Liam Payne still sought "advice and direction" from Simon Cowell in the months before he died.
The 31-year-old singer - who passed away on Wednesday (16.10.24) after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Argentina - remained close to his mentor even after One Direction went their separate ways in 2016 and enjoyed taking his and ex-girlfriend Cheryl Tweedy's seven-year-old son Bear to hang out with the TV talent show boss and his boy Eric, 10.
Simon's brother, Tony Cowell, told Britain's OK! magazine: "Throughout the years, he always kept in touch with Simon.
"Only a few months ago, he visited Simon at his house in the Cotswolds and took Bear along because he knew Simon’s son Eric would be there.
"He felt so comfortable being with Eric and Simon.
"He still looked to Simon for advice and direction. Through the years, when he’s dealt with different problems and been trying to find his feet, Simon would always try to help. They had such respect for each other.
"Liam wasn’t looking for approval but he wanted to learn what he could do better, whether it was on stage, as a father or as a friend. He was so kind, had time for everybody and cared so deeply.
"He developed as an artist and a performer, but he always retained that down-to-earth kindness. He made time for everybody and was so thoughtful and generous."
Tony got to know Liam well during his time on 'The Factor' in 2010 and he believes the decision for One Direction to go on hiatus led to the beginning of the 'Strip That Down' star's personal demons.
He said: "It was hard for him, watching some of the other boys doing their own thing.
"None of us knows what it was like to stand in their shoes and experience the highs and the lows that they went through.
"I think the band breaking up was the beginning for Liam of losing his way.
"He'd been watching Harry’s career fly, becoming a superstar across the world as a solo artist. That must have really hurt him as he wondered what he was going to do.
"He didn’t want to take anything away from the other’s success but was a little lost in himself. Being around the warmth of our family seemed to help him."
