Fans of former One Direction star Liam Payne have gathered at vigils across the globe—from Birmingham to Manila—to grieve, sing, and honor the beloved musician who tragically passed away on Wednesday.
Payne, 31, died after falling from the third floor of a hotel balcony in Argentina, leaving fans heartbroken.
On Sunday, between 800 and 1,000 people assembled in London’s Hyde Park to pay tribute to Payne.
As police watched over the gathering, the crowd sang One Direction’s iconic songs, including the chart-topping hit What Makes You Beautiful.
Many fans were in tears, clutching photos, letters, and flowers to honor the man who once captivated millions with his music.
Vigils have also been held in other cities worldwide, including Glasgow, Paris, Sydney, and beyond.
In London’s Hyde Park, fans braved drizzly weather, placing their tributes at the Peter Pan statue, which became the focal point of the memorial.
Alicia Sinclair, 22, from Hertfordshire, helped organize the event, expressing how much One Direction meant to her and countless others.
“One Direction was a light in a lot of people’s lives, especially mine,” Sinclair shared. “It’s a good time for us to come together and be with people who understand.”
Many attendees reflected on their favorite memories tied to Payne and the band. Emily, 25, and Olivia, 23, longtime fans who bonded over their love for One Direction while growing up, described how being a “Directioner” shaped their formative years.
“It felt like you were part of the best club in the world,” Emily said, while Olivia added that Payne’s death was particularly hard to bear because fans had always hoped for a reunion.
“We took it for granted,” she lamented.
In Birmingham, hundreds of fans gathered in Chamberlain Square to honor Payne’s memory.
Some were somber, while others danced and sang One Direction songs, sharing fond memories of Payne and the band.
Jamie Parker, 27, left flowers and a handwritten note in tribute to Payne, recalling how One Direction’s music helped him and his sister cope after their mother died from cancer in 2013.
“When I woke up to the news that he’d died, I was just in utter disbelief,” Parker said, reflecting on the deep connection the music created during their grief.
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