United Kingdom, June 23 -- DJ Fat Tony tried to "help" Liam Payne with his "demons".

The 59-year-old musician - who has been sober for 18 years - was "devastated" when his friend died last October aged 31 after falling from the balcony of his hotel room in Argentina, with toxicology reports finding the former One Direction star had cocaine, alcohol, and antidepressants in his system at the time.

Tony had "amazing times" with Liam when he was sober and did his best to guide him on the right path.

He told The Times Magazine: "I tried to help Liam Payne with his demons. He was incredible - a really close friend. [The singer died last year.] There were so many amazing times where he got clean and sober. Not everyone makes it. It's a real s...