Zayn Malik Pays Tribute to Liam Payne During Leeds Concert
Former One Direction member Zayn Malik honored his late bandmate Liam Payne during a concert in Leeds, displaying a heartfelt sign that read “Love you bro” along with Payne’s name and birth/death years. The tribute came after a series of emotional events following Payne’s tragic death.
Payne, aged 31, died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina last month. His funeral in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, was attended by his One Direction bandmates, including Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, as well as his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and ex-partner Cheryl.
Malik has been significantly impacted by Payne’s loss, which has affected his ongoing tour. He initially rescheduled two shows in Edinburgh, citing “unforeseen circumstances,” and subsequently postponed his entire US tour. The Stairway to the Sky Tour, originally set to begin in San Francisco and include stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and New York, will now be rescheduled for January.
During the Leeds concert, Malik performed several of his hit songs, including “Pillowtalk” and “My Woman”. The tribute to Payne came at the end of the show, accompanied by a pink heart, meeting fans’ expectations of a memorial gesture.
Malik and Payne’s relationship dates back to their time in One Direction, the boyband formed on The X Factor in 2010. Malik left the group in 2015 to pursue a solo career, with the band ultimately splitting in 2016.
Following Payne’s death, Malik shared a deeply emotional tribute, writing: “I loved and respected you dearly. I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.”
Other band members also shared poignant tributes, remembering Payne as “the most vital part” of their group and their “brother”. The loss has clearly deeply affected all of Payne’s former bandmates and friends.
Malik’s public tribute at the Leeds concert demonstrates the continued bond between the former band members, despite the years since their separation. By displaying the sign and sharing his grief publicly, Malik has shown the enduring connection and love between the One Direction members.
The rescheduled tour dates and Malik’s heartfelt messages indicate his commitment to honoring Payne’s memory while continuing to move forward with his musical career.
