It appears that a One Direction reunion was closer than fans had anticipated.
Liam Payne was laid to rest on November 20, nearly a month after he fell 45 feet from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, BBC reported. According to reports, the singer sustained "multiple traumas," including a skull fracture.
Stars such as Rita Ora and his former colleagues are commemorating his memory by viewing videos of him and listening to his music. Additionally, admirers have discovered archived clips, one of which provides an answer to a critical inquiry.
Fans were devastated when Malik announced his departure from One Direction in 2015. Fans persisted in their expectation of a reunion at a later date.
Immediately following Liam's unexpected passing, an individual approached X with a mournful realization. "Crazy to think One Direction gang will have a reunion at the funeral of their beloved," the user stated.
Before this became a reality, Payne had stated Promiflash in 2018, which may have been why admirers maintained their optimism until the end.
"You know I think it (a reunion) will happen at some point in the distant future," he confirmed.
The singer then stated that the guys had initiated a conversation regarding the meeting. "We've all spoken about it and, you know, the dream for this most fantastic show that could be, is amazing," he added.
Many of the band members were at the highest point of their solo careers at the time. Payne disclosed that this was partially why he desired the reunion to occur promptly: to demonstrate to the world the extent of their accomplishments.
"With everybody being so successful, this in part now is so important for us to be able to make that show," he elaborated.
Payne concluded his statement by asserting that he believes the reunion was equally significant at the time as it was when the group was performing together.
"It's the only way really that One Direction could get any bigger. It's the only way we could get more successful really, isn't it? By being good on your own," he stated.
Harry, who was wearing Gucci sunglasses, arrived with actor James Corden, a longtime acquaintance of Liam and the rest of One Direction. They were among the first to appear in a blacked-out limousine and entered the church together. Niall arrived separately with his fiancée, Amelia Woolley, while Zayn and Louis, who were believed to have maintained a close relationship with Liam, were observed talking.
Harry and James departed the ceremony without any of the remaining members of the One Direction crew. It was also observed that Zayn, who had rescheduled a concert scheduled for Wednesday night in Edinburgh, was departing separately.
According to the Daily Mail, the small memorial was only open to family and close friends.
The One Direction fandom has used social media to express their sentiments. “Liam’s loss feels personal. He was the heart of One Direction. Rest in peace, King," one netizen wrote. A One Direction reunion, but not like this. We wanted laughs, not tears. RIP, Liam," another X user said.
“Seeing Harry, Zayn, Niall, and Louis together again broke me. Liam deserved to see this moment," a third source stated. “I hope Liam knew how much we all loved him. The world feels darker without him," another netizen commented.
“If this isn’t a wake-up call for the rest of the group to reconnect, I don’t know what is," a fifth X user responded. “Zayn rescheduled a concert for Liam. That says everything about their bond. RIP, legend," another netizen added.
Business Times has reached out to Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles for comments.
