Five reveal how Liam Payne’s tragic death resonated with them because their lives spiralled out of control after instant fame

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Five people have shared how Liam Payne’s passing deeply affected them, bringing back painful memories of when their own lives became unmanageable during the peak of their careers.

In October 2024, Liam, a member of the band One Direction, tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. He was 31 years old. Tests later showed he had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system at the time of his death.

Five members of the boyband 5ive—Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, Scott Robinson, Abz Love, and Jason Brown—described Liam’s death as a ‘terrible tragedy’ while also sharing their experiences with the challenges of being in a band.

Five was a hugely successful pop group in the 1990s, selling over 20 million records globally. They achieved a unique feat as the only UK band to have eleven singles reach the Top 10.

But behind closed doors, the band were not getting on. 

In 2001, Sean, then 43, left the band after experiencing a mental breakdown. Meanwhile, Richie, 46, struggled with depression and began drinking heavily.

Richie explained to The Mirror that the experience really struck a chord with them. Being in a band and experiencing it together in a hotel room affected them in a unique way, different from how it might affect someone else.

When the group disbanded, Richie turned to drinking.

I used to drink a lot, and eventually it led to depression. After that, I started drinking daily, trying to escape my feelings. I continued that pattern for three years, constantly wondering what the future held.

Similar to J, I wasn’t interested in returning to the music industry. Simon Cowell contacted me and asked me to come back, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Those were really difficult years – I felt completely lost and directionless. My partner at the time told me they’d never seen anyone so lost in their life.

Scott also struggled with his mental health and privately wished to leave the band, but he remained until it officially broke up in September 2001, at the age of 21.

He explained that going from being a 15-year-old school student to instant fame was a whirlwind experience, with no time to adjust or take a break.

The singer says he felt responsible for the band’s breakup and spent years hoping they would get back together.

J used to feel so disillusioned with the music industry that he didn’t want to return, but he’s changed his mind now.

He explained that the band needed to resolve their internal issues and past conflicts over two decades before they could realistically reunite.

After 25 years apart, the band Five is back together and touring the UK. They’re also scheduled to perform on Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

Okay, so these guys… they’re all around my age, late 40s, and honestly, some of them are married with kids now! Can you believe it? But they keep saying they’re all ‘aligned’… whatever that means. It’s like they’ve all reached some secret understanding, and I’m desperately trying to figure it out!

J previously told the Daily Mail that they and the other members have matured. He explained that they all have a better understanding of themselves and are focused on personal growth and mental well-being.

Sean added: ‘We massively appreciate what we’ve got. 

‘It’s not that we were arrogant or big headed the first time around, we were just too young.

We were so busy achieving things that we didn’t take a moment to appreciate our success or what we had built. Now that things have slowed down, we’ve had time to reflect on it all, and we realize how rare this chance was.

If you need confidential support, you can reach Samaritans by calling 116 123, or find help on their website at samaritans.org. Alternatively, visit thecalmzone.net/get-support for more resources.

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2025-12-11 05:01