Liam Payne Was Shrouded By One Direction Members Comparison Through His Career

Liam Payne found it difficult to constantly be compared to his fellow One Direction members, according to his late songwriting collaborator.

“To see his bandmates and have that direct comparison — it’s unavoidable for him to see that all the time,” Sam Preston shared in an interview with Rolling Stone, published on Tuesday, February 11. “And if there was someone who’s prone to addictive, problematic behaviors, then I think that’s just a very difficult situation to be in.”

As part of One Direction, Payne performed alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson. The group rose to fame as one of the most successful boy bands of all time. After achieving massive success, they announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016, with all five members subsequently launching solo careers.

Malik, Horan, and Styles quickly gained recognition with their debut albums. Styles, now 31, later earned multiple Grammy nominations and awards.

Meanwhile, as Payne pursued his solo career, he collaborated with Preston, 43, who also had a background in the boy band scene. The former Ordinary Boys frontman recalled how Payne placed immense pressure on himself to match his former bandmates’ achievements.

“He was like, ‘Well, I have to be the most successful male solo artist, or I’m a failure.’ But that’s an almost impossible task,” Preston explained to the publication.

Despite his determination to create exceptional music, Payne’s talent was undeniable.

“You could sense there was a real brilliance to him that he was almost afraid of letting people see,” he said. “He was such a talented musician, and he could allow himself to be so raw.”

In October 2024, Payne passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31. His cause of death was reported as “multiple traumas,” including hemorrhages in his chest, skull, and abdomen.

A partial autopsy later revealed the presence of “pink cocaine” — a combination of methamphetamine, ketamine, and MDMA — as well as cocaine, benzodiazepine, and crack in his system. (Payne had been open about his struggles with substance abuse over the years.)

Liam Payne’s Songwriting Partner Said Comparisons With 1D Members Were Difficult

Following the news of Payne’s death, One Direction released a heartfelt statement together.

“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,” the band 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.”

Malik, Horan, Styles, and Tomlinson reunited to attend Payne’s funeral in Amersham, England, in November 2024. This marked the first time the four remaining members had come together since Malik’s departure from One Direction in 2015.

In December 2024, a source told that Payne’s passing served as a “wake-up call” for the group to reconnect.

“Before, they kept in touch sporadically but didn’t have close friendships at all,” the insider revealed. “They’re all still mourning but are checking in on each other and feel closer than they have in years. It brought them back together.”

Last month, Tomlinson, 33, showed support for Malik at his concert in Los Angeles. “Tonight’s something special. An old friend of mine is here for me tonight,” Malik told the audience, as seen in a fan-captured video shared via X. “I don’t want to give his location away, but Louis is here tonight.”

The video depicted Tomlinson seated in a box at the venue, tapping his heart in appreciation.