Liam Payne to be honoured with special tribute at Brit Awards – and star’s former 1D bandmates could reunite on stage
BRITS bosses are planning a special tribute to One Direction singer Liam Payne at this year’s awards ceremony.
And it could mean his former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson are reunited on stage for the first time since their split ten years ago.
A music industry source said: “The tribute to Liam at this year’s awards show has caused a real buzz and speculation that the remaining One Direction bandmates could finally come back together again on stage.
“It would be an entirely fitting way to honour Liam and talks are already under way about how to make this segment of the Brits unforgettable.
“Liam loved the Brit Awards and attended and performed many times over the years, both with 1D and as a solo artist, and will forever be part of the show’s history.
“It’s still in the very early stages of preparation and the finer details are still being worked out, with official approaches to be made in coming weeks, but there are set to be a mixture of performances, tasteful photo and video montages and a live orchestra.
“As well as the possibility of the One Direction lads being involved, other stars from the industry will be on hand to remember Liam on the night.”
Liam died aged 31 in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires.
The last time his former bandmates were seen together was at his funeral in November in Amersham, Bucks.
The service was also attended by his ex Cheryl Tweedy, who is mum to their seven-year-old son Bear.
Other mourners included Cheryl’s former bandmates in Girls Aloud, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, and Simon Cowell, boss of The X Factor, where One Direction began in 2010.
This year’s Brits will take place at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday, March 1, hosted by comic Jack Whitehall, 36.
Liam won seven Brits with One Direction, performing at the event twice with the band and twice as a solo artist.
The Brit Awards last held a tribute set in 2016, following the death of David Bowie.
It was introduced by Annie Lennox, with a tribute speech by actor Gary Oldman.
Bowie’s band performed a medley of some of his biggest hits before Lorde performed Life on Mars.