Zayn Malik Pays Tribute to Liam Payne at First Tour Stop Since He Died: ‘Love You Bro’

Mar. 15, 2025

Zayn Malik; Liam Payne.Photo:Getty(2)

Getty(2)

Zayn Malikreturned to the stage — and honored one of the first people he ever shared a stage with.

At the first show of the “Dusk Till Dawn” singer’s Stairway to the Sky Tour on Saturday, Nov. 23, Malik paid tribute toOne DirectionbandmateLiam Payne, whodied on Oct. 16at age 31.

The “PILLOWTALK” singer, 31, ended his show at O2 Academy in Leeds, England — Malik’s first since Payne’s death — with a tribute to the late singer. After playing his second-to-last song, a message about Payne appeared as his track “Stardust” played,fan-captured footageshows.

“Liam Payne 1993-2024,” the screen read over a blue background with a red heart. “Love you bro.”

TheRoom Under the Stairsartist’s tribute came three days afterMalik attended Payne’s funeralalongside his former One Direction bandmates —Harry Styles,Louis TomlinsonandNiall Horan— marking the first time he had been seen publicly with them since he left the group in 2015.

Malik’s appearance at the funeral also came shortly after herescheduled dates for his tour. On Oct. 19, three days after Payne’s death, the singer announced on Instagram that, “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week,” he would be postponing the United States leg of his upcoming tour.

“Love you all and thank you for your understanding,” he wrote at the time.

Liam Payne and Zayn Malik in 2011.Shirlaine Forrest/WireImag

Shirlaine Forrest/WireImag

Payne died on Oct. 16 when hefell from a third floor balconyat CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Hedied from multiple injuries and “internal and external” hemorrhages, according to a preliminary autopsy report.

Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan of One Direction.Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty

Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty

A day later, on Oct. 17, Malik and his bandmatesshared a rare group statement— their first since Malik’s departure nearly a decade ago — reacting to their bandmate’s sudden death.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever,” the band continued. “For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Malik also shared a tribute of his own, penning a message to Payne onInstagram.

“Will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated,” he continued. “I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are.”

source: people.com