Zayn Malik paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne, during a concert in Wolverhampton, England, on November 29. This emotional moment marked the first time Malik publicly addressed Payne’s passing since his death on October 16.
Malik dedicated the song “It’s You” to Payne, expressing his hope that the late singer was watching from above.
During the performance, Malik addressed the audience, saying, “So I’ve been doing something at the end of the show every night, and it is being dedicated to my brother Liam Payne.”
The crowd responded with cheers as he continued, “Rest in peace.
I hope you see this. We’re in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton. This is for you, Liam.”
This tribute follows Malik’s earlier homage during his tour’s opening show in Leeds on November 23. There, he projected a message on stage that read, “Liam Payne 1993-2024, Love you bro,” accompanied by his song “Stardust.”
Fans were visibly moved by both tributes.
Malik had attended Payne’s funeral shortly before the Wolverhampton concert, reuniting with former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan for the first time since his departure from One Direction in 2015. The tragic circumstances surrounding Payne’s death have deeply affected fans and fellow musicians alike.
In light of this loss, Malik postponed his U.S. tour dates to honor Payne’s memory. He expressed gratitude to fans for their understanding during this difficult time. Malik is scheduled to resume performances in January 2025.
The emotional tributes highlight the strong bond between Malik and Payne, showcasing their friendship even after their time together in One Direction. Fans continue to share their grief and memories of Payne on social media, reflecting the impact he had on many lives.