Godwin ObajeLiam Payne’s Sister Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Star’s Final TV Appearance in Netflix’s Building the Band
Liam Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, has spoken out with emotional pride and sorrow following the release of the trailer for Building the Band, the last project the late singer filmed before his untimely death.
The upcoming Netflix series, set to premiere July 9, features Payne as one of the guest judges alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland. It was filmed several months before Payne’s passing and marks his final on-screen appearance.
Ruth, who has often celebrated her brother’s accomplishments over the years, took to Instagram to honour his legacy in the show. “I didn’t know whether to share this,” she began, “but it felt odd when I’ve raved about Liam’s work and achievements for the past 15 years.”
She continued: “I’m heartbroken he never got the chance to see how brilliant he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back—wow!”
“You’re a star Liam, you always were and always will be. There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride, always. Miss you more every day,” she added, in a message that has since resonated with fans online.
Hosted by AJ McLean of Backstreet Boys fame, Building the Band is described as “unlike anything you have ever seen before,” with contestants forming bands based purely on musical chemistry—without ever seeing each other. Contestants audition while hidden in booths, relying solely on their connection through music, vocals, and instinct.
McLean praised the show’s unique format, saying: “Today’s most talented singers in the world will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before ever seeing them.”
The show is centered around “chemistry”—a value that Payne reportedly believed deeply in, both professionally and personally. A synopsis released by Netflix adds: “With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal—to find the next great music band—the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”
Adding to the emotional weight of the show’s launch, DJ Fat Tony, a close friend of Payne’s and a longtime advocate for addiction recovery, shared his grief and personal reflections in a recent interview.
“I tried to help Liam Payne with his demons. He was incredible—a really close friend,” Fat Tony said. “There were so many amazing times where he got clean and sober. Not everyone makes it. It’s a real shame what happened. I’m devastated by it.”
“Addiction is a big part of our industry. People see being sober and clean as more problematic than being drunk and high. They’ll help you on that drink and drug journey, but not on the sober journey,” he added.
As fans prepare to see Liam Payne light up screens one final time, Ruth’s words serve as both a touching tribute and a reminder of the impact the former One Direction star had—on music, on family, and on those who loved him most.
Netflix’s Building the Band debuts globally on July 9.
Godwin Obaje
