Zayn Malik honored his late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne during his concert in Wolverhampton, England, on November 29, 2024. This performance marked Malik’s first since Payne’s tragic death at age 31 on October 16, following a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
Malik dedicated his song “It’s You” to Payne, expressing his hope that the late singer could witness the tribute from beyond15.
During the concert, Malik shared heartfelt words with the audience, stating, “Rest in peace. I hope you see this in your hometown tonight.” This emotional moment resonated deeply with fans, many of whom were visibly moved by the tribute26.
Earlier in the week, Malik had similarly honored Payne at his concert in Leeds, where a message reading “Liam Payne 1993-2024, Love you bro” was displayed on stage13.
Malik had postponed several tour dates following Payne’s death, citing the need to mourn the loss of his friend. He had attended Payne’s funeral alongside fellow One Direction members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, marking their first public reunion since Malik left the group in 201516.
In an emotional Instagram post, Malik reflected on their friendship and expressed his sorrow over not being able to say a proper goodbye5.
The tributes have sparked widespread attention on social media, with fans sharing their own memories and condolences for Payne.
Malik’s heartfelt gestures underscore the deep bond shared among the former bandmates and their collective grief over losing one of their own25. As Malik continues his tour, he remains committed to honoring Payne’s legacy through music and remembrance13.
