Shawn Mendes Pauses Performance to Pay Tribute to Liam Payne

Shawn Mendes found himself deeply moved by the loss of Liam Payne … stopping his concert in NYC on Friday evening to honor his friend.

While on stage at the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, Shawn took a moment to express to the audience that the One Direction member was a “remarkable person” … and the heartbreaking news of his passing was “unbearable.”

Shawn mournfully reflected … “Liam, we cherish you. The world is grieving for you, my brother. Our thoughts are with your son and the family, and I miss you, man. So tonight’s song is dedicated to you, Liam, from every one of us.”

Shawn then sang his latest release “Heart Of Gold” … featuring the poignant lyrics, “You had a heart of gold / You departed too early / It was beyond your control / Beneath your skin and bone / You possessed a heart of gold.”

As reported by TMZ … Liam’s sibling also expressed her love and respect for the star in a heartfelt message on Instagram on Sunday … which included the heartbreaking statement, “I apologize for not being able to save you.”