"More Than This": The Origins of One Direction
By Jamila Roxas
Former One Direction member, Liam Payne, passed away on October 16, 2024, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old singer/songwriter rose to fame after appearing on the British television show, The X Factor, in which he was later asked to join alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson in creating the band One Direction.
The boy band, One Direction was created in 2010 soon after; signed to Simon Cowell’s record label Syco Records. The British pop band has released a total of five albums: Up All Night (2011), Take me Home (2012), Midnight Memories (2013), Four (2014) and Made in the A.M (2014).
Payne's passing had fans all over the world in disbelief. The remainder of the band all took to social media issuing statements of heartbreak and condolences towards Liam and his family.
One Directions fans took the death of Liam Payne very personally, as he was crucial part to the band's success. The group's music is tied to formative memories that people link towards their childhood.
People from all across the globe came together and shared their favorite memories and moments with the band. Whether it was reconciling their world tours or finding ways to connect with their music, fans celebrated the life of Liam Payne and the origins of One Direction.
One Direction’s debut album, Up All Night (2011) made them the first UK group to reach the Billboard top charts for a debut studio album. This album featured songs such as "What Makes You Beautiful and "One Thing" which quickly became fan favorites all over the world.
In an Instagram post made by Harry Styles, he remarked, “His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it”.
Social media tributes from all four members remarked how much they loved Payne and how they saw him rather as a brother than a friend.
Styles’ heartfelt message reflects his deep admiration for his fellow bandmate, expressing how much he adored Payne and how he spread his love through performing for fans. The band had a total of four major tours throughout their careers beginning, with their very first being in 2011.
Fans all over the world gathered in commemoration of Payne, as well as the legacy that he left behind with One Direction.
A candlelight vigil was held outside of the hotel where he passed away. Payne’s father made an appearance where he went around and talked to fans who all came to celebrate the life of Liam Payne.
One Direction was more than just a band. For many, their music was what made their childhood, a symbol of innocence, joy and simplicity. The band’s influence extended beyond entertainment, bonding people together, creating friendships that would last for lifetimes.
Students in The Breeze room were shocked and saddened to hear the news. Many of us were quick to recall the many songs that had shaped us as kids. Whether it was catchy songs like, “What Makes You Beautiful” or heartfelt tunes like “Perfect”.
There was a sense of melancholy that filled The Breeze room as many of us students reminisced over the music and the memories surrounding One Direction.
After the band broke up in 2015, all of the boys went onto their own solo careers. Payne released his debut album LP1 in 2019, with songs like "Strip That Down" featuring Quavo.
His versatility as an artist and performer expanded across different genres such as R&B and pop music.
Payne's One Direction’s legacy will continue to resonate with audiences for years to come. Their music is continuously being discovered by new generations of people through apps such as TikTok and Instagram.
Edits made to remember Liam Payne featured many of One Direction’s classics such as “You and I” and “Walking Through the Wind”.
With Payne’s passing many of their albums resurfaced as people began listening to their songs once again, remaining timeless in a number of different ways.
Liam Payne’s art and passion will forever leave an impact and legacy for generations to come. Fans all over the world will continue to spread his name and admire One Direction’s music.