The world was left reeling last week at the shock news that Liam Payne had died suddenly at the age of 31. The former One Direction star, who joined the boyband when he was just 16, was found dead after falling from a third-floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Strip That Down singer had been in Argentina with girlfriend Kate Cassidy to watch a concert by his former bandmate Niall Horan. However, his recent behaviour had raised concerns among fans, and police had been called to the hotel before his death after staff claimed he was behaving erratically.
For Liam’s fans, the news was nothing short of heartbreaking, while Simon Cowell, who helped form One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, immediately halted filming on the new series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Closer spoke to Simon’s brother, Tony Cowell, who opened up about his friendship with Liam and his brother’s heartbreak at his death.
‘Liam was just 16 years old when I first met him backstage at The X Factor in 2010,’ he recalls. ‘I will never forget how open and honest he was. He always had a huge smile on his face. He had a quiet maturity about him, even then.
‘Our family has known Liam for so many years. I will always remember how he always made the effort to speak to our late mum, Julie, when she was in Simon’s dressing room. Yes, the fame took its toll on his mental health, but he remained kind and considerate and an incredible friend to so many, and a wonderful father to [his son] Bear; so generous and private.’
Liam was just 14 when he first auditioned for The X Factor, yet it was two years later when he came back and was put into One Direction along with Niall, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik.
The band came third in the final, but it didn’t matter. One Direction mania had swept the nation – and then the world. Of course, being thrust into the spotlight so young had a huge impact on Liam. In later interviews, he admitted to turning to alcohol and drugs at the height of the band’s fame, and said he had struggled with ‘severe suicidal thoughts’.
The band also drifted from music boss Simon, but Tony insists Liam's bond with Simon was strong up until the end. ‘Liam was determined to gain Simon’s approval [on The X Factor]. He desperately wanted to please him,’ he says.
‘We are devastated. I feel for Simon, too. He only recently met with Liam a few months ago, when Liam took Bear to see him at his house in the Cotswolds, and Bear played with his son, Eric.’
At the time, Simon was joined on The X Factor judging panel by Louis Walsh and Cheryl. Liam would later end up dating the Girls Aloud singer, 41, and welcoming son Bear, now seven, with her. The couple split in 2018, but continued to co-parent.
Tony continues, ‘I also feel for Cheryl, as I know Liam never stopped loving her and Bear. It's going to be so difficult for her. I can’t imagine her pain. Louis Walsh is devastated too. He told me, “Liam had this star quality about him. I will miss him.”’
In the wake of Liam’s tragic death, there was an outpouring of love from his fans and A-listers including Dermot O’Leary, Olly Murs and Paris Hilton alike.
Tony says, ‘It’s been moving to see this outpouring of grief around the world for Liam. I want to remember him as a beautiful young man, a normal kid trying to battle his demons.’