Luke Hemmings of 5 Seconds of Summer recently dedicated an emotional festival performance to his “old friend,” Liam Payne, during a set at Corona Capital in Mexico City. Acknowledging Payne’s profound influence on his career, Hemmings said, “I wouldn’t be here without him,” before launching into a heartfelt rendition of his solo track, “Starting Line.”
Their bond dates back to 2013 when Payne and his bandmates in One Direction invited 5 Seconds of Summer to open for their Take Me Home tour, fostering a lasting connection between the two artists. Hemmings and his band also paid tribute to Payne on social media, expressing gratitude for his belief in their music and mourning the loss of his bright, impactful presence.
Payne’s tragic death at 31, caused by a fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, continues to reverberate through the music world. An autopsy revealed injuries caused by the fall and the presence of drugs in his system. Tributes from fans, friends, and fellow musicians underscore the lasting legacy of Payne’s kindness, talent, and influence on countless lives.
