A tribute to Liam Payne has been unveiled on Clevedon Pier in Somerset today, 10 years after One Direction filmed a music video there.
The What Makes You Beautiful hitmakers filmed You & I there in 2014, with fans feeling a ‘connection’ to the late singer at the historic site.
Payne’s sudden death at age 31 in October shocked the world with devastating tributes from friends, family, and his former bandmates.
He fell from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his cause of death confirmed to be ‘polytrauma’.
The brass plaque is inscribed with lyrics from one of Liam’s favourite songs and sits underneath the original plaque marking 1D’s visit.
The chosen lyrics are not from You & I but from Walking In The Wind, released the following year after Zayn Malik’s exit from the band.
‘If you’re lost, just look for me / You’ll find me in the region of the summer stars,’ the plaque reads.
The pier has seen an influx of fans visiting and leaving tributes to the star with Nicole Laken, business manager at the pier, calling it ‘really poignant and really sad.’
She added to the BBC: ‘I think the fans obviously feel a connection because of the video, which is lovely. It was a difficult day and I think we all felt it.’
The You & I music video sees Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Niall Horan morphing into each other as they walk down the pier.
It won video of the year at the 2015 Brit Awards but the song failed to break the chart Top 10 in the UK.
An EP was released of the track, with remixed versions including on piano, a duet, and the ‘Big Payno’ remix created by Liam.
The plaque comes shortly after it was revealed that his family reportedly donated £31,303 to children’s charity Great Ormond Street Hospital.
It’s said the funds will be used to build a new cancer unit at the London hospital.
That £31,000 from family is in addition to online donations from fans, which according to The Sun’s Bizarre column raised an extra £1,808.
‘We’re extremely touched and grateful for all the donations in memory of Liam, which will go towards building a brand new children’s cancer centre at Great Ormond Street,’ said Liz Tait, the director of fundraising at the hospital.
‘Our thoughts and sincere condolences continue to go out to Liam’s family and friends.’
An insider said Payne’s loved ones are ‘still coming to terms with the tragic loss’ but ‘there is some comfort in knowing the legacy he leaves behind’.
They added: ‘Everyone dug deep at the service and the amount raised is staggering — it will help change lives.
‘Aside from his love of music, Liam was passionate about helping others, especially children, due to his love of being a father to little Bear.’
Payne co-parented Bear, seven, with ex-girlfriend Cheryl, who he originally met while on the X Factor then dated from 2016 until 2018.
The Girls Aloud star attended his funeral as well as his One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.
On the back of the order of service, there was a message asking for a charitable donation ‘in memory of Liam’.
Great Ormond Street isn’t the only charity the family has chosen to support though as Mind, SAMH, and Aware NI have all received donations.
More Trending
Last week, the One Direction 2013 tour documentary, This Is Us, was re-released for one night only in UK cinemas, with all ticket proceeds going to the mental health charities.
The family has rarely been seen or spoken publicly since his shock death but Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy did give an update last week.
In her sombre return to TikTok, the influencer shared a video of her day in life showing her skincare routine, workout, dog walk, and watching TV.
‘A simple day,’ she captioned the video, which marked her return to the platform for the first time since sharing a tribute to Payne.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Jade Thirlwall ghosted by One Direction star after secret date
MORE: Tumour deep inside woman’s head removed through eye socket in UK-first operation
MORE: Joke on lads’ trip led to lifesaving cancer diagnoses for pair of brothers
