After former One Direction boyband member Liam Payne died, hundreds of thousands of supporters around the world gathered to mourn the boy they watched and grew up with for the past fourteen years. Supporters were crushed by the loss and the fact that there would never be a band reunion in the future, a reunion Payne previously said in a Buzzfeed interview that he was looking forward to.
Fans have been remembering and celebrating Payne in many ways. Various sights have been set up around countries all over the world for admirers to deliver flowers and sentimental items to. Fans of the singer get together at these sights to sing songs and share words about Payne. Celebrities around the world have also paid tribute to the singer. The Jonas Brothers sang ‘Night Changes’, and former band members Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomilson have released individual statements as well as a joint statement about the loss of their friend. Tomilson writes, “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 a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Following his death, an old interest in the boyband Payne was a part of has been rekindled amongst the internet. The fanbase that call themselves ‘Directioners’ have been trending among Tik Tok and Instagram. Popular videos include people crying to One Direction songs such as “Story of My Life”, “Walking in the Wind”, and “Right Now”. Some of these videos also include fans reminiscing on the past and the bittersweet feeling of watching old One Direction X Factor videos. It has been noted that right after Liam’s death, an arrow pattern was spotted in the sky in multiple locations around the world. This arrow pattern is said to resemble the tattoo Payne had on his arm. Followers of the band have taken this as a sign that Payne is now in a better place and happy at last.
