Zayn Malik Honor Liam Payne During Performance in Singer’s Hometown: “This Is for You Liam”

Back in 2010, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson joined forces to create the boy band One Direction. For just six years, the band released five studio albums, with their last, Made in the A.M., hitting shelves back in 2015. With each performer looking to explore a solo career in music, the band decided to go on a hiatus. And in the years that followed, many found success. But sadly, on October 16th, tragedy struck when Payne passed away. Remembering his bandmate and friend, Malik recently paid tribute to the singer in his hometown. 

While helming his Stairway to the Sky tour, Malik traveled to the town of Wolverhampton, England for a concert. It just so happened that the town was the home of Payne. Knowing how important the moment was, Malik took a moment to remember Payne. “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 singer followed his speech with a performance of “It’s You.” 

[RELATED: Boy George Regrets Comments He Made About Liam Payne Before His Death: “I Felt Like He Was Out of Control”]

Zayn Malik Postponed Tour After Liam Payne’s Passing

Outside of the touching tribute, Malik struggled with the passing of his friend. After the news of Payne’s passing took over headlines, Malik postponed the U.S. leg of his tour. At the time, he said, “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 and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates, love you all and thank you for your understanding.”

While countless singers and stars remembered Payne and his contributions to music, his fellow One Direction members have taken time to process the news. Not that long ago, Malik posted a picture of the two of them together, revealing, “When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved. Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated and gave no fucks about telling people when they were wrong.” 

Malik even explained how they “butted heads” at times over different opinions, but the singer concluded, “I always secretly respected you for it.”

(Photo by Stefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images)