By now, we have all heard the news of Liam Payne's passing, and if you haven't, well, now you have. Payne, 31, tragically passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, Oct. 16. As a former hardcore Directioner in my preteen and early teenage years, I want to speak for everyone around you who may feel very deeply about the situation. And for those of you upset and being 'dramatic' about it, I want to validate your feelings because they are just that valid.
A little history lesson for some who may not know: One Direction was a British boy band that took the world by storm from their formation in 2010 to their split in 2016, building a legacy to remember forever. Payne was referred to as “Daddy Direction,” as he was seen as the leader of the band behind the scenes, keeping the boys in check as if he were their real father.
Their fandom was and continues to be a ginormous and dedicated group that spans globally. I was obviously a part of this fandom and was a very dedicated member, as were many of my friends at the time.
Aside from the basic fact that people lost a son, brother, friend, and most importantly, a father, the fandom is still taking this death very hard. The band was a massive part of our adolescence. We created relationships and even careers by being part of this fandom.
I have been friends with a girl for almost ten years now, and we bonded over the boy band back in middle school. These boys were a massive foundation in my relationship with her. This is such a common theme among this fandom, we have formed these forever relationships and will always have a strong bond because of these boys.
Although our relationship with Payne was parasocial, his role in our lives and growing up was genuine. My former Directioner friends and I are grieving the loss of a vital part of our childhood. Something we cherished and loved, as much as you can love at 13 years old, will never be the same for the rest of our lives.
We are also mourning the idea that our favorite childhood band will never be getting back together. Despite not being together since 2016, when they announced their ‘hiatus,’ many of us held hope for one day getting to see all five on stage once again. (Hey, I mean, the Jonas Brothers and Big Time Rush did it, so you can't call us crazy for holding onto some hope.)
So, as cringy as you may find One Direction or how Payne has acted outside of One Direction in recent years, please try not to make fun of those around you who are taking it hard, no matter how ridiculous you may find it. These people are grieving the loss of a considerable chunk of their childhood and adolescence. And to my fellow Directioners who are taking it hard–I see and feel with you.
“You and I have a lot of history, so don't let it go. We can make some more and live forever.” — “History,” One Direction.
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