Former One Direction star Zayn Malik has paid tribute to late bandmate Liam Payne in a moving speech at a recent gig.
Zayn, 31, performed in his former bandmate’s hometown this week, taking his Stairway to the Sky tour to the Halls venue at the University of Wolverhampton.
And, as he took to the stage, Zayn took time to pay tribute to Payne – who died last month after falling from a balcony in Argentina.
Payne, who rose to fame along with Zayn, Harry Styles and Niall Horan as part of the X-Factor supergroup One Direction, was born in the Heath Town district of Wolverhampton in 1993.
Zayn has been marking Payne’s tragic death by performing in front of a digital screen emblazoned with a pink heart and the words ‘Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro.’
However, this Friday’s show marked the first time that the Pillowtalk hitmaker has spoken directly about his former bandmate during one of the shows.
In footage captured by fans during Friday’s gig, Zayn paid tribute to his One Direction ‘brother.’
Speaking to fans, Zayn said: ‘I’ve been doing something, at the end of the show, every night, and it’s been dedicated to my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace.’
He continued: ‘I hope you’re seeing this, we’re in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton, this is for you, Liam.’
In October, Zayn issued a statement to confirm the US leg of his tour had been put on hold due to the heartbreak of Payne’s death.
His Edinburgh concerts in November had where also postponed due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ – which, in hindsight, appear to have been because they were due to take place around the date of Payne’s funeral.
Due to unforeseen circumstances (the) Zayn Stairway To The Sky Edinburgh show originally scheduled for November 20 has been rescheduled for December 8,’ an Instagram Story read.
A further date on November 21 at the same O2 Academy Edinburgh venue has been moved to December 9, the post said.
‘All tickets for the original show dates will be honoured on the rescheduled dates,’ it added.
Zayn shared his own tribute after news of Payne’s death broke, writing how he ‘never got to thank’ the singer for supporting him through some of the ‘most difficult’ times in his life.
He also said: ‘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 and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.
‘I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever.’
More Trending
‘There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.
‘I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.’
Fans have been in a state of mourning since the tragedy, flocking to vigils around the world in their thousands to sing songs, lay flowers, and light candles in his honour.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have launched an investigation into Payne’s death, and three people have been charged in connection with the incident.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: Liam Payne’s ex fiancée Maya Henry returns to social media after vicious trolling
MORE: This Yorkshire ‘dump’ with ‘no redeeming qualities’ is the city to visit in 2025
MORE: Zayn Malik halts gig over crowd crush fears at London show
