Zayn Malik is giving the highest honor to his beloved bandmate, Liam Payne, as he mourns his passing. On Wednesday, the One Direction member fell to his death in a freak incident at his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His untimely demise has dealt a heavy blow to his bandmates, especially Malik who saw him as a “brother.”
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me,” the PillowtaIk singer began. “I can’t help but think selfishly that there was [sic] 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.” Malik recalled how late Payne comforted him when he was 17 and missed home while they were touring. “You would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile,” he wrote of his deceased bandmate.
Malik wasn’t afraid to touch on his sometimes difficult relationship with Payne. “Even though you were younger than me, you were always more sensible than me; you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong,” he recalled. “Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.” Malik also respected Payne’s talent as he confessed:
“When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.”
He added, “I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage, we could always rely on you.”
One Direction Says ‘There Will Be More To Say’ About Liam Payne’s Death
For the concluding parts of his tribute, Zayn Malik poured out his heart. He wrote, “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. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever.” The Dusk Till Dawn singer expressed that he felt “beyond devastated,” adding:
“I hope that wherever you are right now, you are good and at peace [praying hands emoji], and you know how loved you are. Love you, bro.”
Malik’s tribute followed shortly after One Direction members released a joint statement to mourn their beloved bandmate. “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” it began. “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.” It was signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall, and Harry.”
