NIALL Horan has revealed that Liam Payne was on “good form” when they met backstage at his gig – just days before Payne’s tragic death.
The Slow Hands singer says he struggled to come to terms with , living as a recluse and switching from sadness to anger to cope.
Niall Horan has broken his silence on the death of his pal Liam PayneCredit: Refer to source
Niall talked about the last time he saw his friend before he diedCredit: Getty
Niall reflected on his ‘anger and sadness’ at losing Liam – seen here at his friend’s funeralCredit: Getty
, 32, was the final member of to meet with on October 9, 2024 where the Irish singer was playing a sold-out solo gig.
On October 16, y of his suite at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
The Strip That Down singer was in the city for what was meant to be a simple visa renewal.
Speaking about their brief meeting, Niall said: “It was great.
“[He] seemed in good form and we had a good laugh, good reminisce.”
He added to GQ Hype of how he found out his friend had died: “I just remember getting a message.
“And I was just like, What?… I just didn’t think it was real.
“Someone so young, you’re not expecting to hear that they’ve passed, especially someone that you’ve just seen.
“I just went back from shock to sadness to anger.”
Opening up to the glossy Niall admits he “went into hiding a little bit” to grieve following Liam’s passing.
One Direction shot to fame in 2010Credit: Alamy
He’s also written a song on his upcoming album, Dinner Party – about losing .
On End of an Era, Niall sings: “We had it / Pure magic / Remember what it was like / Time passes / So fast and / I couldn’t tell you goodbye.”
Niall said: “The older I get, the more grateful I’ve become for what I’ve had.
“Not that I wasn’t grateful before, I would say, but I was blown away
“Just taking it in now at 30-odd is kind of a cool thing. To look back and look at all photos, look at all the videos, think about what you did. It’s pretty nuts. It’s crazy.”
to recently reflect on losing Liam.
Earlier this month, said he is living his life “to the fullest” is the best way he can “honour” his friend.
on Apple Music, he explained: “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.
Harry Styles also recently opened up about losing LiamCredit: Apple Music/The Zane Lowe Show
Harry and Liam seen in 2012 at the beginning of their fame journeyCredit: Rex
“It’s like, I saw someone with the kindest heart who just wanted to be great.
“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 honor your friends who pass away is by living your life to the fullest.”
Along with , and , Harry, Niall and the late Liam were all in One Direction after taking part in .
The band went on a hiatus in 2015, and haven’t performed together since.
Niall spoke to GQ HypeCredit: Photographs by Hailey Heaton/GQ
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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