AJ McLean Kept a Recording of His Final Conversation with Liam Payne on His Phone as a 'Constant Reminder' (Exclusive)
McLean says Payne was always "making jokes and pranks" while filming the Netflix show Building the Band
Payne tragically died in October at age 31, a few months after filming for Building the Band wrappedAJ McLean will always have something personal to remember Liam Payne by.
Speaking with PEOPLE ahead of the Netflix premiere of Building the Band, where McLean served as host and Payne as guest judge, the Backstreet Boys member revealed he kept a recording of their last conversation.
"I've not deleted it. I've kept it on my phone as a constant reminder of who he was. He was a very positive, uplifting person," McLean, 47, tells PEOPLE. "He had a real quick wit about him. I don't know if it was the British humor or just him as a person. I think that was one of the things that him and I really, really gelled immediately with. Both of us were sarcastic and fun and funny, and always making jokes and pranks and just having fun with everybody on set."
He continues, "But also 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 was first announced in August 2024 and filming kicked off that summer.
"The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual 'booths' without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit," a synopsis for the show reads. "What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal — to find the next great music band — the stage is set for an unforgettable experience."
However, a few months after filming wrapped, Payne tragically died in Buenos Aires, Argentina after he fell from his hotel balcony in October at age 31.
Though McLean had known Payne for years, the pair developed a close friendship over the course of filming.
"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 from music to sobriety to life," McLean says.
He adds, "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... 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."
Episodes 1-4 of Building the Band are available now on Netflix.
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