One Direction was reportedly planning a comeback before Liam Payne’s tragic death.
All five original members — including Zayn Malik, who quit the boy band — had been “in talks to do one last reunion show” before Payne’s fatal fall on Oct. 16, a source told Us Weekly Wednesday.
Although the plans have since been placed on hold, the insider shared that a concert is still a possibility, but it would take on an entirely different meaning for the group.
“The guys would love to do a tribute to Liam. They’re all so devastated right now [that] they can’t even think about that as a legitimate project, but it has been discussed,” the source told the magazine.
Payne’s sudden death “has caused the guys immense heartbreak,” according to the report, which called the loss “a wake-up call” for surviving members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Malik.
“Prior, they kept in touch sporadically but didn’t have close friendships at all,” the insider noted.
“They’re all still mourning but are checking in on each other and feel closer than they have in years. It brought them back together.”
Reps for One Direction did not respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
Malik, 31, infamously left the band in 2015 to pursue a solo career, and Payne, Styles, 30, Horan, 31, and Tomlinson, 32, followed suit after announcing an indefinite hiatus the following year.
The “What Makes You Beautiful” singers were never spotted together again after the breakup — until Payne’s funeral on Nov. 20.
The “Strip That Down” singer died at age 31 after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Authorities believe Payne — who had several drugs in his system, including cocaine and crack— was “unconscious” when toppled over the railing. Several people have since been charged in connection to his death.
Styles, Tomlinson, Malik and Horan each posted tributes to Payne on social media in addition to issuing a rare joint statement following the tragedy.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say,” they said. “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
Their statement continued, “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
Malik also pays tribute to his late bandmate as he walks off stage on tour every night.
At the end of each show, the “Pillowtalk” singer projects a message that reads, “Liam Payne 1993-2024 Love you bro ❤️.”
Malik also dedicated his song “It’s You” to Payne during his Nov. 29 show in Wolverhampton, England, which was the “Polaroid” singer’s hometown.
“I’ve been doing something at the end of the show every night, and it is being dedicated to my brother Liam Payne,” he told the crowd.
“Rest in peace. I hope you see this. We’re in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton. This is for you, Liam.”
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