Harry Styles opens up about Liam Payne's passing: 'It's so difficult to lose a friend'

Harry Styles has opened up about the death of Liam Payne more than a year after the singer’s tragic passing.

In an interview with Apple Music, Harry admitted that he went through a difficult period when news of Liam’s death broke in 2024.

The “As It Was” hitmaker said it was challenging to process his grief while being aware that people expected him to publicly express it.

“I have such strong feelings around my friend passing away and then suddenly being aware that there’s maybe a desire from other people for you to convey that in some way, or it means you’re not feeling what you’re feeling,” he said.

He also added that he struggled with how grief can sometimes feel shared or claimed by the public.

“I think there was a period when he passed away where I really struggled with acknowledging how strange it is to have people kind of own part of your grief in a way,” he said.

Harry then spoke fondly of Liam, describing him as someone with a kind heart.

“It’s so difficult to lose a friend,” he said. “It’s difficult to lose any friend, but it’s so difficult to lose a friend who is so like you in so many ways.”

“I saw someone with the kindest heart who just wanted to be great,” he added.

Harry said Liam’s death also prompted him to reflect on how to live his life best.

“It was a really important moment for me in terms of taking a look at my life and being able to say to myself, ‘Okay, what do I want to do with my life? How do I want to live my life?” he said.

“And I think the greatest way you can honor your friends who pass away is by living your life to the fullest,” he added.

Liam passed away after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2024. He was 31.

Harry and the late Liam are former members of the top-selling pop group, One Direction.

Harry is set to drop his comeback album, “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally,” on Friday.

On the same day, he is also set to perform his album live at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, and Netflix will release the full show on March 8, titled "Harry Styles." One Night in Manchester."

Harry also announced that he is holding his "Together, Together" tour starting May 16. He will visit Amsterdam, London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, New York City, Melbourne, and Sydney. —Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA Integrated News