On what would have been Liam Payne’s 32nd birthday on August 29, 2025, his family paid an emotional tribute to the late One Direction star by revisiting the place where they last celebrated with him—a local bowling alley. The poignant gesture, shared by Payne’s sisters Nicola and Ruth on Instagram, was a bittersweet recreation of the joyful night they spent together for his 31st birthday, just months before his tragic passing on October 16, 2024. 
Nicola Payne, 37, opened up about the family’s final moments with Liam in a heartfelt Instagram post, reflecting on the night they celebrated his birthday with bowling and McDonald’s. “A year ago today, we were so full of hope and excitement for what the years ahead would bring you,” she wrote. “That night, celebrating your birthday with bowling and McDonald’s, we celebrated you, your show [Building the Band], your dreams, and spoke of all the plans you had for the future. We ended the evening with a hug, telling you how proud we were and how much we loved you.” She added, “If I had known that would be the last time I’d see you, I would have said so much more. I wish I could step into a time machine and relive that night, hug you tighter, capture your smile and voice, ask more questions, and write it all down so I’d never forget.”
In a touching tribute, the Payne family returned to the same bowling alley to honor Liam’s memory, though Nicola noted the profound absence they felt: “A year later, same bowling alley, different lanes, one huge part of our family missing.” She shared photos on her Instagram Stories, including a scoreboard featuring names like “Roo” for her sister Ruth, Ruth’s husband Tom, and their son Ashton, underscoring the family’s effort to keep Liam’s spirit alive. Nicola expressed her hope that Liam is “happy, at peace, and know[s] just how deeply you are loved,” concluding with, “I miss you every single day, and I don’t think there will ever be a day that I don’t. So today, on your birthday, I want to wish you the happiest heavenly birthday.”
Ruth Payne also shared a moving tribute, recalling the rare family gathering for Liam’s 31st birthday, a moment made special because it was “just the 5 of us,” a rarity since One Direction’s rise to fame. She recounted a lighthearted memory of misspelling Liam’s name as “Laim” on his birthday card, a mistake they laughed about and jokingly vowed to repeat in future cards, unaware it would be her last one for him. “I was so happy about it,” she wrote, reflecting on the joy of that final celebration.
Liam’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, also honored the late singer on his birthday, sharing an emotional video of herself baking a cake in his memory. Set to Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” the video showed Cassidy, 26, tearfully blowing out a single candle before taking a bite. “Happy birthday Liam, I know you still have the sweetest tooth in heaven. I tried my best here but it’s the thought that counts 🙂 enjoy ! ❤️,” she captioned the post. Cassidy also posted a montage of their cherished moments, writing, “8.29.93. A special day for the most special soul. I miss you so much.”
Payne, who died at 31 after a tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, left an indelible mark as a member of One Direction and a solo artist with hits like “Strip That Down.” His posthumous appearance as a guest judge on Netflix’s Building the Band further highlighted his passion for music and mentoring new talent. The outpouring of love from his family, friends, and fans—evident in tributes at a memorial in Wolverhampton West Park—reflects the profound impact he had on those around him.
As the Payne family and Cassidy continue to navigate their grief, their tributes serve as a reminder of Liam’s warmth, talent, and the love he inspired. Fans across social media, using hashtags like #LiamPayne and #OneDirection, joined in commemorating the singer, ensuring his legacy endures. Nicola’s visit to the Wolverhampton memorial, where she thanked fans for their kind words and decorations, underscored the global outpouring of support. “Honestly, thank you xx,” she wrote, sharing a video set to One Direction’s “I Want to Write You a Song.”
Liam Payne’s 32nd birthday may have been marked by absence, but through the love of his family and fans, his light continues to shine brightly.
