One Direction Stars 'Feel Closer Than They Have In Years' After Liam Payne's Death Sparks 'Wake-Up Call'
By Favour Adegoke on December 4, 2024 at 3:00 PM EST
Liam Payne's death has reportedly brought together his former One Direction bandmates.
The sudden loss of the "Get Low" singer shocked them all and served as a wake-up call for them to mend their friendships.
Now, they check in on each other more regularly, a stark contrast to the sporadic communication they maintained after the band's indefinite hiatus since 2016.
According to reports, the group now "feels closer than they have in years" and remains hopeful about doing one final reunion show, an idea they had begun discussing before Liam Payne's passing.
The Group 'Kept In Touch Sporadically' Before Liam Payne's Death
In the wake of Liam Payne's death, his former bandmates are now working to mend their strained relationship.
According to US Weekly, Payne was teammates with Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles as part of the One Direction group they formed after competing on the British TV show "The X Factor."
After spending years barely communicating following their split in 2016, Payne's passing has triggered the rest of the band to recognize the importance of being there for one another, now more than ever.
"[Liam's death] was a wake-up call for all of them. Prior, they kept in touch sporadically but didn't have close friendships at all," the insider told the outlet.
Now, although they are still deeply mourning the tragic loss, they are constantly reaching out to each other—a move that has brought them closer than ever.
"[They] are checking in on each other and feel closer than they have in years," the source added about the quartet. "It brought them back together."
Liam Payne And His Former Bandmates Were In Talks To Hold A 'Reunion Show'
According to the source, the group was "in talks to do one last reunion show" before being hit with the news of Payne's death.
They intend to move forward with their plans, although whatever they come up with will be centered around honoring their late bandmate and friend.
"The guys would love to do a tribute to Liam," the insider shared, about the quartet whose last performance together was at the 2015 "X Factor" final.
However, it may take some time before the show happens, as they are all still deeply immersed in the process of mourning Payne.
"They're all so devastated right now they can't even think about that as a legitimate project, but it has been discussed," the insider continued, adding that the late singer's "death has caused the guys immense heartbreak."
Liam Payne's Former Bandmates Attended His Funeral
A private funeral for Payne was held at England's Home Counties on November 20 after his body was brought back from Buenos Aires, Argentina, per Page Six.
"Watermelon Sugar" singer Harry Styles was the first to arrive at the location, followed by Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. Niall Horan came in last, accompanied by his girlfriend.
The quartet's appearance marked the first time they had reunited in public since their 2016 split. For the most part, they were not seen interacting with each other, though photos captured Tomlinson and Malik sharing a brief chat before heading inside.
They were also dressed in the customary black-and-white suit attire for the occasion, alongside classy dark shades to complement the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony.
The Boy Band Had Previously Paid Tribute To The Late Singer
After Payne's death made headlines, the group paid tribute to him through an official statement.
"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," read the statement, per Page Six. "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."
The group also expressed that the late singer will be deeply missed by each of them and extended their heartfelt condolences to his loved ones.
They added, "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 Late Singer's Family Will Likely Sue People Linked To His Death
According to Page Six, Payne's family is poised to take legal action against anybody who might have had a hand in the singer's death.
The former One Direction bandmate member fell from the balcony of his third-floor room at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Lawyers for the singer's family are said to already be in the country where they attended a court session.
Court documents obtained showed that the Paynes are being represented by music industry veteran lawyer Richard Bray, who is said to have handed over his legal interests to a local law firm in Buenos Aires.
A source who knew Payne's family shared that they were "100% sure" his parents, Geoff and Karen, and his siblings would want to seek justice for him if there was any foul play.
