Why Louis Tomlinson 'Could Never' See A One Direction Reunion

A One Direction reunion is seemingly less likely to happen after the tragic death of Liam Payne as one of his fellow bandmates can't see performing without him.

According to People, rumors swirled earlier this year of a potential One Direction reunion at the BRIT Awards on March 1, with Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik allegedly posed to reunite to honor their late friend. The band, which found major success after forming on The X Factor in 2010, went on an indefinite hiatus in 2015 months after Malik left the group. Each member went on to showcase their talents in their solo careers.

While the remaining members of 1D didn't end up getting together at the BRITs, the show still honored Payne with a touching tribute paying homage to "a very special person who meant so much to so many of the people [at the ceremony] and to millions of you around the world," People reports.

Weeks after the awards show, a PR manager for Tomlinson has now told The Standard that a 1D reunion performance is likely never going to happen due to the unimaginable loss of one of the group's members.

"Louis just despairs," the rep said. "He could never get up there and sing as part of the band after what has happened."

Payne passed away October 16, 2024, at the age of 31 after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Following news of his death, his One Direction bandmates each shared emotional letters to the "Strip That Down" singer, including Tomlinson who penned a heartbreaking message to his "brother."