'I was devastated when Liam Payne died and would like to see a fitting memorial in Wolverhampton' - Fan and photographer who knew him personally
A Liam Payne fan from Stourbridge who first met him in 2009 says she thinks a memorial service in his home city would be a fitting tribute to him.
Amanda Adams watched events around the former One Direction star's funeral in Buckinghamshire unfold yesterday and said she wasn't surprised it was held close to London but that she hoped there would be a lasting memorial in Wolverhampton.
The freelance photographer and entertainment reviewer first met Liam at the Base Studios in Stourbridge when she was invited to a Christmas party for girl group Belle Sorelle who, like him, appeared on The X Factor.
She saw him switch on the Dudley Christmas lights in 2010 and was also there when he appeared at Stourbridge's Party in the Park and Wordsley Festival.
Following his career, she later saw a homecoming event with One Direction and Simon Cowell in Queens Square, Wolverhampton and attended an X Factor tour in Birmingham where he appeared with his bandmates.
She also became close friends with his parents Geoff and Karen Payne and was devastated when the singer died at the age of 31 on October 16 - a vigil and tributes were paid in the centre of Wolverhampton
Amanda said: "I lost touch with Liam when he became really famous if you like with One Direction and also with Geoff and Karen which is understandable because of the demands on him and then.
"But I will never forget seeing him in the early years of his career when he would often perform cover songs solo, even then there was a lot of pressure on him but you could tell he had something and that he would go on to big things.
"I wasn't surprised at where the funeral was held, given that his girlfriend flew in from the USA and where a lot of the people attending lived. I thought it was touching Simon Cowell attending and the tributes he paid to Liam - I know the two had spoken shortly before his death about future projects.
"And I remember once speaking to Liam about Simon who said the person you see on the television who can come across as a bit cynical and direct is not that of the one off camera - he cited him as a major influence on his career."
It is not yet known whether there will be a service in Wolverhampton or a permanent memorial to him but Amanda said it would be fitting if there was.
She said: "I don't think he ever forgot his roots or upbringing and in those early years played at a lot of venues to try and get a foot on the ladder - he was still well known in the city and I believe his parents still live here.
"I will never forget the kindness he showed me at those early events and appearances."
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