Simon Cowell had encouraged Liam Payne to find a passion other than music in life before his death.
The 66-year-old music mogul witnessed Liam’s rise as a member of One Direction up close, and Simon has now shared details of a conversation he had with the pop star before he died aged 31 in October 2024.
Speak with Rolling stoneSimon said: “I remember saying, ‘Music isn’t everything. Don’t let it rule your life anymore. Find something else you’re passionate about.'”
The veteran Britain has talent The judge also shared his feelings about how he felt when he found out Liam had died after falling from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The TV star said: “When I heard the news it really hit me. I saw him a year before this happened. He came to my house. We talked about being his son and father.”
Liam joined One Direction in 2010, after initially joining the British version of The X factor as a solo artist.
Liam’s former bandmates – Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson – released a heartfelt statement after his death, admitting they were ‘completely devastated by the news’.
The singers – who formed one of the most successful British bands of all time – said they would remember the ‘memories [they] shared” with Liam.
They said in a statement at the time: “We are completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. With time, and when everyone is able, there will be more to say.”
The band continued, “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be cherished 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,” they concluded.
