Malik dedicates a heartfelt performance of “iT’s YoU” to his former One Direction bandmate following Payne’s tragic passing.
Zayn Malik has paid an emotional tribute to his late friend and former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne, during his Stairway to the Sky tour. The heartfelt moment occurred on Friday, November 30, 2024, during Malik’s concert in Wolverhampton, England—the hometown of Payne, who tragically passed away on October 16, 2024, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31.
Before performing his deeply emotional song iT’s YoU, Malik addressed the crowd with words that left fans in tears. “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,” he said.
Earlier in the week, during his Leeds performance, Malik displayed a heartfelt tribute on stage, showing the words “Liam Payne, 1993-2024. Love you bro,” alongside a heart symbol, solidifying his deep sorrow and admiration for his late bandmate.
Payne’s death, which occurred following a tragic fall from a third-floor hotel balcony, has left the music world in mourning. According to reports, the former One Direction member suffered serious internal and external injuries from the fall and was under the influence of narcotics at the time. Local authorities arrested a hotel staff member and an alleged drug dealer in connection with the incident.
In the wake of this devastating loss, Malik made the difficult decision to postpone the U.S. leg of his Stairway to the Sky tour. He shared the news with fans on his Instagram Story, stating, “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.”
Just a day after Payne’s passing, Malik took to social media to reflect on the bond he shared with his friend. “When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile,” Malik shared. He continued, calling Payne the “most qualified” member of One Direction and expressing his 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,” he wrote.
Liam Payne’s tragic passing has deeply affected the One Direction family, and Malik’s heartfelt tributes to his late friend and brother continue to resonate with fans and the music community worldwide.
