicly at odds, their post-One Direction interactions hinted at a friendship that, while respectful, had perhaps shifted as their paths diverged.
In a touching tribute, Harry Styles remembered Liam for the light and joy he brought into the lives of those around him. Sharing a poignant photo from their touring days, Styles expressed his devastation at the loss of his friend. “Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve,” he wrote. “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.”
Who was Liam the closest to in One Direction?
For Louis Tomlinson, Liam’s death felt like losing a brother. The two shared a deep bond, forged when they first met as teenagers auditioning for The X Factor. In his tribute, Tomlinson described Liam as a kind soul, full of positivity and humour, whose presence had been a steady influence throughout their time together. “Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction,” Tomlinson reflected, praising his friend’s incredible stage presence, vocal abilities, and songwriting skills.
Their relationship grew even stronger in the years following the band’s hiatus, with Tomlinson fondly recalling their long phone calls and hopes of reuniting creatively. Tomlinson’s grief was palpable in his words, speaking of the future they could have shared, not only as collaborators but as lifelong friends. In an emotional promise to Payne’s son Bear, Tomlinson vowed to be a constant figure in his life, ready to share stories of his remarkable father.
Ultimately, One Direction wasn’t just about their music; it was about the friendships they built. While Liam Payne’s relationships with his bandmates may have had their challenges, their love and respect for each other carried them through even the most difficult moments. These complexities are what made their bond real and lasting—much like the legacy they left behind.
