Former One Direction member Liam Payne recently passed away aged 31 in October and following that Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson are reevaluating their bond.
“[Liam’s death] was a wake-up call for all of them. Prior, they kept in touch sporadically but didn’t have close friendships at all,” a source shared with Us Weekly, noting that the former bandmates have since pledged to mend their relationships.
“They’re all still mourning but are checking in on each other and feel closer than they have in years,” the insider adds. “It brought them back together.”
Styles, 30, Tomlinson, 32, and Malik and Horan, both 31 recently reunited at Payne’s private funeral in Amersham, England, last month. The somber occasion marked the first time the four remaining band members have been together since Malik left One Direction in 2015. The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
Despite their past creative differences — Malik stated during a 2016 interview with radio station Beats 1 that he “never really wanted to be there” during his One Direction tenure.
The four came together to release a joint statement the day after Payne’s death.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,” they wrote.
“But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured 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.”
The outlet noted that all five One Direction members were “in talks to do one last reunion show” before Payne’s death. While that is now on hold, it’s still on the table.
“The guys would love to do a tribute to Liam. They’re all so devastated right now they can’t even think about that as a legitimate project, but it has been discussed,” the insider says. “Liam’s death has caused the guys immense heartbreak.”
