The Wanted Members Honor Liam Payne: ‘We’ll Never Forget That’
The Wanted reflects on Liam Payne's kindness and unwavering support during their darkest days, celebrating their shared bond and honoring his legacy following his untimely passing.
In a heartfelt tribute, The Wanted recalls Liam Payne’s unwavering support following Tom Parker’s death, celebrating the bond that transcended their musical legacies.
Members of British boy band The Wanted came together to honor their late friend Liam Payne during a concert in Canada on October 17, just a day after the tragic news of his passing. Payne, a former member of One Direction, died at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, leaving fans and friends alike in shock.
Payne’s Support During Tough Times
Max George, one of The Wanted’s members, addressed the audience at the Avalon Theatre, expressing his sorrow over the loss. “Yesterday, we found out the tragic news about someone that we knew personally — Liam Payne — and yeah and obviously shockingly heartbreaking,” he shared, prompting a lengthy round of applause from the audience.
George reflected on the strong support Payne had shown during a difficult time for the band, particularly after their bandmate Tom Parker was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. “He was the first person, the first artist to put his hand up and say that he wanted to perform [at the event], which we’ll never forget,” George recalled. This generosity of spirit extended beyond the event, as Payne attended Parker’s funeral and remained a steadfast ally for the band during their mourning.
“He was amazing … and even after Tom passed, you know he came to Tom’s funeral, and he was extremely supportive to all of us, even though we hadn’t really been sort of friends,” George added. “We knew each other up until Tom [died]. We became friends and he really, really supported us and we’ll never ever forget that.”
Alongside fellow bandmate Siva Kaneswaran, George led the audience in a moment of silence for Payne, which resonated for more than a minute as fans paid their respects.
A Personal Reflection
Following the concert, George took to Instagram to further express his grief over Payne’s untimely death, describing it as “absolutely devastating news.” He reminisced about their first meeting during One Direction’s X Factor days, highlighting the personal connection they had forged over the years.
“He supported me a lot personally after Tom passed. I will never forget that,” George wrote, extending his condolences to Payne’s family, friends, and fans around the globe. “Rest in Peace Liam. Much love brother 🖤.”
Kelsey Parker’s Tribute
Kelsey Parker, widow of the late Tom Parker, also shared her sorrow over Payne’s passing. In an emotional Instagram post featuring a black-and-white photo of the singer, she expressed her devastation upon hearing the news.
“Liam, you were one of the kindest souls who supported Tom and I. You’ve continued to support me and the children in recent years ❤️,” Kelsey wrote, emphasizing the love and kindness Payne showed during challenging times. “I really hope you have found peace 🙏🏻✨ My thoughts are with your fam.”
As the music world mourns the loss of Liam Payne, his legacy of kindness and support will not be forgotten, particularly by those who had the privilege of knowing him personally.
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