Day hundreds of screaming fans ran through Liverpool to meet Liam Payne and One Direction

Many Scouse fans will remember this day in the city

Bookmark

Tributes have been paid to singer Liam Payne, who has died aged 31 after a fall at a hotel in Buenos Aires. Liam, who was known for being one fifth of the One Direction, found fame after appearing on The X Factor, first in 2008 at the age of 14 and then two-years later in 2010 when the successful boyband were formed.

Part of the original line-up of One Direction alongside Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles, the band went on to become one of the biggest pop groups in the world with five albums and four world tours. They went on indefinite hiatus in 2016.

Payne released his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019 which included the singles Polaroid and Familiar. Through the years, the One Direction fanbase, known as Directioners, have remained loyal followers of the solo careers of all five members.

One Direction star Liam Payne dead aged 31

Liam Payne tributes updates as One Direction star dies aged 31

Tributes have been paid across the globe to Payne by fans and famous faces alike. The ECHO have delved into our archives to share these photographs of the boyband in the early stages of their career visiting Liverpool city centre.

In September 2011, the ECHO reported: "X Factor boyband sensations One Direction brought Beatlemania-esque scenes back to Liverpool when they appeared for a book signing session. An army of screaming fans turned out in the hope of catching a glimpse of the latest teen heart-throbs – despite rainy weather and a ticketing fiasco which meant hundreds of young girls missed out on the chance to meet their idols.

"WH Smith, which organised the book signing event held at a secret location in Liverpool ONE, said they had faced an “unprecedented” demand for tickets. One Direction tweeted afterwards: “Liverpool book signing was amazing! Thanks to all those who came and sorry for those who could not get wristbands x.” The boy band flew to the top of the Official Singles Chart yesterday to land the biggest week one sales of the year with What Makes You Beautiful."

Here you can see the crowds of fans, as well as the band signing copies of their book Dare To Dream: Life As One Direction. Many One Direction fans from across Merseyside will be remembering this day today in tribute.