Harry Styles Says He Liam Payne Were 'So Alike' As He Reflects On One Direction Bandmate's Death
Harry Styles has spoken publicly for the first time about the loss of his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne.
During a recent interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe to promote his new album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, Harry opened up about Liam’s death, admitting it was something he has “struggled” to address over the last two years.
“There was a period when he passed away where I really struggled with kind of acknowledging how strange it is to have people kind of own part of your grief, in a way,” the Aperture singer shared.
“I [had] such strong feelings around my friend passing away, and then suddenly, being aware [that] there [was] maybe a desire from other people [for] you to convey that in some way – or it means you’re not feeling what you’re feeling or something.”
Harry continued: “It’s so difficult to lose a friend. It’s difficult to lose any friend, but it’s so difficult to lose a friend who is so like you in so many ways.
“It’s like, I saw [in Liam] someone with the kindest heart, who just wanted to be great.”
The Grammy winner added: “It was a really important moment for me in terms of taking a look at my life, and being able to say to myself, ‘OK, what do I want to do with my life? How do I want to live my life?’.
“And I think the greatest way you can honour your friends who pass away is by living a life to the fullest.”
Harry then remembered Liam as a “super special person”, and lamented that his sudden death in October 2024 was a “really sad” situation.
Harry Styles spoke to Zane Lowe about Liam Payne’s passing in their recent interview.pic.twitter.com/hsUTTBo9LL
— Pop Base (@PopBase) March 4, 2026
Liam died at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony while on holiday in Argentina, while under the influence of several substances.
Following his death, his One Direction bandmates issued a joint statement, in which they said: “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
“We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
Harry later posted an individual tribute, remembering his “lovely friend” as “warm, supportive, and incredibly loving”.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always,” he wrote.
All four members of One Direction later attended Liam’s funeral, as did the group’s former mentor Simon Cowell.