AJ McLean, the Backstreet Boys member, has shared an emotional memory of his late friend Liam Payne, keeping a recording of their final conversation as a personal memento.
Ahead of the Netflix premiere of Building the Band, McLean revealed that the conversation is still saved on his phone, serving as a “constant reminder” of Payne’s positive and uplifting personality.
A Lasting Tribute to Liam Payne
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, McLean, 47, explained that he had not deleted the recording and cherishes it as a way to remember the late singer. “He was a very positive, uplifting person,” McLean shared. “He had a real quick wit about him. I don’t know if it was the British humor or just him as a person.”
He added that both he and Payne shared a similar sense of humor, filled with sarcasm and jokes, making their friendship feel effortless.
McLean also praised Payne’s talent, saying, “As an artist, he was extremely talented. Not only as a singer-performer, but as a songwriter-producer, and he truly did light up the room when he’d walk on set.”
Building the Band and Their Friendship
The two became closer while working together on Building the Band, a new Netflix show where McLean served as host and Payne was a guest judge. The show, announced in August 2024, focuses on singers competing to form their own bands in individual booths based on musical compatibility, chemistry, and merit.
McLean noted that this was the most time he had ever spent with Payne, as they connected on everything from music to sobriety and life in general.
“He hit me up when we had a few days off from shooting and sent me what would’ve been his most recent solo album, just to ask my opinion on the music,” McLean shared.
“And I thought it was an insane body of work. It was so good. I hope somewhere down the road, somehow people get to hear it, especially all the One D fans.”
Payne’s Untimely Passing
Tragically, just months after filming wrapped, Liam Payne passed away at the age of 31 after a fall from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2025. The loss deeply affected McLean, who had known Payne for years but had grown especially close to him during their time together on the show.
McLean expressed the depth of their friendship, saying, “We’ve known each other over the years since One D started, but this was probably the most lengthy time that we’ve ever really been in the same room talking about everything.”
A Personal Memory That Lasts Forever
Though McLean’s heart is heavy with the loss of Payne, he finds comfort in the recording of their last conversation, a tangible piece of a friendship he’ll forever hold dear. “He’s still in my heart and memories,” McLean said. “I’ll carry that with me for the rest of my life.”
Building the Band Now Streaming on Netflix
Fans can still enjoy McLean and Payne’s work together on Building the Band, with episodes 1-4 of the series now available on Netflix.
