Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson’s Friendship Through the Years: ‘My Friend and Brother’

Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson formed a lifelong connection through their time in One Direction, one of the most successful boy bands in history. Their friendship evolved from rocky beginnings to a strong bond filled with mutual admiration.

Despite early tensions, Tomlinson, now 32, admitted he and Payne "hated" each other at first during their boy band journey. Over the years, they demonstrated profound affection for one another through public tributes and personal remarks.

With the recent news of Payne's tragic death at age 31 in Buenos Aires on October 16, Us Weekly reflects on this impactful bromance.

July 2010

After failing to progress in the UK's X Factor in 2008 due to his age, Payne auditioned again in 2010. Along with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan, Payne and Tomlinson started One Direction, changing the pop landscape forever.

2013

At the peak of One Direction's success, Payne shared that the camaraderie with Tomlinson and the group eased the pressures of fame. He emphasized the approach of taking things lightly.

"We just take each day as it comes," Payne said to E! News in 2013, highlighting their all-important bonds. Payne expressed concern about a potential solo career, fearing losing the comfort and support from his bandmates.

August 2015

In August 2015, One Direction surprised fans with news of a hiatus for roughly 18 months, leading to questions about their future.

December 2016

Tragedy struck in December 2016 when Tomlinson faced the loss of his mother, Johannah Deakin, to leukemia at 43. During this time, Payne supported Tomlinson through heartfelt messages shared on Twitter, assuring him of his enduring friendship.

"I am so sorry for you, my brother," Payne wrote. His compassion provided solace during Tomlinson's deep sorrow, as Payne reflected on the challenges of grieving such an enormous loss.

2019

In 2019, Payne unveiled how their rocky beginnings shaped their relationship during a radio interview. He candidly admitted that he and Tomlinson "absolutely hated each other" at first.

"In the band, it felt like a competition," Payne stated, adding that early misunderstandings between them complicated their connection. It was a time of comedy and tension.

March 2019

Later that year, Tomlinson experienced another devastating loss when his sister, Félicité, died from a drug overdose at 18. This tragedy was covered in Tomlinson’s documentary, "All of Those Voices," released in 2023.

October 2021

Reflecting on their journey, Payne discussed their evolving friendship with ET Canada in October 2021. Despite initial differences, they cultivated a deep bond, highlighting the humor in their past.

"Now we are actually the best of friends," Payne remarked, capturing how experiences fostered lasting connections.

May 2022

In May 2022, during Logan Paul’s podcast, Payne stirred controversy while calling Tomlinson and the other members "rowdy."

"Louis was wild," he explained, candidly revealing the depth of their earlier animosity, describing their initial relationship as severe.

September 2022

Despite backlash from fans after these remarks, Tomlinson clarified and defended Payne's comments during an appearance on "The Zach Sang Show."

"It wasn’t too bad," he said, recognizing the increasing pressures of celebrity life. Tomlinson highlighted how disparities in perception can lead to misjudgments, acknowledging their hard work.

March 2023

After attending the premiere of Tomlinson’s documentary in March 2023, Payne expressed reflections on their past. He conveyed feelings of cherishing their connection while offering support for his friend amid struggles.

"Seeing the world through your eyes last night was remarkable," Payne wrote in an Instagram tribute. He spoke to the bond they shared despite past challenges, acknowledging his desire to be a better friend.

Payne conveyed immense gratitude for empowering Tomlinson's influence in his life, reinforcing the depth of their friendship.

In response, Tomlinson showed appreciation for Payne's presence, expressing gratitude on social media.