Zayn Malik paid a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate Liam Payne during his Stairway to the Sky tour in Wolverhampton, England, on November 29. Performing in Payne’s hometown, Malik dedicated the song “It’s You” to him, marking his first public acknowledgment of Payne’s tragic passing on October 16 at age 31.
The emotional moment resonated deeply with fans as Malik addressed the crowd, saying, “Rest in peace. I hope you see this” 123.
Malik’s tribute began with a touching speech where he referred to Payne as his “brother,” emphasizing their close bond from their One Direction days.
He expressed the significance of performing in Wolverhampton and dedicated the song to honor Payne’s memory. The audience responded with cheers, creating a poignant atmosphere during the concert 234.
This tribute follows Malik’s earlier homage at his Leeds concert on November 23, where he displayed a message on screen reading, “Liam Payne 1993-2024, Love you bro,” while his song “Stardust” played in the background. This marked a significant moment as it was Malik’s first performance since Payne’s death 145.
In light of the tragedy, Malik postponed his U.S. tour dates, citing the “heartbreaking loss” he experienced. He expressed gratitude for fans’ understanding during this difficult time and is set to resume performances in January 2025 16.
Malik attended Payne’s funeral on November 20, reuniting with former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan for the first time since leaving One Direction in 2015. This gathering underscored the deep connections forged during their time together 45.
The investigation into Payne’s death continues, with authorities charging three individuals related to the incident. Malik’s tributes highlight not only his personal grief but also the enduring legacy of friendship among the former bandmates 56.
