Louis Tomlinson Mourns Late Bandmate Liam Payne: 'Would Have Loved to Share the Stage with You Again but It Wasn't to Be'

Mar. 15, 2025

Louis Tomlinsonis paying tribute to his former bandmate.

The singer posted in honor of his late bandmateLiam Payneon social media. Tomlinson’s tribute followed the news that Payne, 31,had diedafter falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Oct. 16, Policía Federal Argentina confirmed to PEOPLE.

Tomlinson then closed with a “message to you Liam, if you’re listening.”

Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne in February 2016 in London.Mike Marsland/WireImage

Payne, Tomlinson,Harry Styles,Zayn MalikandNiall Horan, performed together in beloved boy band,One Direction, from 2010-2016. The group disbanded a year after Malik left the band in 2015. Theirindefinite hiatusfollowed the release of their fifth and final album,Made in the A.M.

In recent years, all five have released solo music. More recently, Tomlinson performed at variousfestivalsthis past spring and summer, and Payne attended Tomlinson’s Buenos Aires show in Apri. Meanwhile, in March, Payne dropped his latest single, “Teardrops,” alongside songwriter Jamie Scott andJC Chasezof *NSYNC.

Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson on February 24, 2016 in London, England.Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty

Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty

In 2023, Tomlinson released a documentary,All of Those Voices,and Payne attended the London April premiere.

At the premiere, Tomlinson toldRolling Stonethat it “means the world” to him that Payne was there. “I didn’t actually expect him to come, but he told me a couple of days ago he was coming, so really just an honor and a testament to him as a guy, definitely,” he said.

After the event, Payne reminisced on their time in the band and his admiration for the singer with aheartfelt Instagram post.

“Seeing the world through your eyes last night was the most beautiful thing to experience,” Payne wrote, alongside a photo of the pair. “My neck hurts from how much I’m looking up to you right now. You were already my friend and brother but getting to look through that window into your world and mind just extends that respect I have for you.”

“I’m so thankful to have you in my life mate. I feel so lucky and I know you know this but you were part of a small group of people that literally saved my life, you dragged me out of something so dark I’ve never shared it, but your approach is something I admire and aspire to so I can one day do the same.”

Tomlinsonrepliedand thanked his friend for the support: “Special thank you to Liam for being there for me. It means the absolute world. Love you lad!”

Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson at Natural History Museum in August 2015 in London.Stuart C. Wilson/Getty

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source: people.com