CAPITAL FM’s Jingle Bell Ball paid tribute to Liam Payne two months on from his tragic death.
The O2 Arena in London erupted into cheers last night as organisers paused the live concert to remember the One Direction star.
As the show started, a message was posted on the screens around The O2.
It said: “Tonight we’re celebrating Liam Payne.”
An image of Liam performing at the Jingle Bell Ball prior to his death also appeared on the huge screens.
The emotional moment came days after Zayn Malik paid a poignant tribute to Liam as he performed his first gig on his Stairway To The Sky tour.
Fans were heard sobbing as a heartfelt tribute to Liam popped up on a large blue screen behind Zayn.
The message, accompanied with a love heart, read: “Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro”.
Liam was laid to rest last month after he fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Zayn gathered alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan to say goodbye to Liam at his funeral.
Liam and Zayn found fame together as members of One Direction back in 2010, alongside Harry, Louis and Niall.
The group became an international phenomenon, with hits including Kiss You, What Makes You Beautiful and Night Changes.
As news of Liam’s heartbreaking loss spread around the world, the band released a statement together, before they each made their own separate tributes.
Zayn shared a picture of him and Liam cuddled up together in the back of the car as he reflected on their friendship and the time they spent together.
He wrote: “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.
“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.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“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.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
Liam is survived by his family, including his sister Ruth, and his seven-year-old son, Bear.
