Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson were connected for life through their stint in One Direction, which became one of the most successful boy bands of all time. But their friendship wasn’t always smooth-sailing, with the late “Teardrops” singer admitting he and Tomlinson, 32, “hated” each other at the beginning of their boy band journey. Later, their bond became unbreakable as they pair openly expressed their adoration for one another in recent years in touching public tributes and interviews. As news breaks about Payne’s tragic death at age 31 in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, October 16, Us Weekly looks back at the bromance between the two 1D stars.
After auditioning for the UK’s X Factor in 2008 but getting cut for being too young, Payne returned two years later for a second shot at fame. Along with Harry Styles, 30, Zayn Malik, 31, and Niall Horan, 31, Payne and Tomlinson were offered the chance to join forces as a boy band. When they all agreed, this marked the beginning of the pop sensation One Direction.
“We just take each day as it comes,” Payne told E! News in 2013. “The thing about us is we’re not taking it too seriously. We’re just here to have a bit of a laugh, and then whatever else comes with it is great.”
When asked about the possibility of one day moving on to a solo career if One Direction were to disband, Payne added that he would miss the camaraderie.
“It kinda scares me a little bit to be honest with you,” Payne told the outlet. “I like having the comfort of the other lads on stage.”
He added, “There’s always someone to chat to.”
One Direction shocked their fans by pulling the plug on the band, but insisted at the time they were only going on “hiatus” for an estimated 18-month period.
The Beginning of Their Bromance
In an interview with Hits Radio, Payne confessed that he and Tomlinson “absolutely hated each other” at the start.
“When we were in the band it kind of felt like, because he was the oldest and because I’d been singing for quite a bit of time we both got put in a weird position,” Payne told the outlet.
“He was wanting to be the leader and I was doing my thing and wanted to. So at first we didn’t get on at all. We absolutely hated each other, it was so funny. Really bad. We hid it well.”
Payne opened up about the early days of One Direction and how he and Tomlinson got off on the wrong foot initially.
A Turning Point
Payne again reflected on his relationship with Tomlinson over the years while speaking to ET Canada in October 2021.
“Me and Louis did not get along. We all got thrown together, and we didn’t know each other when got made into a band,” Payne said. “Now we are actually the best of friends within the band, which I think is absolutely hilarious … I think even in those moments of angst it breathes a connection between you both.”
Payne also described how the pair found solace and support in one another. “We were both so young and both experiencing something for the first time, and it just made us closer and the more we got through it, it made our bond that much stronger.”
A Relationship Defined by Loss
In 2016, tragedy struck Tomlinson’s life when his mother Johannah Deakin died from leukemia at age 43.
“I am so sorry for you, my brother,” he wrote in the note. “My heart aches for you. Just know I love you the same from a million miles away as I do right next to you. I’m always here for you through everything as you have been for me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this incredibly sad time.”
Payne added that he “can’t begin to imagine what you are all going through,” and signed off by penning “RIP, Johannah, you are forever in my thoughts.”
Tragedy struck again in 2019 when Tomlinson’s younger sister Félicité died of a drug overdose at age 18 in London.
The deaths of Félicité and Johanna featured in Tomlinson’s documentary “All of Those Voices” which was released in 2023.
A Lasting Friendship
After attending the premiere of Tomlinson’s documentary “All of Those Voices”, Payne reflected on not being around enough for Tomlinson as he faced some of his toughest personal challenges.
“Seeing the world through your eyes last night was the most beautiful thing to experience,” Payne wrote via an Instagram tribute post in March 2023. “My neck hurts from how much I’m looking up to you right now you were already my friend and brother but getting to look through that window into your world and mind just extends that respect I have for you. What you’ve dealt with and how you held it all inside. I’m so sorry I was so out of my mind and didn’t do better for you. I feel ashamed in those moments to not be as good of a friend as you have been to me, at least I have time now and I’m me again so will try and make amends.”
Payne also paid tribute to Tomlinson for being such a good friend to him.
“I’m so thankful to have you in my life mate,” Payne wrote. “I feel so lucky and I know you know this but you were part of a small group of people that literally saved my life, you dragged me out of something so dark I’ve never shared it, but your approach is something I admire and aspire to so I can one day do the same.”
For his part, Tomlinson showed his appreciation that Payne attended the premiere by writing via X, “It means the absolute world. Love you lad!”
A Legacy of Support
Payne’s bond with Tomlinson helped him to overcome personal challenges and find support when he needed it most. In 2020, Payne was very open about his struggles with sobriety. After opening up about his mental health struggles, he was able to seek the professional help he needed and has been focusing on being present in his life. “I’m not the most popular person right now,” Payne said in a 2020 interview. “But it's fine because I am trying to do something really good with my life.”
Payne had always spoken very candidly about his bond with Tomlinson, and the many ways they both supported each other during their time in One Direction. The pair continued to have a close relationship even after the boy band disbanded. Payne’s death is a devastating loss, and the world will miss his kindness and humor. While Tomlinson has always been a strong force in the lives of his loved ones, he will need extra support as he navigates the grief of losing his friend.
A Lasting Legacy
Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson’s friendship went from “come-to-blows” to a brotherhood that helped them navigate some of the most challenging times in their lives. They set an example of how people can support each other through difficult times, and their friendship will never be forgotten. As the world mourns the loss of a talented artist, they also celebrate the legacy of friendship and love that will continue to inspire others.
