AJ McLean Mourns Liam Payne’s Death: “He Was a Sweetheart” – Building the Band Co-Star Remembers Their Bond and Shared Sobriety Journey
In the wake of the shocking and untimely death of singer and former One Direction member Liam Payne, tributes have continued to pour in from fans, friends, and collaborators around the world. One particularly emotional remembrance came from AJ McLean, the Backstreet Boys star and Payne’s co-star on the upcoming Netflix reality series Building the Band.
In a heartfelt message shared publicly and later elaborated on in a candid interview, McLean revealed the depth of his connection with Payne, describing him as a “sweetheart” with a deeply sensitive soul. The two had formed a powerful bond during their time working together, rooted in shared musical passion and their parallel journeys through addiction, recovery, and personal growth.
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around it,” McLean shared. “Liam was more than a co-star. He was my friend. He was a genuine sweetheart, always cracking jokes, always asking how I was doing. He cared. You could feel that.”
A Brother in Recovery
What brought McLean and Payne particularly close was their mutual commitment to sobriety, a road both men had walked in their own ways. McLean, who has been open for years about his struggles with substance abuse, said that Payne confided in him during quiet moments on set — conversations that were deeply personal and honest.
“We had this unspoken understanding,” McLean said. “Both of us knew what it felt like to be at rock bottom, and how much work it takes every day to stay healthy. There were nights after filming where we just sat and talked about the pressure, the fame, the mistakes we made, and the people we’re trying to become. I’ll cherish those talks forever.”
The two singers reportedly supported each other with daily check-ins, both on set and in between tapings of Building the Band, a music competition reality show that aimed to mentor young aspiring musicians by pairing them with seasoned artists like McLean and Payne.
“He had so much wisdom to offer the contestants,” McLean recalled. “You could tell he wanted them to succeed — to avoid some of the pitfalls we’d both seen firsthand. He was always there, always present. He had a heart for helping others.”
The Music That Never Was
McLean also revealed that shortly before his passing, Liam Payne shared unreleased music with him, some of which may never see the light of day.
“He played me a few tracks — stuff he was really proud of. It was experimental, vulnerable, full of soul. I remember thinking, ‘This is the real Liam. This is the artist he’s becoming.’ It breaks my heart that the world might not get to hear it.”
According to McLean, Payne was excited about relaunching his solo career with a fresh musical identity. The tracks reportedly showcased a departure from the polished pop of his One Direction days and leaned more into introspective songwriting and stripped-down production.
“He had found his voice again,” McLean said quietly. “He was creating from a place of truth, and that’s the hardest and bravest thing for any artist to do.”
A Life Gone Too Soon
Liam Payne’s sudden death at age 32 has rocked the global music community. While full details are still emerging, early reports suggest his death was unexpected, leaving fans and loved ones reeling.
McLean admitted that he had no idea how close Payne might have been to a crisis, though he acknowledged that their last conversations had a tone of reflection that now feels tragically significant.
“He told me he was tired,” McLean recalled. “Not physically — emotionally. But I thought he meant the usual industry exhaustion, you know? We all go through that. I didn’t think… I didn’t know it was this bad.”
Legacy Beyond the Stage
In closing his tribute, McLean emphasized that Payne should be remembered not just as a pop star or a former boy band sensation, but as a human being with tremendous empathy, a sharp wit, and a drive to overcome.
“Liam wanted to be better — not just for himself, but for his son, his family, his fans. He was working on himself every day. And despite everything he went through, he never lost his capacity for kindness. That’s what I’ll remember most.”
The producers of Building the Band have not yet announced how the show will proceed in light of Payne’s passing, but there is growing speculation that it will include a tribute to the late singer in its premiere.
McLean said he hopes viewers, especially young fans, will remember Payne for his courage in being open about his struggles, and for his determination to keep moving forward.
“He was real. Flawed, yes, but trying. And that matters. It really does.”
Final Words
Liam Payne’s story is one that echoes the complicated journey of many in the spotlight — brilliance intertwined with personal demons, fame shadowed by isolation. In AJ McLean’s words, we are reminded that behind the bright lights and chart-topping hits lived a man of compassion, resilience, and heart.
As tributes continue to surface, the music world not only grieves the loss of a star but celebrates the legacy of a man who, even in struggle, chose to lift others up.
Rest in peace, Liam. You were deeply loved — and never forgotten.
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