Tragically, Liam Payne, who recently passed away after a fall from his hotel room balcony in Argentina, was known for seeking guidance from his mentor Simon Cowell right up to the months preceding his untimely death. The 31-year-old singer, who soared to fame with One Direction before they disbanded in 2016, maintained his close connection with Cowell.
He cherished bringing Bear, his son with former partner Cheryl Tweedy, to spend time with Simon and his 10-year-old son Eric. Tony Cowell, Simon’s brother, confided to Britain’s OK! magazine about their enduring relationship.
“Throughout the years, he always kept in touch with Simon. Only a few months ago, he visited Simon at his house in the Cotswolds and took Bear along because he knew Simons son Eric would be there.”
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“He felt so comfortable being with Eric and Simon. He still looked to Simon for advice and direction. Through the years, when hes dealt with different problems and been trying to find his feet, Simon would always try to help. They had such respect for each other.”
Tony added, “Liam wasnt looking for approval but he wanted to learn what he could do better, whether it was on stage, as a father or as a friend. He was so kind, had time for everybody and cared so deeply. He developed as an artist and a performer, but he always retained that down-to-earth kindness. He made time for everybody and was so thoughtful and generous.”
Tony opened up about Liam’s struggles after One Direction decided to take a hiatus, stating that it marked the onset of personal issues for the ‘Strip That Down’ singer. He remarked: “It was hard for him, watching some of the other boys doing their own thing.”
Tony also noted, “None of us knows what it was like to stand in their shoes and experience the highs and the lows that they went through.” Reflecting further, he said: “I think the band breaking up was the beginning for Liam of losing his way.”
Tony observed Liams reaction to Harry Styles success, saying, “He’d been watching Harrys career fly, becoming a superstar across the world as a solo artist. That must have really hurt him as he wondered what he was going to do. ” Lastly, Tony mentioned how family played a role in Liams life, “He didnt want to take anything away from the others success but was a little lost in himself. Being around the warmth of our family seemed to help him.”