Shawn Mendes is dedicating some of his new music to late One Direction member Liam Payne.
On Friday, Oct. 18, the 26-year-old “Stitches” singer paused his concert in New York City to remember Payne, who died on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at age 31.
In a video of the concert moment captured by fans and shared on social media, Mendes spoke candidly about the few encounters he had with the “Strip That Down” singer, calling him a “beautiful soul.”
“We heard the news about Liam,” Mendes began, addressing the crowd at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater. “It felt like… It felt completely devastating. I got to meet him a couple times, and he was a beautiful soul and his eyes gleamed — it was beauty, shining into his eyes.”
“It’s about grieving those we miss with tears and it’s also about celebrating them and who they were and what they left in this world and I just want to take a second to send so much love to him, wherever he is up there. Liam, we love you,” he continued. “The world is crying for you, brother, and we’re all praying for your son and your family. I miss you. This one’s for you tonight, Liam, from all of us.”
Mendes then launched into his new song “Heart of Gold,” from his soon-to-be released self-titled album, Shawn. The Brooklyn concert was also seemingly a part of his forthcoming concert film, For Friends and Family Only, which is set to be released on Nov. 14, the eve of his album release.
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Payne died after he fell from a hotel balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Policía Federal Argentina previously confirmed to PEOPLE. Argentine news channel TN was first to report the news.
Following Payne’s death, dozens of his friends, family and fellow celebrities have paid tribute to the singer, including his former One Direction bandmates, his sister, his ex Cheryl (with whom he shared 7-year-old son Bear) and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
On Thursday, Oct. 17, the One Direction band members — Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan — shared a joint statement on Instagram that said they are processing “the loss of our brother.”
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” their statement read. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
The statement continued, in part: “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.”
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