Liam Payne’s heartbreaking last performance has resurfaced following the tragic news of his death.
The former One Direction star passed away while on holiday in Buenos Aires with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, after reportedly falling from the third floor of a hotel. His death was announced on Wednesday, 16 October, leaving fans around the world devastated.
Payne, who first shot to fame on “The X Factor” in 2011, became known as one-fifth of the global sensation One Direction alongside Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.
The band became a household name but Payne's solo career had its own moments, including his final live performance at a private venue in London in 2022.
The resurfaced video shows Payne performing Justin Bieber’s hit song “Love Yourself”, a poignant choice considering the song’s themes of self-worth and failed relationships.
The performance has taken on a deeper meaning for fans as it now marks his final musical moment.
The song selection is also significant due to Payne's history with the “Baby” singer. Back in 2015, there was a friendly rivalry between One Direction and Bieber when both acts dropped albums on the same day.
The song also touches on important themes like knowing your self-worth and breaking free from toxic relationships, which resonate even more in light of what happened to him.
Payne, who had openly discussed the pressures of fame and the complexities of his personal life, this song likely reflected his own struggles with identity and self-acceptance.
In an interview with “People Magazine” in 2019, the singer mentioned that his lifestyle at the time included significant alcohol use, saying, "It’s almost like putting the Disney costume on before you step up on stage... there was no other way to get your head around what was going on."
He highlighted how the relentless touring and lack of personal life contributed to a sense of losing himself, stating, "I had no personal life. I learned nothing about myself."
Additionally, he reflected on the importance of stepping away from the group, stating, "It would have killed me. One hundred percent"
This decision was part of his journey toward self-acceptance and understanding his identity beyond being a member of a globally famous boy band.
The circumstances surrounding Payne’s death remain under investigation, with reports suggesting that substance abuse might have played a role in the tragedy.