Zayn Malik paid a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne, during his Stairway to the Sky tour stop in Wolverhampton, England, on Friday. This poignant moment took place in Payne’s hometown, just days after the tragic passing of the 31-year-old singer on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Before performing his emotional song “iT’s YoU”, Zayn addressed the crowd, saying, “So, I’ve been doing something at the end of the show every night, and it’s being dedicated to my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace. I hope you’re seeing this in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton, this is for you Liam.” The tribute moved fans, as Malik shared a deeply personal connection with Payne, both as a bandmate in One Direction and as close friends.
Earlier in the week, during a performance in Leeds, Zayn had displayed a tribute on stage, where he showed the words “Liam Payne, 1993-2024. Love you bro,” accompanied by a heart symbol, honoring his late friend.
In addition to these tributes, Zayn made the decision to postpone the U.S. leg of his tour following Liam’s death. In a post on his Instagram Story, Zayn explained his decision, writing, “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the Stairway to the Sky Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January… Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding.”
A day after Payne’s passing, Zayn also shared a touching message on social media, remembering Liam. “When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile,” Zayn wrote. He reflected on Liam’s talent, calling him the “most qualified” member of One Direction, and expressed regret over not having more conversations with him. “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.”
Liam Payne tragically passed away on October 16 after a fall from a third-floor balcony at his hotel in Buenos Aires. Reports suggest he suffered internal and external injuries from the fall. Investigations revealed that Liam was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the incident. Local media also reported that a hotel staff member and an alleged drug dealer were arrested in connection with the tragedy.
The loss of Liam Payne has deeply affected his family, friends, and fans worldwide, and Zayn Malik’s emotional tributes are just one example of the profound impact Liam had on those around him. Fans continue to remember him not only for his music but for the friendship and positivity he shared with his bandmates and loved ones.
