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The touching tributes paid to Liam Payne by his One Direction bandmates

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 18th October 2024

All four surviving members of One Direction have now shared their own personal tributes to Liam Payne, with whom they spent their formative years in one of the world’s biggest boybands.

Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson have all spoken about the death of their bandmate, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of just 31.

Liam Payne rocketed to fame on the X Factor and subsequently with boyband One Direction, before branching out on a solo career when the group disbanded.

He was found dead in Argentina earlier this week after falling from a third-floor window.

The tragic news has rocked the world of music, especially the fans who grew up listening to and loving One Direction.

His former bandmates Harry, Niall, Louis and Zayn had previously issued a joint tribute as One Direction, but have now individually shared their own thoughts.

And they’re all pretty heartbreaking.

Niall Horan described Liam’s infectious energy and passion while Harry Styles explained that his greatest joy was ‘making other people happy’.

You can read all four tributes to Liam Payne from One Direction below.

Harry Styles pays tribute to Liam Payne

Harry Styles shared a photo of Liam Payne on stage with his tribute. Credit: Instagram, @harrystyles
Harry Styles shared a photo of Liam Payne on stage with his tribute. Credit: Instagram, @harrystyles

I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.

His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.

Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.

My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.

Niall Horan’s tribute to Liam Payne

Niall Horan posted this old photo of him and Liam Payne together. Credit: Instagram, @niallhoran
Niall Horan posted this old photo of him and Liam Payne together. Credit: Instagram, @niallhoran

I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real.

Lian had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure.

All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.

I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.

My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear.

Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother.

Nialler

Louis Tomlinson’s emotional tribute to Liam Payne

Louis Tomlinson paid an emotional tribute to Liam Payne. Credit: Instagram, @louist91
Louis Tomlinson paid an emotional tribute to Liam Payne. Credit: Instagram, @louist91

I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother.

Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.

Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.

And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.

A message to you Liam if you’re listening, I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours, reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life.

I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.

I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.

I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.

Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X

Zayn Malik on Liam Payne

Zayn Malik and Liam Payne together. Credit: Instagram, @zayn
Zayn Malik and Liam Payne together as he joined the tributes shared by his One Direction bandmates. Credit: Instagram, @zayn

Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.

I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.

When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.

Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no fucks about telling people when they were wrong.

Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.

When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.

I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.

I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.

I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.

Love you bro

Featured image: Publicity picture

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The top 13 biggest gigs in Manchester music history

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

When you think of Manchester one of the first things that comes to mind obviously after ‘best city in the world’ is one word: ‘music’.

Our capital of the North West has birthed some of the world’s greatest singers of all time and welcomed some of the planet’s biggest stars.

Manchester has many live music venues to host impressive gigs including stadiums, arenas, parks and a wide variety of performance spaces.

The real reason these artists keep coming back is because of you, everyone who shows up and shows out to every single tour and performance happening in our culturally rich city.

Ahead of one of the biggest gigs in all of Manchester music history, thanks to Oasis, here’s a rundown of the most attended shows ever recorded in 0161.

The largest live gigs in Manchester music history

13. Kylie Minogue: 75,972 – AO Arena (2008)

Kylie Minogue Manchester A rena, biggest Manchester gig to date.
Although not 2008, here is Kylie in all her grandeur at AO Arena in 2014 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

With a tour titled ‘KylieX2008’, the Aussie sensation made our heads spin around in 2008 as she graced the AO Arena for six nights of pop perfection from 11 July to 18 July.

Minogue has a special connection to Manchester and this arena specifically, performing here over 30 times to a total of 400,000 people.

This marks the venue she’s played at most in the world and she will continue this legacy in 2025 with her ‘Tension’ tour.

12. Taylor Swift: 77,258 – Etihad Stadium (2018)

Taylor Swift Etihad Stadium 2018, her biggest Manchester gig to date.
Taylor Swift performing on the B-Stage at Etihad Stadium in 2018 / Credit: The Manc Group

‘Baby let the games begin!’ Swift opened her ‘Reputation Stadium Tour’ in 2018 while standing behind a backdrop of snakes, scales and reptile-like patterns.

The legendary pop star commanded the stage even walking through the crowd to greet fans with smiles and high fives, making sure to get up close and personal even in a venue this grand.

‘Tay-Tay’s last visit to the North West saw her playing three nights of her monumental ‘The Eras Tour’ just a stone’s throw away at Anfield Stadium and who knows, maybe once the Etihad renovation is complete, she might be keen to make another appearance.

11. Oasis: 80,000 – Maine Road (1996)

Oasis biggest manchester gig to date Maine Road.
In signature Liam style, the tambourine is in hand and ready to accompany both the brother’s vocals.
In signature Liam style, the tambourine is in hand and ready to accompany both the brother’s vocals / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Burnage boys were always destined to be on this list in one way or another due to their incredible impact in pushing Manchester music and bands to the mainstream.

Singing hits from their well-known music catalogue, Oasis attracted 80,000 to Manchester City’s former ground in the mid-90s.

Unlike the tour taking place in 2025, tickets for this gig would’ve only set you back £17.50, you’d have been silly not to grab yourself one!

10. Drake: 94,000 – Co-op Live (2025)

Drake played four non-consecutive gigs at Co-op Live with roars from the crowd each night/ Credit: The Come Up Show (via Flickr) 

Canadian rap heavyweight Drake played four huge Co-op Live dates as recent as last week and with two more on the way, with four nights of smash hits

Also referred to as Champagne Papi, the hip-hop artist has played out four impressive nights at Co-op Live on a similarly impressive 360 stage which sees Drake getting up close and personal with fans.

His 2025 visit to the music capital of the North marks his largest scale gig to date and saw him sharing the bill with fellow Canadian performer PartyNextDoor.

9. Billie Eilish – 94,000 – Co-op Live (2025)

Global superstar Billie Eilish had the crowd hooked all four nights at Co-op Live / Credit: Lars Crommelnick via Wikimedia Commons

Bedroom-pop sensation turned global megastar Billie Eilish has visited Manchester three times through her rise to stardom with her most recent being at Co-op Live.

The American singer-songwriter played four non-consecutive nights of her current ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’ tour, where she commanded 23,500 fans.

Eilish has a soft spot for Manchester as she debuted her single ‘TV’ at AO Arena in 2022 and brought out her brother and fellow musician Finneas as a special guest at her most recent city centre dates.

8. Harry Styles: 99,526 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2022)

The former One Direction star Harry Styles spent two nights in June spreading the love with his mega ‘Love On Tour’ and the feeling was definitely mutual.

On 15 and 16 June the ‘Watermelon Sugar’ singer had nearly 100,000 devotees in the palm of his hand as he belted out some of his best solo numbers.

The Cheshire-born superstar even paused his show to find his primary school teacher who he’d been informed was in the crowd, thanking her for all her help and hard work while he was in education. Adorable.

@the.manc So wholesome #harrystyles #manchester #oldtrafford ♬ original sound – The Manc

7. Foo Fighters: 100,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2024)

The Washington-formed band put on two impressive nights where Mancs witnessed ‘music royalty’ on their ‘Everything or Nothing at All Tour’ in June.

As well as ‘The Pretender’ hitmakers, the sold-out shows were spoilt with not one but four support acts split across the two dates, including Wet Leg.

On 13 June the rock champions even previewed an unreleased track ‘Unconditional’ for the first time, adding it to the setlist for the 15 June show too!

Foo Fighters tickets Manchester Old Trafford cricket ground
Foo Fighters tickets Manchester Old Trafford cricket ground
Foo Fighters played out to 100,000 people at Old Trafford Cricket Ground / Credit: The Manc Group / Publicity Picture (Supplied)

6. Spice Girls: 150,955 – Etihad Stadium (2019)

Etihad Stadium and Spice Girls spiced up our lives three times in 2019 with three non-consecutive performances from 29 May to 1 June.

This tour was missing one key ingredient, ‘Posh Spice’, who missed out on this string of shows for the first time in her career.

In addition to these four fierce ladies, another UK household act Jess Glynne joined them on the bill as a support act. The girls were met with raptures as they made their entrance to Manchester after 11 years since their last visit.

Spice Girls biggest Manchester show at Etihad Stadium in 2019.
Just look at those iconic fits! Spice Girls performing at Wembley Stadium on the same tour that visited Manchester / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

5. Coldplay: 195,874 – Etihad Stadium (2023)

Chris Martin and co. have a lot of love for the North West with their ‘Fix You’ music video even filmed at Bolton Wanderers football club, Toughsheet Community Stadium.

In 2023 they brought their Music Of The Spheres world tour to Manchester from 31 May to 4 June for four nights of dazzling lights, wowed fans and of course incredible live arrangements.

Altogether, these shows brought together almost 200,000 attendees who had the opportunity to get involved with the show’s production themselves by cycling electric bikes and kinetic dancefloor which both helped power the stage.

Coldplay biggest Manchester gig Etihad Stadium.
The Coldplay lads in all their glory.
Coldplay biggest Manchester gig Etihad Stadium.
An awe-inspiring crowd lighting up the already phenomenal Etihad Stadium.
Coldplay performed four nights at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium in 2023 / Credit: Wikicommons / The Manc Group

4. Ed Sheeran: 218,639 – Etihad Stadium (2022)

Starting his musical career just over the hill busking in Hebden Bridge before becoming one of the UK’s most prominent and successful artists of all time.

In 2022, the ‘Galway Girl’ singer took to Manchester City‘s awesome stadium to play hits from his full discography titled ‘The Mathematics Tour’ in honour of his equation-themed album titles.

The one-man, one-guitar show attracted almost 55,000 people across four nights who watched the singing red-head belt out his bangers on a 360 circular stage.

Ed Sheeran biggest Manchester concert ever.
Ed Sheeran at V Festival in 2014, already a star in his own right / Credit: Wikimedia Commons

3. The Stone Roses: 225,000 – Heaton Park (2012)

The Manchester rock pioneers played a three-night hometown residency as part of their reunion tour following a 17-year concert hiatus.

Fans came in abundance to pack out to Heaton Park, a notorious music-hosting site which has hosted a plethora of acts as well as this formidable band.

Spanning from 29 June to 1 July, The Stone Roses played to a whopping 75,000 fans every night across the three sold-out Manchester shows at Heaton Park in 2012.

The Stone Roses played three nights at Heaton Park.
The Stone Roses performing at Fuji Rock Festival in 2012, the same year as their Heaton Park residency / Credit: Wikicommons Media

2. Oasis – 400,000 – Heaton Park (2025)

This year has seen some cracking live music events but none will ever be as monumental as the five nights the two Burnage boys and their troupe hosted this summer.

Liam and Noel Gallagher decided to get the band back together for a series of groundbreaking shows titled ‘Oasis Live ’25’.

Each night drew in 80,000 avid bucket-hat wearing Oasis fans and the support acts were just as legendary with The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft and Liverpool lads Cast helping make history.

Oasis was one of the biggest dates in Manchester’s music calendar ever/ Credit: The Manc Group

1. Take That: 443,223 – Etihad Stadium (2011)

Boyband and pop music giants Take That took on the Etihad Stadium in full force with all members present including everyone’s favourite entertainer, Robbie Williams, who’s returning to the city next year for two huge tour dates.

In 2011, ‘The Flood’ boys put on a remarkable eight nights for nearly half a million lucky Mancs from 3 June till 12 June, making for a summer everyone could ‘Never Forget’.

However, they weren’t the only boyband gracing the Manchester City stadium as dance duo Pet Shop Boys supported them on their ‘Progress Live’ tour across the UK.

Take That - Manchester's biggest attendance ever across eight nights at Etihad Stadium.
A fan-captured moment of Take That reunited amidst their eight show run at Etihad Stadium in Manchester/ Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Honourable mention:

One Love Manchester, 55,000 – Old Trafford Cricket Ground (2017)

Even though this event may not be topping the attendance records, this concert was a special and remarkable moment in Manchester’s history.

Fronted by Ariana Grande, just two weeks after the Manchester Arena attack, Old Trafford Cricket Ground saw a multitude of artists coming together to celebrate the importance of music while paying respect to those affected by the events in the month prior.

BBC reported the ‘One Love Manchester’ live show had 14.5 million viewers at its peak with an average of 10.9 million worldwide and this benefit concert has since raised more than £10 million for the ‘We Love Manchester Emergency Fund’.

Grande may be reaching height after unthinkable height as a musical artist, but she has always had a special place for Manchester in her heart, donating toys to children in Manchester hospitals at Christmastime.

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Featured Image – Eva Rinaldi (via Wikicommons)/The Manc Group/Lily Redman (via Wikicommons)

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Revenue from Manchester’s ‘big gigs’ to go towards supporting local grassroots music venues

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Manchester City Council is set to earmark almost £250,000 to support grassroots music venues in the city.

Following on from the success of the city’s huge summer of music, which in recent weeks has seen hundreds of thousands of fans converge in the city to see massive names like Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Charlie XCX, Elbow, and Robbie Williams, as well as other talents like Fontaines D.C. and Sam Fender still yet to come.

Oh yeah, and there was also that small matter of Oasis reuniting for five nostalgia-drenched gigs in Manchester’s Heaton Park earlier last month.

Over the course of the summer, it has been estimated that Manchester will have attracted a whopping 1.3 million music tourists, which is being described as a ‘tremendous’ boost for the city’s economy as a whole, especially the hospitality industry.

Concert crowd
Revenue made from Manchester’s ‘big gigs’ this summer is to go towards supporting local grassroots music venues / Credit: Eldhose Kuriyan | Joshua Hanson (via Unsplash)

These huge events are also generating income for the Council too, either by being hosted in the city’s largest parks with commercial arrangements for their use, or through the business rates paid by major venues – and it’s this income that has been earmarked to go towards supporting grassroots music venues throughout the city.

As well as reinvesting part of this revenue into parks and greenspaces, the Council is planning to set aside £245,000 to be made available in financial support for Manchester’s grassroots venues.

While exact details are in the process of being finalised, the intention is that the scheme will be administered by the Music Venue Trust to ensure that the money gets to where it is needed as ‘quickly and effectively’ as possible.

It’s estimated that Manchester will have welcomed 1.3 million music tourists before summer’s out / Credit: Nathan Mullet (via Unsplash)

“Manchester is a big noise in the music world,” commented Councillor Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, “and this summer, all eyes have been on the city as we’ve hosted some huge concerts and seen unprecedented success in our large venues.

“But while the biggest gigs might dominate the headlines, we know they are only possible because they are part of a wider ecosystem, with grassroots venues providing the launchpads for acts to develop and grow.

“We know that across the country, grassroots venues are struggling. That’s why we want to ensure that our grassroots venues can share some of the benefit from the success of those big events.

“We’re blessed in Manchester with an array of great smaller venues.

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“They are there to be enjoyed and I’d encouraged anyone who values them to get out and support them.”

Featured Image – Rahul Kukreja (via Unsplash)

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