5SOS pays tribute to Liam Payne: 'A bright light lost'

The members of 5 Seconds of Summer are grieving the sudden passing of their friend Liam Payne, who died on October 16 at 31. 

In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Michael Clifford, Luke Hemmings, Ashton Irwin, and Calum Hood expressed their devastation.

"We're heartbroken and devastated by the loss of our dear friend Liam," they wrote. "We love you, Liam, and we will never forget the influence you had on our lives. You truly believed in us, for which we are forever grateful. We don't know if we thanked you enough."

The band cherished Payne's kindness and remembered their journey together. "You were always so kind to us. It was an honor to begin our journey with you; we will never forget your presence in our lives. There was such a bright light in you; we always saw that. We are so devastated the world put that light out."

5 Seconds of Summer shared a poignant photo of the combined One Direction and 5SOS members backstage, highlighting their lasting bond.

"We hope you'll always be singing up there," the band concluded, signing off with "With all of our love."

Their connection began when One Direction invited 5SOS to open for their Take Me Home Tour in 2013, after Louis Tomlinson discovered them on YouTube. This chance encounter blossomed into multiple tours together.

Payne and Tomlinson briefly shared a business venture with 5SOS, further solidifying their friendship.

Tragically, Payne's life was cut short in Buenos Aires, Argentina.