Members of British boy band The Wanted have paid tribute to Liam Payne on stage following his death on October 16 at the age of 31.
Max George, 36, paid tribute to the One Direction students during the group’s concert on Thursday, October 17, at the Avalon Theater in Canada, leading to a standing ovation from the crowd, as seen in a video shared on X.
“Yesterday we learned tragic news about someone we knew personally – Liam Payne – and yes, obviously shockingly heartbreaking,” George said mid-concert in a video. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to him, his friends, family and fans around the world.”
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George noted that Payne was “really, really supportive” when the band organized a fundraising event after their bandmate Tom Parker, who died in 2022, was diagnosed with cancer.
“He was the first person, the first artist who raised his hand and said he wanted to perform [at the event]which we will never forget,” George recalled.
“[Payne] it was amazing … and even after Tom passed away, you know he came to Tom’s funeral, and he was very supportive of all of us, even though we weren’t friends,” he continued. “We knew each other until Tom [died]. We became friends and he was really, really supportive and we’ll never forget that.”
He and bandmate Siva Kaneswaran then proceeded to lead the crowd in a moment of “clap” for Payne, which lasted over a minute.
George had also previously paid tribute to Payne, who fell from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, on Instagram, writing that Payne’s death was “absolutely devastating news”.
“I met Liam when he was still in 1D The X factor. Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of meeting him personally and spending some precious time with him,” George wrote.
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“He personally supported me a lot after Tom passed away. I’ll never forget that,” George continued. “My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans around the world at this tragic time. Rest in peace Liam. Much love brother 🖤.”
Kelsey Parker, Tom’s widow, also paid tribute to the “Teardrops” singer with an Instagram post alongside a black and white photo of him. She shared that she was “devastated” after “hearing the news”.
“Liam, you were one of the kindest souls who supported Tom and I. You have continued to support me and the kids in recent years ❤️,” she wrote in the caption.
I will never forget the love and support you showed us, Kelsey continued. “I really hope you have found peace 🙏🏻✨ My thoughts are with your family.”
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Source: HIS Education