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Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik has announced he is postponing his US tour in the wake of the singer’s sudden death, aged 31.
The news arrived ahead of vigils in both Liverpool on Saturday (19 October) and London on Sunday (20 October), where hundreds of fans stood in silence while mourning the singer.
Meanwhile, Payne’s father was seen reading tributes and kissing photos of his son outside the hotel where he died in Argentina, Bueons Aires.
Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have said they are “devastated” over the singer’s death, while Cheryl, the mother of Payne’s 7-year-old son Bear, has opened up about her grief at an “indescribably painful time.”
The singer, who shot to fame after joining the pop group on reality TV contest The X Factor in 2010 along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Malik and Louis Tomlinson, was described as a “kind, funny and brave soul” in a tribute from his surviving bandmates.
Payne’s cause of death was revealed in a preliminary autopsy on Thursday 17 October. Photos taken by officials of his hotel room showed it in a state of disarray, with a smashed TV screen and debris scattered around the surfaces.
One Direction fans mourn singer in London
Hundreds of One Direction fans have gathered in central London to pay tribute to Liam Payne.
The large group stood in silence and sang renditions of the band’s songs on Sunday (20 October) in celebration of the singer’s life.
ITV reporter Charlotte Cross captured footage of the vigil, writing: “Hundreds of people have gathered in Hyde Park, London, for a memorial event for Liam Payne.
“Fans are singing, laying flowers, and writing messages paying their respects to the former One Direction singer who died this week aged 31. Full story on @itvnews tonight”
Hundreds of people have gathered in Hyde Park, London, for a memorial event for Liam Payne.
Fans are singing, laying flowers, and writing messages paying their respects to the former One Direction singer who died this week aged 31.
Full story on @itvnews tonight pic.twitter.com/oDkIEEuCpe
— Charlotte Cross (@JournoChar) October 20, 2024
Jacob Stolworthy20 October 2024 14:32
Robbie Williams shares final exchange with Liam Payne
Williams, who rose to fame in the Nineties with boyband Take That and went on to mentor One Direction on X Factor, shared his final interaction with Payne – an email exchange from June 2022 that sees Williams giving the singer advice and telling him he is “proud” of him.
Jacob Stolworthy20 October 2024 13:30
Liam Payne’s father reads tributes to son outside hotel where he died
The father of Liam Payne arrived in Buenos Aires on Friday (18 October) to arrange for the return of his son’s body to the UK.
Geoff Payne has been seen reading tributes and kissing photos of his son outside the Argentina hotel where he died
Argentine authorities said Geoff was headed to the local prosecutor’s office, which is investigating the case as a matter of protocol. Local media reported that he later visited the morgue.
It’s the first time that any of Payne’s family members have been seen publicly since the star’s sudden death, which has led to an outpouring of grief from the world of music and entertainment.
Jacob Stolworthy20 October 2024 12:00
Cheryl describes ‘indescribably painful’ grief
Cheryl Cole, the former X Factor judge who shares son Bear with Liam Payne, has issued a statement following the death of the One Direction singer.
“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she began.
Jacob Stolworthy20 October 2024 11:30
Former ‘X Factor’ judge says ‘we all let you down’ in tribute to Liam Payne
“Liam, my heart aches,” Sharon Osbourne wrote in a tribute to Liam Payne on Instagram.
“We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?
“Rest in peace my friend.”
Jacob Stolworthy20 October 2024 10:30
Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him
Both in the band and out of it, the pop star struggled to find his defining identity, writes The Independent’s Mark Beaumont. Attempts at telling the world who he is with a second solo album and a documentary fell on deaf ears. His life now cut tragically short, the singer may remain elusive forever.
Read the full piece here:
Mark Beaumont20 October 2024 10:00
Liam Payne watches Niall Horan concert in Argentina days before death
Jacob Stolworthy20 October 2024 09:30
Camila Cabello remembers Payne for his kindness
Camila Cabello, the 27-year-old Cuban-born pop star who rose to fame as a member of girl group Fifth Harmony, has recalled the impact Payne had on her when they first met.
Jacob Stolworthy20 October 2024 08:53
Zayn postpones tour in wake of Payne’s death
Payne’s One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik has announced on social media that he is postponing his upcoming US tour.
He wrote: “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding.”
Kevin Perry20 October 2024 07:00
