Liam Payne and Niall Horan crossed paths simply earlier than the “Strip That Down” singer’s dying on October 16, 2024 — proving that their friendship was robust even after One Route cut up.
The singers made their One Route debut alongside Harry Types, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik when the band was shaped on The X Issue in 2010. After 4 albums as a fivesome, Malik introduced his departure from the group in March 2015. The remaining members launched yet one more report earlier than happening an indefinite hiatus beginning in December 2015.
Whereas all of them went on to have solo careers following the cut up, the boys nonetheless confirmed every different assist over time, proving that nothing may break the One Route bond.
“We all the time try to assist one another the place we are able to,” Niall advised Esquire in April 2023 of the One Route boys. “We’re all texting one another individually, if anybody’s received a tune popping out or a factor, even exterior of labor, we all know we’ve got one another.”
Hold scrolling to look again at Payne and Horan’s friendship:
July 2010
Horan and Payne turned pals when One Route was shaped on The X Issue.
December 2013
Payne and Horan frolicked with out different One Route members, attending a New York Knicks sport whereas in New York Metropolis.
July 2015
Whereas on stage throughout One Route’s On the Highway Once more Tour, Payne confirmed off his love for Horan as they carried out collectively.
June 2017
The 2 shared a backstage second on the ZPL Birthday Bash in Indianapolis.
December 2017
Payne and Horan posed collectively backstage on the KIIS FM’s Jingle Ball in Los Angeles.
February 2018
Each Payne and Horan attended the identical Common Music BRIT Awards Afterparty and snapped a collection of candy pictures collectively. (Payne’s ex-girlfriend Cheryl Cole was there, as properly.)
November 2019
In celebration of their administration firm, Modest!, Horan and Payne teamed up with Olly Murs for a parody of The Workplace.
Might 2021
Payne tagged Horan in an Instagram Story referencing his golf sport.
“You higher watch your self,” Payne wrote, and Horan was fast to share the photograph.
October 2024
Whereas Horan was on tour in Argentina, Payne attended his former bandmate’s live performance. Forward of the present, Payne shared a video about reuniting with Horan.
“I believe we would simply go and say hey,” the singer advised Snapchat followers. “It’s been some time since me and Niall have spoken. We’ve received loads to speak about. And I want to sq. up a few issues with the boy. No dangerous vibes or something like that. However simply, we have to discuss.”
Two weeks after their live performance reunion, Payne died at age 31.
“I’m completely devastated concerning the passing of my superb buddy, Liam. It simply doesn’t really feel actual. Liam had an vitality for all times and a ardour for work that was infectious,” Horan wrote in a prolonged Instagram tribute shared on October 18. “He was the brightest in each room and all the time made everybody really feel glad and safe. All of the laughs we had over time, generally concerning the easiest issues, maintain coming to thoughts by way of the unhappiness. We received to dwell out our wildest desires collectively and I’ll cherish each second we had perpetually. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t occur typically in a lifetime.”
The Irish singer added, “I really feel so lucky that I received to see him just lately. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that night, I might be saying goodbye perpetually. It’s heartbreaking. My love and condolences exit to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and, after all, his son, Bear. Thanks for all the things, Payno. Love you brother, Nialler.”