A week after the tragic passing of Liam Payne in Argentina, all five of One Direction’s albums have re-entered the UK charts, a testament to the impact he had on fans and the music industry.
The band’s album Midnight Memories leads the resurgence, climbing to number 13 on the charts with an impressive 517% increase in sales and streams.
Meanwhile, three of One Direction’s singles have also returned to the Top 40, and Payne’s final solo single, Teardrops, debuted at number 85.
Payne’s death, which occurred on October 16, when he fell from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, has left an indelible mark on his fans and those close to him.
He is survived by his seven-year-old son, Bear, whom he shared with ex-partner Cheryl. Since his passing, heartfelt tributes have poured in from family, friends, and former bandmates, each commemorating Payne’s legacy and influence.
Among the tributes, Niall Horan expressed his devastation, describing Payne as “the brightest [person] in any room.” His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, reflected on her deep bond with Payne, sharing that they had planned to marry and that he would always be her “guardian angel.”
Payne’s family issued a statement expressing their heartbreak and affirming that he would forever be remembered for his “kind, funny, and brave soul.”
Fans have shown their grief by holding vigils and revisiting Payne’s music, pushing his and One Direction’s work back into the charts.
This renewed interest reflects the bond he had with fans who continue to honor his memory through the music he helped create, showing that his legacy lives on through his art.
One Direction’s song Night Changes has gained particular significance, even though it wasn’t one of the band’s biggest hits at the time.
Originally released on November 12, 2014, as part of the Four album, the song has since grown in popularity, becoming the first One Direction track to hit one billion streams on Spotify.
Its mature, reflective lyrics about the passage of time and loss of innocence resonate deeply with fans today.
The melancholic themes in Night Changes have taken on a new layer of meaning in light of Payne’s passing, as fans connect its lyrics to their sense of loss.
Lines like “We’re only gettin’ older, baby / And I’ve been thinkin’ about it lately / Does it ever drive you crazy / Just how fast the night changes?” seem to capture the impermanence of life, striking a chord with those mourning Payne’s untimely death.
In Argentina, the investigation into Payne’s death is ongoing. This week, Argentinian police raided the hotel where he was staying, seizing computer hard drives and security footage.
A government official confirmed that these items are being examined as part of the inquiry, which aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding Payne’s fall.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Payne died from multiple traumas and extensive internal and external bleeding. However, Argentinian officials have denied releasing any toxicology results despite reports from US media suggesting otherwise.
This misinformation has complicated the public’s understanding of the circumstances, intensifying speculation around the tragedy.
Geoff Payne, the singer’s father, is currently in Buenos Aires, awaiting the release of his son’s body for transport back to the UK.
This loss has been deeply felt across Payne’s family, friends, and the music industry, as they all process the void left by his passing.
In the wake of Payne’s death, Zayn Malik, his former bandmate, has postponed his upcoming US tour to take time to grieve.
Malik’s decision reflects the profound bond shared by the One Direction members, who have continued to support each other even after going their separate ways musically.
Nicole Scherzinger, who helped create One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, paid tribute to Payne, saying she will “forever cherish” the times they spent together.
She fondly recalled their recent collaboration, where they shared a passion for music and meaningful conversations that she will always remember.
Scherzinger and Payne had just wrapped up filming a Netflix talent show, Building The Band, with Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland.
However, with Payne’s passing, the future of the show remains uncertain as his friends, family, and fans continue to mourn his loss and celebrate his contributions to music.
Liam Payne chart positions
Albums chart
- 13 – One Direction: Midnight Memories (2013)
- 21 – One Direction: Made in the AM (2015)
- 22 – One Direction: Four (2014)
- 25 – One Direction: Take Me Home (2012)
- 38 – One Direction: Up All Night (2011)
- 62 – Liam Payne: LP1 (2019)
Singles chart
- 6 – One Direction: Night Changes
- 9 – One Direction: Story Of My Life
- 23 – One Direction: What Makes You Beautiful
- 41 – Liam Payne: Strip That Down (ft Quavo)
- 43 – Liam Payne: For You (ft Rita Ora)
- 85 – Liam Payne: Teardrops
