Harry Styles has opened up about the profound impact of former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne’s death, revealing it prompted a period of deep reflection on his own life.
The singer discussed the loss even as previewing his upcoming fourth album, Kiss All The Time, Disco Occasionally, in an interview with DJ Zane Lowe on Apple Music. Payne died in October 2024 at the age of 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
“It’s so challenging to lose a friend,” Styles said, adding that losing someone “like you in so many ways” is particularly challenging. The news of Payne’s passing sent shockwaves through the music world and prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists.
Styles continued, “I saw someone with the kindest heart who just wanted to be great.” He explained that Payne’s death 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?’”
He believes honoring friends who have passed away is best achieved by “living your life to the fullest.”
Styles and Payne rose to fame together as members of One Direction, alongside Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik. Formed on the TV talent reveal The X Factor in 2010, the boy band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
The group briefly reunited at Payne’s funeral to pay their respects. Styles admitted he continues to struggle with discussing Payne’s death, describing him as a “super special person.” He also noted he “really struggled” with publicly mourning Payne, and with the idea of others “owning part of your grief.”
Read more about Harry Styles’ reflections on Liam Payne’s death at the BBC.
