One Direction star Liam Payne’s sister pays tribute
Liam Payne’s sister has paid an emotional tribute to the brother “born with music in his veins” providing an insight into the demons that plagued him in the final years of his life.
Celebrity Life
Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Liam Payne’s devastated sister Ruth Gibbins has spoken of her disbelief in the wake of her beloved brother’s death.
Ms Gibbins posted a heartbreaking tribute to Payne on Saturday which both spoke of his immense talent and alluded to the dark shadow which had hung over the troubled young singer for some time.
“Liam was born with music in his veins, it was clear from a very young age he just had that quality that would make him a star,” Ms Gibbins wrote.
“I could sit and listen to him sing all day, which is a good job really because he never bloody stopped!
“I will never tire of the look he gives when showing new songs, ‘listen loud’ he’d say and just grin with pride of his work.”
Ms Gibbins wrote about how difficult it was for Payne to live in the spotlight and the self doubt which tormented him.
“I don’t feel this world was good enough or kind enough to you, and quite often over the last few years, you’ve had to really try hard to overcome all that was being aimed at you,” Ms Gibbins wrote.
“You just wanted to be loved and to make people happy with your music. You never believed you were good enough, I hope you can now see this outpouring of love that you never received in your time.
“We’ll take care of Bear and he will always know how incredible his Dad is and how much you idolise him.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.
“I’d drive to the end of the universe to bring you back.”
Her tribute comes after One Direction’s former members broke their silence to pay tribute to Payne.
Niall Horan posted on Instagram saying: “I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real.
“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.
“All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”
“I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn't know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.
“My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. Thankyou for everything, Payno.
Love you brother. Nialler.”
In a statement, the band said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
“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. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
In a separate personal tribute, Harry Styles shared a picture of Payne and said his “greatest joy was making other people happy”.
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” Styles said on Instagram.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was 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, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
Louis Tomlinson also shared a personal tribute in which he described Payne as “the most vital part of One Direction”.
Posting on Instagram Tomlinson said: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.
“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.
“Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.
“And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“A message to you Liam if you’re listening.
“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye.
“I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life.
“I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you. ”I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.
“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”.
Zayn Malik also shared a personal tribute on Instagram where he shared a photo of him and Liam embracing while sleeping in the back of a car during their early band days.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” Malik wrote.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong.”
“Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.”
“When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, l was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.”
“I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.“
I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.”
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.”
“I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.”
MORE TRIBUTES BELOW:
CHERYL COLE: ‘INDESCRIBABLE PAIN’
Payne’s former partner Cheryl Cole spoke of her heartache and the fact her seven-year-old son Bear has to “face the reality of never seeing his father again”.
Girls Aloud singer Cheryl and Payne were in a relationship for two years from 2016 to 2018.
“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she posted on social media.
“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days,” she added.
“It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.
“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces.
“Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.
“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”
ED SHEERAN AND BECK’S TRIBUTES
Ed Sheeran has shared a tribute on Instagram, writing: “At a loss for words. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, every memory I have with him is a great one, just such a heartbreaking situation. Be kind. X”
David Beckham shared a photo of him with Payne at an event, writing: “Such [a] kind generous person and will be missed in so many ways.”
SHARON OSBOURNE: ‘WE LET YOU DOWN’
She wrote: “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them?” You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner? Rest in peace my friend.”
SIMON COWELL TO MISS BGT
Britain’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell is so distraught he will reportedly miss filming for the show while he grieves.
“This news has hit Simon incredibly hard – he is utterly shocked and devastated,” a source told The Sun.
“He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately. He didn’t feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he’ll be in the right head space to continue.
PAYNE’S FAMILY ‘HEARTBROKEN’
Earlier, Payne’s family said they’re “heartbroken” by the former One Direction star’s shock death.
“We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” Payne’s family said in a statement.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
HARRY STYLES MUM AMONG GRIEF-STRICKEN FANS
Harry Styles’ mother Anne Twist shared her grief in a post on Instagram saying: “Just a boy …”
Former Voice Australia judge Rita Ora said she was “devastated”.
“[Liam] had the kindest soul, I will never forget,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.
The two collaborated on the song For You, which was recorded for the soundtrack of Fifty Shades Freed in 2018.
“I loved working with him so much – he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage,” she wrote.
“This tragic news breaks my heart. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and loved ones. Our song For You takes on a whole new meaning for me now. R.I.P.”
Ty Dolla $ign also took to his Instagram stories, sharing photos and videos of Payne. “Just talked to you 2 days ago my guy,” Ty wrote. “Ima miss u frfr sucio.”
“I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone,” singer Charlie Puth wrote on Instagram alongside a series of photos with Payne.
Meanwhile, The Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood said he was “shocked and saddened” at the news.
“I am shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Liam Payne. It was a pleasure to work with him on our X Factor performance. God bless Liam, thinking of all his loved ones. He will be dearly missed,” Wood wrote online.
In a post on X, Paris Hilton wrote: “So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”
Fellow X Factor contestants and Irish singer duo Jedward also paid tribute. They wrote: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”
TV presenter Dermot O’Leary said he remembered when Payne auditioned for The X Factor when he hosted the show.
He wrote on Instagram: “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam … I can’t believe this is real … absolutely heartbreaking …”
Wesley Stromberg, from the boy band Emblem3, said he was “heartbroken.”
“I cannot believe the news about @LiamPayne … such a cool talented dude,” he wrote on X. Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in Paradise.”
“R.I.P. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family,” rapper Juicy J. added.
MTV released a statement saying: “We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved one, and fans.”
Fans also took to social media to share their heartbreak at the loss.
“Rest in peace, Liam. You were a huge part of so many’s childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Thank you for sharing your talents with us during the short time you had on Earth. We will never forget you,” one fan penned to Instagram.
“I feel like most of us are so shocked over Liam Payne’s death because that man once was part of something our 13-year-old selfs [sic] could never imagine living without,” wrote another fan to X.
More Coverage
Originally published as One Direction star Liam Payne’s sister pays tribute
Join the conversation
How Meghan’s shocker of a year played out
She is the ultimate survivor, able to bounce back from most reputational disasters. But 2024 could well go down as the year Meghan Markle will want to forget.
Read more
Radiant royals attend Christmas Day celebrations
More than 40 royal family members attended traditional Christmas Day celebrations after a challenging 12 months, with one notable absence. See the photos.
Read more