Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik has announced he is postponing his US tour in the wake of the singer’s sudden death, aged 31.
The news arrived ahead of vigils in both Liverpool on Saturday (19 October) and London on Sunday (20 October), where hundreds of fans stood in silence while mourning the singer.
Meanwhile, Payne’s father was seen reading tributes and kissing photos of his son outside the hotel where he died in Argentina, Bueons Aires.
Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have said they are “devastated” over the singer’s death, while Cheryl, the mother of Payne’s 7-year-old son Bear, has opened up about her grief at an “indescribably painful time.”
The singer, who shot to fame after joining the pop group on reality TV contest The X Factor in 2010 along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Malik and Louis Tomlinson, was described as a “kind, funny and brave soul” in a tribute from his surviving bandmates.
Payne’s cause of death was revealed in a preliminary autopsy on Thursday 17 October. Photos taken by officials of his hotel room showed it in a state of disarray, with a smashed TV screen and debris scattered around the surfaces.
Liam Payne latest updates
- Liam Payne was ‘dropped by record label’ before death - reports
- Timeline of Liam Payne’s final moments in smashed Buenos Aires hotel room
- Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy speaks out: ‘I have been at a complete loss’
- Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates’ tributes to Liam Payne in full
- VIDEO: Liam Payne's father admires fan tributes outside Argentina hotel following son's death
Liam Payne’s ‘X Factor’ co-stars pay tribute
19:00
Jacob Stolworthy
The X Factor contestants who appeared on the same series as One Direction are remembering Liam Payne.
Payne died in a fall from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday 16 October.
Katie Waissel, Cher Lloyd, Rebecca Ferguson and more are now recalling their time spent with Payne.
Liam Payne given ‘In Memoriam’ tribute at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
18:23
Kevin Perry
Liam Payne was included in the In Memoriam section at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony last night (October 19), just days after his death.
Artists including Ozzy Osbourne, Cher and Jimmy Buffett were being inducted into the hall.
A photograph of Payne from One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” video was used, and Us Magazine reports attendees cheered the moment.
The ceremony is available to stream on Disney+.
18:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Liam Payne’s ex Danielle Peazer says she’s not ‘mentally strong enough’ to face reality of singer’s death
Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend Danielle Peazer has candidly spoken out about the singer’s death.
The 36-year-old dancer took to her Instagram Story on October 19 to share a tribute to Payne. After noting that she’s spent the last few days “trying to process the news of Liam’s death,” Peazer expressed her gratitude to fans who’ve sent her messages of support.
“Thank you to anyone who has taken the time to call, text, or DM sending condolences and offering support,” Peazer, who dated Payne from 2010 to 2012 wrote. “I’m so grateful and it’s helped more than you know.”
She continued: “In time I will share more, but right now I don’t feel mentally strong enough to face the reality of what happened.”
Read the full story here:
Liam Payne’s post-One Direction timeline: from podcast fall outs to fatherhood
17:30
Roisin O’Connor
One Direction’s split seemed inevitable, but the break-up of one of the most successful boybands of all time still made headlines around the world and devastated millions of fans.
Formed on reality TV show The X Factor in 2010, the five-piece comprised late singer Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson. Despite placing third in the contest, the band shot to international fame upon the release of their debut single, the pop-rock anthem “What Makes You Beautiful”.
For the next six years, One Direction experienced a level of fame not seen since Beatlemania: screaming, hysterical fans; paparazzi; intrusive tabloid stories. After the band split in 2016 following a final farewell tour, each of the five members pursued solo careers with varying degrees of success.
Somewhat surprisingly, Payne – who had long-harboured ambitions of being a singer like his idols, Justin Timberlake, Usher and Chris Brown – admitted in 2017 that he had doubts about going solo. “I was just going to go into songwriting and carry on and do that,” he told Billboard. “But then I was like, ‘You’ve been trying to do this since you were 14 years old. You would be ridiculously stupid to turn down the option to have a deal.’ Coming out of the band, we had some pretty good opportunities around us. I had to do something.”
17:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship: Timeline from X Factor meeting to coparenting son Bear
Liam Payne has died aged 31, after falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The One Direction singer was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy at the time of his death, while ex-fiancée Maya Henry had issued a cease and desist last week alleging that the musician continued to contact her.
Prior to meeting Cassidy in October 2022, and Henry in 2019, Liam was in a relationship with former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.
The pair share one seven-year-old son together, Bear.
We break down the timeline of the couple’s unconventional meeting and subsequent relationship:
16:00
Greg Evans
In the wake of Liam Payne’s death, a leading figure within the music industry has called on measures to be introduced to stop youngsters being pushed into pop stardom.
Payne was 16 when he became a member of One Direction on The X Factor, but Guy Chambers, the former songwriter for Robbie Williams, now wants the music industry to stop working with talent under the age of 18.
More here:
15:30
Jacob Stolworthy
Reports Liam Payne was ‘dropped by record label’ as X Factor co-star hits out at Simon Cowell
Former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel, who appeared in the same series as Liam Payne and his One Direction bandmates, has hit out at show creator Simon Cowell following the singer’s death.
Payne died in a fall from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday 16 October. Local authorities are carrying out an autopsy, with the preliminary results released yesterday (17 October).
Waissel shared a lengthy statement upon the news of Payne’s death, calling him her “dear friend” and her “confident”, who offered her support during some of her “darkest moments” while on The X Factor.
“Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul,” she said. “His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.”
Full story:
Liam Payne’s ‘devastated’ One Direction bandmates share tribute: ‘We will miss him terribly’
15:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have paid tribute to the singer following his death in a hotel fall, aged 31.
In a statement signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.
“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.”
Full story:
One Direction fans mourn singer in London
14:32
Jacob Stolworthy
Hundreds of One Direction fans have gathered in central London to pay tribute to Liam Payne.
The large group stood in silence and sang renditions of the band’s songs on Sunday (20 October) in celebration of the singer’s life.
ITV reporter Charlotte Cross captured footage of the vigil, writing: “Hundreds of people have gathered in Hyde Park, London, for a memorial event for Liam Payne.
“Fans are singing, laying flowers, and writing messages paying their respects to the former One Direction singer who died this week aged 31. Full story on @itvnews tonight”
Robbie Williams shares final exchange with Liam Payne
13:30
Jacob Stolworthy
Robbie Williams has shared his thoughts on the pressures of being under the spotlight as he paid tribute to the late One Direction singer Liam Payne.
The musician died from multiple traumatic injuries caused by falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services responded to a hotel manager’s call about a guest “under the influence of alcohol and drugs” who could “do something that could put his life at risk”. He was 31.
Williams, who rose to fame in the Nineties with boyband Take That and went on to mentor One Direction on X Factor, shared his final interaction with Payne – an email exchange from June 2022 that sees Williams giving the singer advice and telling him he is “proud” of him.
Liam Payne’s father reads tributes to son outside hotel where he died
12:00
Jacob Stolworthy
The father of Liam Payne arrived in Buenos Aires on Friday (18 October) to arrange for the return of his son’s body to the UK.
Geoff Payne has been seen reading tributes and kissing photos of his son outside the Argentina hotel where he died
Argentine authorities said Geoff was headed to the local prosecutor’s office, which is investigating the case as a matter of protocol. Local media reported that he later visited the morgue.
It’s the first time that any of Payne’s family members have been seen publicly since the star’s sudden death, which has led to an outpouring of grief from the world of music and entertainment.
11:30
Jacob Stolworthy
Cheryl describes ‘indescribably painful’ grief
Cheryl Cole, the former X Factor judge who shares son Bear with Liam Payne, has issued a statement following the death of the One Direction singer.
“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she began.
Read in full here:
Liam Payne’s cause of death revealed in preliminary autopsy
11:00
Jacob Stolworthy
The One Direction singer was pronounced dead on Wednesday (October 16), after emergency services responded to a hotel manager’s call about an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
Former ‘X Factor’ judge says ‘we all let you down’ in tribute to Liam Payne
10:30
Jacob Stolworthy
“Liam, my heart aches,” Sharon Osbourne wrote in a tribute to Liam Payne on Instagram.
“We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?
“Rest in peace my friend.”
Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him
10:00
Jacob Stolworthy
Both in the band and out of it, the pop star struggled to find his defining identity, writes The Independent’s Mark Beaumont. Attempts at telling the world who he is with a second solo album and a documentary fell on deaf ears. His life now cut tragically short, the singer may remain elusive forever.
Read the full piece here:
09:30
Jacob Stolworthy
Liam Payne watches Niall Horan concert in Argentina days before death
Camila Cabello remembers Payne for his kindness
08:53
Jacob Stolworthy
Camila Cabello, the 27-year-old Cuban-born pop star who rose to fame as a member of girl group Fifth Harmony, has recalled the impact Payne had on her when they first met.
Zayn postpones tour in wake of Payne’s death
07:00
Kevin Perry
Payne’s One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik has announced on social media that he is postponing his upcoming US tour.
Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the…
— zayn (@zaynmalik) October 19, 2024
He wrote: “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding.”
Liam Payne vigil draws huge crowd at Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock
06:00
Kevin Perry
Bruce Springsteen on Liam Payne death: ‘It’s a business that puts enormous pressure on young people’
05:00
Kevin Perry
Bruce Springsteen has reflected on the shock death of Liam Payne, saying the music industry “puts enormous pressures on young people.”
In a new interview, Springsteen said that artists dying young is “not an unusual thing in my business.”
Read the full story:
Doctor shares how to talk to children about grief after Liam Payne death
04:00
Kevin Perry
Candlelit vigil held for Liam Payne at singer's old secondary school in Wolverhampton
02:00
Kevin Perry
Saturday 19 October 2024 23:00
Kevin Perry
Rita Ora fights back tears as she struggles through Liam Payne tribute live on stage
Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend he met on ‘X Factor’ shares tribute
Saturday 19 October 2024 19:20
Jacob Stolworthy
Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend Danielle Peazer, whom the One Direction star met when she was a backing dancer on The X Factor, has paid tribute to the singer.
They dated from 2010 to 2012.
Zayn postpones tour in wake of Payne’s death
Saturday 19 October 2024 18:41
Kevin Perry
Payne’s One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik has announced on social media that he is postponing his upcoming US tour.
Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the…
— zayn (@zaynmalik) October 19, 2024
He wrote: “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding.”
Bruce Springsteen on Liam Payne death: ‘It’s a business that puts enormous pressure on young people’
Saturday 19 October 2024 18:25
Kevin Perry
Bruce Springsteen has reflected on the shock death of Liam Payne, saying the music industry “puts enormous pressures on young people.”
In a new interview, Springsteen said that artists dying young is “not an unusual thing in my business.”
Read the full story:
Shawn Mendes pays emotional on-stage tribute to Liam Payne
Saturday 19 October 2024 17:53
Kevin Perry
Sinitta remembers Liam Payne
Saturday 19 October 2024 17:40
Jacob Stolworthy
Sinitta, the former singer who was an aide of Simon Cowell’s on The X Factor, has paid tribute to Liam Payne.
She remembered meeting Payne in 2008 when he was 14 at the judge’s houses stage of the competition; Payne was sent home as he was two years too young and returned in 2010 when he was put in One Direction.
She wrote: “The first time I saw Baby Liam was in Barbados. He was so adorable and had the most penetrating and relentless stare! His intensity, determination, and gorgeousness were so potent that I really had to hold my own not to feel intimidated or flustered.
“I sat there, mesmerised, thinking, ‘Wow, wow, wow! He is The ONE, and he knows it!’ It then turned out he was only 14 – too young. We were deflated as he was exactly what we were looking for: great voice, great confidence, great looks, and great attitude. We begged him to come back when he was 16!
“What self-belief, passion, and bravery! Knowing you’re great is not arrogance; it’s mesmerising when you genuinely have the talent to back it up. Liam was also humble and hungry. He wanted it so badly.”
Saturday 19 October 2024 17:20
Jacob Stolworthy
Crowds gathered in silence at Liverpool’s Albert Dock today (19 October) as they paid tribute to One Direction singer, Liam Payne.
Young fans were joined by their parents as they admired the many letters and drawings laid out for Payne, 31, who died this week following a balcony fall in Argentina.
His songs could be heard playing in the background.
All of Payne’s fellow bandmates have released their own tributes to their “brother”, acknowledging the huge loss in their lives.
VIDEO: Doctor shares how to talk to children about grief after Liam Payne death
Saturday 19 October 2024 13:21
Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne’s hometown residents compare One Direction star to Elvis as they call for more industry support
Saturday 19 October 2024 12:01
Roisin O'Connor
Reports Liam Payne was ‘dropped by record label’ as X Factor co-star hits out at Simon Cowell
Saturday 19 October 2024 11:41
Roisin O'Connor
Former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel, who appeared in the same series as Liam Payne and his One Direction bandmates, has hit out at show creator Simon Cowell following the singer’s death.
Payne died in a fall from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday 16 October. Local authorities are carrying out an autopsy, with the preliminary results released yesterday (17 October).
Waissel shared a lengthy statement upon the news of Payne’s death, calling him her “dear friend” and her “confident”, who offered her support during some of her “darkest moments” while on The X Factor.
“Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul,” she said. “His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
“His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.”
Full story:
VIDEO: Candlelit vigil held for Liam Payne at singer's old secondary school in Wolverhampton
Saturday 19 October 2024 11:00
Roisin O'Connor
Rita Ora fights back tears as she struggles through Liam Payne tribute live on stage
Saturday 19 October 2024 10:41
Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne’s ex speaks out after his death in Buenos Aires hotel
Saturday 19 October 2024 10:01
Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend Aliana Mawla has spoken out following the One Direction singer’s death aged 31.
The social media personality, who reportedly dated Payne after his breakup with ex-fiancée Maya Henry, took to her Instagram Story on Thursday (October 17), where she paid tribute to the pop star after he died Wednesday evening after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Mawla shared a photo that appeared to show Payne at a concert, writing over the image: “I’m sorry this happened to you… will forever love and miss you.”
In another Instagram Story post, the “Strip That Down” singer’s hand appeared to be interlocked in Mawla’s, showing off his “L” and “P” tattoos on each of his hands, as her thumb was placed in between.
Timeline of Liam Payne’s final moments in smashed Buenos Aires hotel room
Saturday 19 October 2024 07:58
Roisin O'Connor
Images taken of Liam Payne’s hotel room on Tuesday are a disturbing glimpse into the lead up to his death. Here’s what we know so far
Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy speaks out: ‘I have been at a complete loss’
Saturday 19 October 2024 07:00
Kevin Perry
Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who had been with him in Argentina until a few days before his death, has spoken out about the tragedy.
In a post on her Instagram Stories, Cassidy wrote: “Thank you for all of the kind words and love that has been sent my way. I have been at a complete loss.
“Nothing about the past few days have felt real. I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.
“Liam, my angel. You are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you Liam.”
Sellers cashing in on Liam Payne’s death with tacky memorabilia
Saturday 19 October 2024 05:45
Kevin Perry
Online sellers have been quick to create merchandise cashing in on Liam Payne’s death.
From t-shirts that pay tribute to the singer to more unexpected items like memorial Christmas decorations and compact mirrors, a wealth of merchandise has been listed over the past 48 hours.
Here’s the full story:
Liam Payne compared to Elvis Presley by mourning hometown residents
Saturday 19 October 2024 05:15
Kevin Perry
‘Devastated’ and ‘heartbroken’ Simon Cowell pays tribute after Liam Payne’s death
Saturday 19 October 2024 03:30
Kevin Perry
Liam Payne: The ambitious One Direction star who struggled with dark side of fame
Friday 18 October 2024 12:41
Roisin O'Connor
Singer, who rose to fame as a member of boyband One Direction, died aged 31 after falling from a hotel in Buenos Aires
Zayn Malik admits he and Liam Payne ‘butted heads’ in emotional tribute to late One Direction bandmate
Friday 18 October 2024 10:21
Kevin EG Perry
Zayn Malik has admitted he sometimes “butted heads” with Liam Payne in an emotional tribute to his late One Direction bandmate.
Malik, 31, posted a heartfelt message to his personal Instagram account shortly after One Direction shared a joint statement about Payne’s shock death after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Alongside a sweet photo of himself asleep in Payne’s lap on a tour bus, while Payne is also asleep slumped over on top of him, Malik wrote: “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.
“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 yr 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.
“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.
Full story: