‘Unbearably sad’: I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

As a diehard One Direction fan who’s been on this wild rollercoaster ride since the band’s inception, it’s truly heart-wrenching to hear about Liam Payne’s passing. I’ve had the fortune of crossing paths with him more than once, and each time he was nothing short of gracious and humble.


It’s a horrifically sad day for all One Direction fans. Liam Payne is gone. 

On Wednesday, Liam met his end after a fall from the CasaSur Palermo Hotel’s third floor in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tragically, he was only 31 years old.

Since the start of Liam’s career, spanning from One Direction’s remarkable ascension to his solo triumphs, I’ve had the privilege of encountering him multiple times due to my fervent admiration for him.

And despite the chaos that comes with fame, each time he was kind and generous. 

During his recent visit to Australia, I witnessed a troubling aspect of him that has left an indelible mark on my consciousness. This unsettling experience continues to linger in my memory.

For the opportunity to witness One Direction live, I’ve invested more than $10,000 in ticket costs, exclusive VIP deals, and airfare for trips abroad.

Instead of just hearing the music, I yearned to experience it personally, to absorb the electricity of the audience and perhaps even get a peek at the band members themselves.

In 2013, I travelled to Los Angeles for the Teen Choice Awards where I finally met them. 

'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

I managed to meet up with Zayn, Niall, and Louis, chat with them, and even get a photo, but unfortunately, Liam was hurried off by security before I had the chance to greet him. It was a bit disappointing, but I tried to stay positive, hoping for another opportunity in the future.

And I did. I finally met Liam in 2018 when he came to Sydney to perform at The Everest.

That evening, I found myself on the sidelines, observing as he engaged enthusiastically with his admirers for about 45 minutes; he was posing for selfies, inscribing autographs, and conversing amicably with his fans.

He made everyone feel special, not just another face in the crowd.

It was indeed Liam who we are referring to. Regardless of his worldwide recognition, he never let it get to his head around his fans. He consistently offered a piece of himself – always accompanied by a warm smile and thoughtful words.

'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER
'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

A few days after that, I received some information about where he would be having dinner. Being a devoted fan, I jumped into my vehicle and drove over.

Consistent with his nature, Liam graciously stopped for pictures with everyone present, flashing smiles and engaging in conversations before proceeding indoors.

These instances only deepened my affection for him further. Not just as a celebrity, but as an authentic, caring individual.

'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

However, on another occasion, there was a distinct night that stood out and has remained vivid in my memory since then.

At the well-known Japanese eatery Sokyo, located within The Star, I encountered Liam. It appeared that he had consumed alcohol earlier, and although he graciously posed for pictures, there seemed to be an unusual tension about him.

His eyes carried a weight I hadn’t seen before, a sadness that ran deep.

Those around him acted as if he were an inanimate object, capturing photos silently and then departing without a trace.

'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

It was deeply sad to witness the scene unfold. There was an individual who had poured so much of himself into his work, loved by countless fans, but in that instant, he appeared unbearably isolated.

It was a stark reminder of the ugly side of fame – the side that can take a person and reduce them to something to be consumed rather than someone to be cherished.

Today’s news is heartbreakingly tragic. Messages from fellow Directioners are pouring in, expressing the same sentiments – they only wish he could have known just how profoundly adored he was.

The harshness of fame is evident, and although it remains uncertain what was on Liam’s mind, I fervently wish he recognized that for numerous people, he was more than just a pop idol.

He was indeed Liam – a heartfelt, benevolent spirit, who consistently found moments to engage with his admirers, even during what likely were challenging times for him.

'Unbearably sad': I saw Liam Payne struggle with fame during his last trip to Australia and it will haunt me forever writes ALI DAHER

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2024-10-17 07:19

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