The 2025 Brit Awards honored Liam Payne on Saturday. Payne died in October 2024 at the age of 31.
During the emotional tribute, which took place towards the end of the ceremony, host Jack Whitehall told the audience that it was time to “take a moment to remember a very special person who meant so much to so many of the people in this room and to millions of you around the world.
“Last October, we woke to the devastating news that Liam Payne had tragically passed away,” Whitehall continued. “He achieved so much in the short time that he was on this Earth, and was not only a supremely gifted musician, but an incredibly kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with. We have so many amazing memories of Liam here at the Brits. So tonight we celebrate his legacy, look back, and remember the remarkable Liam Payne.”
A video montage followed featuring Payne on the road with One Direction and alongside his family, meeting the Queen, and more, which was soundtracked to 1D’s “Little Things.”
Following the broadcast of the touching tribute, Payne’s One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson thanked the Brit Awards in a post on X. “Beautiful tribute,” he wrote. “Miss you always brother x.”
Along with his One Direction bandmates, Payne won seven Brit Awards, including four for British Video of the Year. He was also nominated for his solo work for “Strip That Down” with Quavo, and “For You” with Rita Ora.
Last month, the Grammys also honored Payne during its In Memoriam segment, playing a carefully crafted video tribute while Coldplay’s Chris Martin performed “All My Love.”
Payne died on Oct. 16, 2024 after falling from the balcony of a hotel room in Buenos Aires. Rolling Stone investigated the tragedy of Liam Payne for our March cover story.
Following the Brit Awards, Payne’s family issued a statement to the BBC reflecting on his death, the subsequent police investigation, and the Brit tribute: Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Albums of the 21st Century So Far The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
“Liam’s death was an unspeakable tragedy. This is a time of tremendous grief and pain for those who knew and loved him. Liam ought to have had a long life ahead of him. Instead, Bear has lost his father, Geoff and Karen have lost their son, Ruth and Nicola have lost their brother and all of Liam’s friends and fans have lost someone they held very dear.
We understand that the investigation into Liam’s death was absolutely necessary, and the family recognizes the work done by the Argentinian authorities. However, the family accepts the Court of Appeal’s decision to drop all charges.
The constant media attention and speculation which has accompanied the process has exacted indescribable, lasting damage on the family, particularly on Liam’s son who is trying to process emotions which no seven-year-old should have to experience.
The family has always wished for privacy to grieve and asks that they be given the space and time to do so.
This weekend, at the Brit Awards, Liam was remembered for his phenomenal contribution to British music and for his wider, positive impact on millions of adoring fans the world over. We joined in that celebration of his life and will forever remember the joy that his music brought to the world.
Liam, you are so loved and missed.”
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