Zayn Malik pays touching tribute to Liam Payne in first show since One Direction star’s death

Zayn Malik paid an emotional tribute to his late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne during his first solo tour performance in Leeds on Saturday night.

The 31-year-old singer displayed a heartfelt message on the big screen at the O2 Academy which read “Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro,” alongside a red heart.

The poignant moment came just three days after Malik attended Payne’s funeral in Buckinghamshire, where he reunited with fellow bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan.

The tribute appeared during Malik’s final song “Stardust” at his Stairway To The Sky show, marking his first-ever tour as a soloist since leaving One Direction almost a decade ago.

The Bradford-born musician had previously postponed several tour dates following Payne’s tragic death in October at the age of 31.

Malik had initially postponed the US leg of his tour in October, citing the “heartbreaking loss” of Payne.

Two Edinburgh shows at the O2 Academy, originally scheduled for 20 and 21 November, were rescheduled to 8 and 9 December due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

The venue confirmed that all tickets for the original show dates would remain valid for the rescheduled performances.

Following his Leeds performance, Malik is set to continue his UK tour with shows in London, Wolverhampton, Newcastle and Manchester throughout the final months of 2024.

The postponed US leg of the tour, which was meant to visit cities including San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Washington DC and New York, has been moved to January.

“Love you all and thank you for your understanding,” Malik told fans on social media regarding the schedule changes.

Fans took to social media platform X to express their admiration for Malik’s strength in performing, particularly given his past struggles with anxiety.

“Liam was watching you from up there, the whole time. He was so proud of you, Zayn and he loved you so so much”, wrote one user.

Another fan noted: “The fact Zayn left the stage before the tribute appeared on the screen only shows how MUCH it hurts and is difficult for him to go through it.”

“I can’t even begin to put into words how much respect I have for Zayn and how proud I am of him right now. Seeing him back on stage, smashing it > everything else”, shared another.

Shortly before his death, Payne had expressed pride in Malik’s return to touring, telling fans outside his hotel: “Ain’t Zayn doing well, coming out on tour? I’m so proud of him!”

Payne died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died of multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage”.

An investigation has been launched by prosecutors into the circumstances surrounding his death, with three people being charged in connection with the incident.

The One Direction members reunited for the first time since Malik’s 2015 departure at Payne’s private funeral service in Buckinghamshire last Wednesday.

The service was attended by family members including Payne’s parents Geoff and Karen, and his older sisters Nicola and Ruth.

His girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, and former partner Cheryl, with whom he shares seven-year-old son Bear, were also present at the service.

Fans across the globe have continued to hold vigils in memory of the singer, gathering to sing songs and lay flowers and artwork.

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Following Payne’s death in October, Malik shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram alongside a throwback photo from their boyband days.

“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life,” Malik wrote.

In his emotional message, he continued: “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.”

“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever,” the singer added.

“There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated,” Malik wrote.

He concluded his tribute by saying: “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.”