Niall Horan opens up about Liam Payne's death, says One Direction is still 'in a state of shock'

Niall Horan has spoken candidly about the lasting impact of Liam Payne’s death, admitting that he and his former One Direction bandmates are still struggling to process the loss.

In an interview with The Times, Horan reflected on Payne’s death in October 2024 and revealed that he had seen his friend in Argentina shortly before the tragedy. “I’m glad of that, it means my last memory of him was happy,” Horan said, recalling their final meeting.

The singer admitted that Payne’s death still feels unreal nearly two years later. “It still feels surreal,” Horan said, explaining that he initially struggled to believe the news. He described their friendship as a lifelong bond that remained strong even during periods when they were not in constant contact.

Payne died on 16 October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires at the age of 31. His death shocked fans around the world and devastated his former bandmates, who released a joint statement honouring him shortly afterwards.

Horan also revealed that he has remained close to Payne’s family in the aftermath of the tragedy. The singer has spoken previously about the grief he experienced following the loss, explaining that he withdrew from public life for a period after Payne’s funeral as he tried to process what had happened.

The loss has also influenced Horan’s music. His upcoming album Dinner Party includes a song titled “End of an Era”, which he has described as a tribute to Payne and their friendship. Horan previously explained that the track was rewritten following Payne’s death and became a way for him to work through feelings of grief, nostalgia and sadness.

Speaking about the emotional aftermath, Horan said the members of One Direction are still dealing with the shock of losing someone they grew up alongside. The group, which also included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, rose to global fame after forming on The X Factor in 2010.

While discussing the future, Horan also touched on the possibility of a One Direction reunion. He did not offer any concrete plans but acknowledged that the idea remains a topic of conversation among fans and continues to generate interest.

For now, however, Horan’s focus remains on remembering Payne and preserving the memories they shared. His comments offer one of his most emotional reflections yet on the death of his friend and bandmate, underscoring how deeply the loss continues to affect those closest to him.