Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Culture > Entertainment

The Legacy of Liam Payne: Remembering His Impact

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Mizzou chapter.

The news of Liam Payne’s passing has left fans across the world deeply saddened. His death serves as a reminder of the impact he made, not only as a member of One Direction but also as a solo artist. As we reflect on his contributions and the band’s legacy, it becomes clear that Liam Payne’s influence will be remembered for years.

The Rise of One Direction

In 2010, One Direction was created on the reality TV show “The X Factor.” The band was formed from solo contestants Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson. After their formation, and with the help of Simon Cowell, the band was beloved by the public. Their debut album, “Up All Night,” was released in 2011 and featured hit songs including, “What Makes You Beautiful” and “One Thing.” 

Following the success of their first album, the band released four additional albums before they split up. These albums were “Take Me Home (2012),” “Midnight Memories (2013),” “Four (2014),” and “Made in the A.M. (2015).” The albums were a hit when they were released and are still loved by fans today, as One Direction still has over 52 million monthly listeners. 

Liam Payne’s Role in One Direction

Liam Payne’s personality was a formative aspect of One Direction due to his relatability and supportiveness. His bandmates often regarded him as the smart one, as they joked in interviews. This allowed him to be an unofficial leader and stabilizer to the group which was crucial for their success.

In addition to his personality, Liam played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound as his voice truly enhanced their sound. Liam was also involved in songwriting, allowing him to connect with fans. Overall, Liam’s talent and character made him a valuable part of One Direction, leaving an impact on both the band and their loving fanbase.

Solo Career After One Direction

Following the band’s hiatus, Liam began a solo career. In 2017, he released his debut single “Strip That Down” and explored a whole new side of the music industry. The song’s success showed his potential as a solo artist.

Afterward, he released several more singles including “Get Low” with Zedd and “For You” with Rita Ora. In addition, he also released his debut album “LP1” in 2019. This album debuted at #111 on the US Billboard 200 and peaked at #17 on the UK Albums Chart. Overall, he showed strong success as an artist.

Cultural Impact and Legacy of One Direction

One Direction’s influence on music can’t be overstated. Throughout their time as a band, they were able to capture the hearts of millions around the world. They built a community known as “Directioners” that grew with them and continue to support their individual music careers to this day. Along with the community they formed, their music will also always be comforting to girls across the world. 

Reflecting on Liam Payne’s Legacy

Both fans and friends alike reflect on the legacy of Liam Payne. Liam truly touched the hearts of fans across the world because of how his music and personality inspired them during challenging times. Liam was also very open about his mental health which opened the door for important conversations, encouraging others to seek help and share their experiences.

After the news of Liam’s passing, other One Direction band members reflected on the impact Liam had on them. Harry, Niall, Louis, and Zayn each took to Instagram to remember how great of a guy Liam was. They shared how their friend was always there for them and was always a good time to be around, ending their posts with how much they would miss him. 

Conclusion

As we remember Liam Payne, it’s important to celebrate his journey and the accomplishments he left the world. From his time in One Direction to his solo endeavors, Liam has shaped the lives of countless fans. Liam Payne and One Direction will forever be remembered in the hearts of many.

Sophie Pfahl

Mizzou '28

Hi! My name is Sophie and I am a freshman studying journalism at Mizzou. I am excited to learn more and get involved here!