The Quarter Note

On October 16th, 2024, girls all around the world were unexpectedly reunited as they were hit with the devastating news of former One Direction member, Liam Payne’s sudden and tragic death.

This childhood heartthrob and musical icon played a critical role in the upbringing of many Gen Z girls’ conception of “boy crushes.” In my personal experience, One Direction as a collective gave me an early understanding of emotions, romance, and sex appeal as they were in their peak of popularity at the same time I was introduced to the media as a young girl.

Through their hit songs like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Steal My Girl”, the boys of One Direction served as the blueprint for what every young girl romanticized as their dream guy. Each member of this British boy band had the potential to fit someones type, so no matter what you were into—the blonde hair, blue-eyed bombshell or the dark-featured, slick back bad boy—it was always possible to have a crush on at least one of them.

via Entertainment Weekly

Following the death of Payne, a major social media uproar was ushered amongst girls grieving the loss of their “first love”, as Payne was someone so widely adored in the hearts of the younger generation.

“he was the first love of my life. my heart is shattered. younger me is shattered.”

via @xotiffxo18 on TikTok

The feeling of grief over a celebrity is an abnormal and confusing phenomenon that Gen Z is just now starting to experience. For older generations, however, this feeling of “parasocial grief” is one they know all too well. From the deaths of major musical legends like Michael Jackson, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley, the parents of these young ‘Directioners’ can relate to exactly what they’re experiencing.

“i just wanna give a hug to all of you, i know how much of a tough feeling this is.”

via @ladylita76 on TikTok, mother of a 1D fan

Another 1D mom, who also happens to be a lifelong fangirl of 1970s British boy band ‘Duran Duran’, commented on her reaction to Payne’s death: “I’m so destroyed for my kiddo. I’m a Duranie and thankfully still have my guys, but I feel so much pain for [the fans]. It’s beyond sad.”

One Direction may have gone on hiatus eight years ago, but their fanbase is still very much active—and loud. It may seem strange to see such public, and personal, outpourings for a star that most have not met. Still, for those in parasocial relationships, an adored celebrity is more than just a person—they’re symbolic of something greater.

via Billboard

Payne was such an integral part of Gen Z’s adolescence and personal growth. He wasn’t just a musician; he was a role model who inspired us, comforted us, and made us feel understood, explains Madeline Martin, Payne fan of eight years. “Losing him feels like losing a part of my past—a reminder of the joy [ ] those years brought me, and it’s heartbreaking to think that he’s gone,” she tells The Quarter Note.

“Losing him feels like losing a part of my past.”

Ultimately, grieving over celebrities you don’t know personally can be seen as a confusing idea to initially wrap your head around, but honestly, it makes perfect sense. We are not only mourning Payne specifically; we are mourning our childhood and teenage years—a feeling of having pivotal parts of our lives being ripped out and changed forever. As explained by Maria Bailey, founder of Grief Specialists, “Critics may question the authenticity of grieving for someone we’ve never met, but the emotions we feel are undeniably genuine.”

As Gen Z tackles this major celebrity loss—the first of many they are bound to experience throughout their lifetime—all that’s left to do is to reminisce on the legacy Payne has left us with. Payne’s verse in One Direction’s major hit song, “Story of My Life”, serves as a nostalgic token of remembrance: “It seems to me that when I die, these words will be written on my stone/And I’ll be gone, gone tonight.”

Rest in peace, Liam Payne. Thank you for teaching us girls how to love.