Not only did Liam Payne leave a mark on his former One Direction bandmates ahead of his death, but he impacted the lives of the musicians who played with him during his boy band era.
“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,” the remaining members of the original group, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, said in a joint statement on Thursday, October 17, one day after Us Weekly confirmed that Payne died in Argentina after falling from a third-story balcony. Payne was 31.
The band, which formed in 2010 after meeting on Britain’s The X Factor and split in 2016, added: “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
The group’s backup musicians, including guitarist Dan Richards and drummer Josh Devine also shared messages of heartbreak in the wake of the tragedy.
Scroll down to see what the former One Direction musicians have said about Payne:
Dan Richards
Dan Richards Courtesy of Dan Richards/Instagram
“This all feels so surreal,” the guitarist wrote via his Instagram Story. “Thanks to everyone reaching out, still trying to wrap my head around it all. My thoughts go out to Liam’s family at this time.”
Sandy Beales
Sandy Beales Courtesy of Sandy Beales/Instagram
“Love you, mate. Words won’t ever fully do you justice but thank you. For everything,” the bassist wrote via Instagram on Thursday, sharing a photo from their time on stage together.
Beales recalled Payne being “always so full of life and always up for a laugh.” He called him “insanely talented and charismatic on stage,” noting, “it was a pleasure and an honor to stand up there with you.”
The musician continued: “It felt like we all grew up together on the road, even when theaters turned into stadiums you and the lads would still have time for everyone in the crew and we felt the love on that wild, crazy, life changing ride.”
Beales concluded, “It’s hard to think that there won’t be a chance to reminisce on those crazy times. Huge love and strength to Liam’s family and the 1D boys at this horrific time. We are all thinking of you! Thank you Payno.”
Josh Devine
Josh Devine Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images
“Heartbreaking news,” Devine wrote via his Instagram Story on Thursday. “I just pray for Liam’s family and all that knew and loved him.”
The drummer added, “Some of my fav memories in life were because of this man. No words. 💔.”