Niall Horan paid an emotional tribute to his late One Direction band mate Liam Payne during his Glasgow gig at the OVO Hydro on September 28. The 33-year-old Irish singer performed a 22-track set list as part of his Dinner Party world tour.
Voice recording tribute
At the end of his song End of An Era, which he wrote about Payne, Horan played a voice recording of his late friend. Fans were moved as Payne's voice boomed through the arena, with an old recording of him talking about their One Direction legacy.
Payne could be heard saying: "We thought something might happen but never anything like this. I’m always trying to remind myself of where I’ve come from, from where I’ve managed to get to through my life… it’s amazing, really." Payne tragically passed away in October 2024 after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Personal connection
Horan was the last One Direction band mate to see Payne alive, after Payne attended one of his shows in Argentina just days before his death. Horan previously revealed that End of An Era was originally about nostalgia from his early days of fame in the band before Payne's sudden death. The song was then tweaked and served as a therapeutic way for Horan to process his grief and say goodbye.
It was not the only memorable moment from the performance, as Horan also delighted fans with a cover of Paolo Nutini's beloved track, Candy, performing his own acoustic version while playing along on his guitar.
Scottish connection
Horan has never shied away from his love of Scotland. The singer, who is good friends with Scots icon Lewis Capaldi, revealed he was supporting Scotland over England during the 2026 World Cup and started a 'We've got McGinn, Super John McGinn' chant at his Hydro gig.
He told the crowds he felt very much at 'home' in Glasgow. Addressing the audience, he said: "The Irish and the Scottish are home together. I played a bit of golf earlier too and it feels like home to me, I feel comfortable. You're some of the best in the world, it is true. No Scotland, No Party."
Ahead of his OVO Hydro show, the Slow Hands singer visited driving range Golf It! in Stepps for an unannounced visit. The facility has recently been named as a National Disability Hub for Golf. Horan is an official ambassador for the golfing charity The R&A, which aims to get as many people across the world into golfing.
After his visit, Niall said: "It was brilliant to visit Golf It! and spend time with some of the people who are taking part in the disability golf sessions. Golf should be a sport that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and seeing the difference this programme is making - whether that is helping someone try golf for the first time, building confidence or giving them the opportunity to progress further in the sport - is incredible."
