Liam Payne remembered with a moving tribute during the opening of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball – two months on from his tragic death at the age of 31

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As a former fan who grew up listening to One Direction, I find myself utterly heartbroken upon hearing the tragic news of Liam Payne’s passing. The band was an integral part of my teenage years, and their music brought joy and camaraderie to millions of fans worldwide.

On Saturday night, the opening ceremony of Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball at London’s O2 Arena saw a heartfelt tribute paid to Liam Payne.

The popular singer, formerly of One Direction, sadly passed away at the age of 31 following a fall from a balcony at an Argentinian hotel during a performance at the annual event in 2019.

Prior to the concerts featuring Coldplay and Perrie Edwards, it was Liam who was honored within the legendary hall.

Tonight, we paid tribute to Liam Payne, as the words were displayed prominently on the large screen during a brief, solemn pause prior to the start of the glamorous event.

Regarding the tribute, an audience member shared with the Mirror: “It was flawlessly executed as the opening act. The entire O2 Arena fell silent, then a tribute to Liam appeared on the screen, causing thousands to explode in applause. It was incredibly moving.

After my dear friend and brother, Liam, made his comeback on stage for the first time following our bandmate’s passing, I couldn’t help but honor him with a heartfelt tribute.

After stepping off the stage following my first solo performance, a screen unveiled displaying: ‘Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you brother,’ accompanied by a glowing red heart – a sentiment I wholeheartedly echoed.

On October 16, Liam passed away. For the first time in nine years, his One Direction bandmates were spotted publicly, attending a solemn funeral service for him on November 20.

Previously collaborative musicians Harry Styles (age 30), Niall Horon (31), Louis Tomlinson (32), and Zayn individually attended the church for an emotional farewell ceremony.

Harry donned black attire, arrived at the funeral in a BMW, whereas Niall came along with his partner, Amelia Woolley. Not long after, Louis and Zayn Malik followed suit. (This version maintains the original sequence of events but uses more conversational language.)

After Liam’s passing, the four – Harry, Louis, Zayn, and Niall – collectively expressed their profound sorrow, stating that they were deeply saddened.

‘In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,’ they said.

For the moment, let’s give ourselves time to mourn and come to terms with the passing of our cherished brother.

Let me rephrase that for you: We’ll always value the moments we spent with him. At this time, our sympathies go out to his family, friends, and all those who adored him as much as we did.

‘We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.’

Louis, Harry and Zayn all later released separate tributes.

Harry wrote on Instagram that he was ‘truly devastated’ and will ‘miss him always’.

His utmost pleasure lay in bringing joy to others, and it was a privilege to share this journey with him as he spread happiness around.

‘Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.

He was kind, nurturing, and extremely affectionate. The years we shared are memories I’ll hold dear for a lifetime. I’ll always yearn for his presence, my dearest companion.

I’m deeply saddened by the loss of Karen, Geoff, Nicola, Ruth, and their beloved son Bear, along with everyone else worldwide who knew and cherished this individual, just like I did.

Louis expressed his feelings of difficulty in parting ways by stating, “I’m finding it hard to accept the idea of saying farewell.

He posted a picture on his Instagram page of the two of them on stage with Payne lovingly putting his arm over Louis’s shoulder.

Louis mentioned that he would become an uncle to Liam’s child, Bear, should the need arise, and shared that he would also tell Bear tales of what a fantastic father he had.

Overjoyed beyond words, I feel like I’ve struck gold again! Now that the band’s over, our bond has grown stronger than ever. Talking for hours on end, reliving all those incredible moments we shared feels like a treasure I never thought would be mine forever.

‘I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

‘I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

‘Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X’.

Zayn said he had been talking out loud to Payne ‘hoping you can hear me’.

In his own heart wrenching tribute, he said he had ‘lost a brother when you left us’.

He penned, “I wish I could find the words to share a final embrace with you, bid you farewell in the right way, and express my deep love and respect for you one last time.

‘I’ll hold dear every moment we shared, engraved in my heart for eternity. There’s no language that can truly capture or convey my feelings at this moment other than profound sadness. I pray that wherever you are now, you find comfort and tranquility, and know how deeply cherished you were to me. Love always, my brother.’

In August 2015, Zayn Malik left One Direction first, explaining his departure as a result of high stress levels, and he stepped back from their global tour as well.

In January 2016, the band formally declared their separation, leaving countless fans worldwide with a broken-hearted response.

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2024-12-08 02:35