While many One Direction fans once believed that Zayn Malik leaving the band in 2015 was the most trauma the fandom would face, the recent death of Liam Payne, 31, shocked fans and the internet.
Payne is known for his time with One Direction, but also had a successful solo career with hits like “Strip That Down” and “Familiar.” At 16, Payne was matched with his band members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Malik after his appearance on the X-Factor in 2010.
Although One Direction split in 2015 (five months after Malik’s departure) and the five members pursued solo careers, One Direction has stayed relevant to their fan base with their timeless hits like “Story of My Life” and “Night Changes.”
Payne died on Oct. 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina by falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel. Shortly before his death, a desk manager at the hotel reported a man had consumed alcohol and drugs and was “breaking everything in the room,” according to nytimes.com. Many questions are still left unanswered, and an ongoing investigation is trying to piece together the story.
Many felt One Direction was immune to tragedy as the band was known for its playful spirit, making Payne’s death unfathomable.
According to forbes.com, the band sold 50 million records before they broke up. People felt as if they knew the band personally, making the death that much more impactful. WHS junior Stella Pugliese said, “I was in utter shock when I found out. One Direction was such a vital part of my childhood and I feel like it’s been tarnished after [Payne’s] tragic death.”
Unfortunately, Payne’s legacy will be marred with controversy due to his actions over the past few years. Until his death, he faced allegations of sexism and abuse towards fellow band members, coworkers and romantic partners. In 2022, on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, Payne claimed the band “had an absolute blast, but there were certain parts of it where it just got a little bit toxic.” During the same podcast, he recounted a backstage fistfight with another member of the band, who was later revealed to be Malik by Payne’s wife.
When he died, Payne was high on “Cristal,” a drug that increases aggression, according to yahoo.com. Payne struggled with addiction even while in One Direction, according to metro.co.uk. In the months before his death, he sought help in rehab, but left after being pushed by advisors to continue working. The day before his death, he was dropped by his music label, Universal Music Group.
Despite the drama following his late career, old coworkers and fans have taken their grief to social media, posting tributes in his honor. All four of Payne’s former band members and former manager Simon Cowell were among them to do so.
Despite this loss, Payne will be remembered by fans and coworkers as someone with unprecedented musical success but someone who also suffered the effects of childhood fame.