The shocking death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne has blindsided the entertainment industry and the band's millions of fans around the world, not to mention Payne's bandmates themselves. Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan in many ways grew up together with Payne, so many have been eager to hear from them when they're ready.
On Oct. 17, the band released a joint statement on Instagram mourning the loss of one of their own.
"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," Tomlinson, Malik, Horan, and Styles wrote. "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 memories we shared with him will be treasured forever," they continued. "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."
Related: Celebrities Pay Tribute to Liam Payne Following Sudden Death in Argentina
Tomlinson added his own voice to the chorus with a heartfelt tribute to the late singer on his Instagram page.
"I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother," he said. "Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for."
"Liam was an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody. We often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. And for the record, Liam was, in my opinion, the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on," he continued.
He went on to send a message directly to Payne. "I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye," he confessed. "I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be."
Tomlinson also offered to step in as a male figure in the life of Payne's seven-year-old son Bear Grey. "I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was," Tomlinson said. "I wish I got 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."
Solo star Harry Styles shared he was "truly devastated by Liam's passing."
"His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honor to be alongside him as he did it," Styles said. "Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve. He had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving."
"The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend," he concluded. "My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did."
Malik, who officially left the band in 2015 for a solo career, shared a personal message to Payne on Instagram.
"Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me. I can't help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives," he said. "I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved."
"Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f--ks about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it," he confessed.
Malik also echoed Tomlinson's sentiment about Payne's musical abilities.
"When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense," Malik stated plainly. "I knew nothing in comparison. l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional. I was always happy to know no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next."
"I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly," he concluded. "I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are."
Payne reunited with Horan earlier this month at the Irish singer's concert in Argentina, just weeks before his death in Buenos Aires. Horan expressed his sadness in the group's sympathy note.
