Liam Payne told the boyband he mentored that his best years were spent with One Direction, according to Soulidified members speaking on Capital Breakfast.
The group joined Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby to discuss their music and the advice they received from Liam before his passing, including his warning not to let outside pressures pull them apart.
Bradley Rittmann described Liam as a special person to have worked with, saying: “He was a beautiful person, and we were so lucky to spend that time with him.”
Shade Jenifer revealed that Liam’s guidance had helped the group remain strong, recalling how he encouraged them to value their time together rather than focus on individual success.
Shade explained: “You guys could all probably go on to do your own thing and be great at it, but you’re never going to have more fun than you are going to have with each other.”
He then shared Liam’s personal reflection on his time in One Direction, telling the group: “He told me the best time he ever had was his years with One Direction.”
Liam also urged Soulidified to protect their friendship from outside pressures, with Shade remembering his advice: “Don’t let the outside noise or anything on the outside break you guys apart.”
The singer encouraged the members to communicate openly and make sure their relationships remained a priority as they continued working towards their musical ambitions.
Shade said: “So many of those little things are the reason we’re still so strong, and we don’t let anything affect what the bigger mission is: getting this music out to the world.”
Chris Stark reflected on the advice, suggesting it was important for the band to enjoy their experiences together, even when the members occasionally got on each other’s nerves.
The conversation also included another memorable comment from Liam, with the band recalling what he told them after a performance: “One Direction didn’t win but we still won.”
His words offered Soulidified a reminder that success is not just about winning a competition, but also about the relationships built along the way.
The group’s memories provide an insight into Liam’s approach to mentoring and the importance he placed on friendship, communication and staying together as a band.
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Listen to Capital Breakfast with Jordan North, Chris Stark and Sian Welby weekdays from 6am – 10am across the UK and on YouTube.