During his performance at the O2 Academy Leeds on Saturday, Zayn Malik gave a moving homage to Liam Payne, his former bandmate in One Direction. Following his performance, Malik paid tribute to Payne’s memory by holding up a sign that read “Love you bro” along with Payne’s name, birth year, and death year. On social media, the gesture and a pink heart have now received a lot of shares.
Last month, Payne tragically died at the age of 31 after he fell from the third floor of an Argentine hotel balcony. Following his passing, a deluge of letters from friends, family, and former bandmates conveyed their grief. Malik was among those who attended Payne’s burial on Wednesday in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, including Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, and his ex-partner Cheryl.
Malik’s current tour, which included his Leeds performance, had experienced several rescheduling problems. The two events in Edinburgh that were originally scheduled to start earlier in the week were postponed because of “unforeseen circumstances.” Fans in Leeds saw Malik play a number of songs, such as “Pillowtalk” and “My Woman,” before his heartfelt homage to Payne, despite the delays.
After what he called the “heartbreaking loss” of Payne, Malik canceled his US tour earlier in October. His original plan for the US leg of his Stairway to the Sky Tour was to begin in San Francisco and travel to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York. On social media, he said that these performances would now take place in January and that tickets would still be available for the new dates.
In a statement to his fans, Malik expressed gratitude for their support during this difficult time, writing, “Love you all and thank you for your understanding.” In his Instagram post, he also informed fans that the Edinburgh shows that were originally planned for November 20 and 21 had been rescheduled for December 8 and 9, respectively, and that all tickets for the original dates would still be valid.
As members of One Direction, a boyband founded on The X Factor in 2010, Payne and Malik rose to international fame. When Malik left in 2015 to pursue a solo career, the trio—which included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan—became a cultural sensation. In 2016, the band finally broke up.
Malik and his former bandmates honored their fallen colleague with emotional tributes after Payne’s passing. Malik referred to Payne as “the most vital part” of the group and expressed his sadness over the passing. “I loved and respected you very much,” he said. All of my recollections of you will always be cherished.
In addition, Malik remarked, “There are no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated,” reflecting on their relationship. I wish you well and tranquility wherever you are at the moment. The bandmates’ strong bond over their years together was emphasized in his eulogy.
The impact One Direction had on its members and fans around the world received fresh attention after Payne’s passing. Despite their separate occupations, the band members have stuck with each other through both personal and professional difficulties.
Many fans anticipated that Malik would speak about Payne’s memory at his Leeds performance, given the emotional impact of the recent events. It was a poignant way for him to cap the evening by delaying the homage until the very end of the performance.
The memorial showed how the former band members remained friends even years after their split. Malik’s heartfelt message served as a reminder to fans of the close relationship and shared experiences that shaped One Direction’s growth.
In his homage and open discussions with fans, Malik highlighted his determination to continue Payne’s legacy while pursuing a musical career. His supporters were deeply moved by his deeds and have supported him during this difficult period.
