England – Zayn Malik paid tribute to his late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne during the opening night of his Stairway to the Sky solo tour on Saturday. The show at the O2 Academy Leeds marked Malik’s first public performance since Payne’s unexpected death at age 31 last month.
In a poignant moment during the concert, a message appeared on a screen behind Malik while his 2024 track “Stardust” played over the speakers. The display read, “Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love You, Bro,” accompanied by a large red heart.
Payne, who died on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was remembered by his former bandmates in a joint statement shortly after the tragedy. Malik, along with Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, issued a statement expressing their grief.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly,” the group said.
Malik, 31, delayed the start of his tour to attend Payne’s funeral alongside his former bandmates earlier this month.
Investigation and Cause of Death
Payne’s death remains under investigation, with the Argentinian National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office charging three individuals in connection with the incident. The suspects have not been publicly identified.
An autopsy confirmed that Payne sustained severe internal and external injuries, resulting in fatal bleeding. A toxicology report revealed that Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system at the time of his death.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through fans and the music industry, with tributes pouring in from across the world.
Malik’s heartfelt gesture during his Leeds performance resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom shared photos and videos of the tribute on social media. The singer is set to continue his tour, which marks a new chapter in his solo career following his departure from One Direction in 2015.
A Legacy Remembered
Fans and former colleagues have described Payne as a gifted performer and a kind-hearted individual. “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us,” the joint statement from his bandmates concluded.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
