Fans have spiralled into an emotional meltdown after a video of Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson on stage during One Direction's last tour, resurfaced.
This comes after Liam, who was only 31 at the time of his tragic death, fell from the third floor of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the 20 second clip that has now gone viral on social media, Liam, who was only 24 at the time, is seen hugging Louis for some time as they wrapped up their On The Road Again tour in 2016.
The band had completed 77 shows and four world tours before announcing they were taking a break back in 2016, so it's perhaps no surprise that Liam and Louis were beyond emotional. Along with Liam, the band who became as big as the Beatles, was made up of Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis. Soon after news emerged of Liam's death, Louis, who was the closest to Liam, shared a statement on social media.
He wrote: "I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I'd longed all my life for."
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X)He added: "Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam."
Louis, who has faced a number of tragedies himself following the band's split, continued: "A message to you Liam if you're listening: I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I'm really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I'm so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I'd have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn't to be."
He added: "I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was. I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X." Within minutes of Louis's post, Zayn shared his thoughts on his pal and bandmate who he first met on the X Factor in 2010.
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: "Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me., you were headstrong, opinionated and gave no f**ks about telling people they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it. 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."
Zayn went on to say: "I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next. 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, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace, and you know how loved you are. Love you bro."
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