Ed Sheeran has issued a heartfelt message encouraging others to “be kind” in the wake of the tragic passing of Liam Payne at the age of 31. The music industry and fans alike have been mourning the loss of the singer following reports from the police in Argentina that he passed away after falling from a third-floor balcony in a hotel in Buenos Aires.
Payne first gained fame at the young age of 16 as a member of the popular band One Direction, alongside Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Harry Styles. The band rose to stardom after finishing third on The X Factor in 2010, captivating fans worldwide with their music.
Taking to Instagram, Ed Sheeran shared a touching black-and-white photo of Payne with a caption that read, “At a loss for words. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heart-breaking situation. Be kind. X”
Robbie Williams also joined in paying tribute to Payne and urged for more kindness and empathy in the world. Reflecting on their time together during the 2010 X Factor final, Williams described the One Direction members as “cheeky and lovely” and highlighted the importance of supporting each other in the challenging music industry.
In a different tribute, US singer Maggie Rogers honoured Liam Payne during a performance in Boston by singing a rendition of the One Direction song Night Changes. The emotional tribute resonated with fans in attendance, fostering a moment of shared grief and connection.
Former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock reminisced about encountering Payne on tour and praised his charismatic stage presence, expressing her sorrow at his untimely passing and extending condolences to his family and loved ones.
Reflecting on the pressures of fame and the challenges faced in the music industry, JLS star Oritse Williams shared insights into the need for better support systems and care for artists in the spotlight. Williams remembered Payne as a vibrant individual with a passion for music and highlighted the difficulties of navigating fame at a young age.
The music world has been left reeling by the premature loss of Liam Payne, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and fans alike. The impact of his music and presence will be remembered as a testament to his talent and spirit, with hopes for a kinder and more supportive industry in his memory.