Zayn Malik made a poignant return to the stage tonight for his solo tour, which he previously postponed due to the death of friend and bandmate Liam Payne.
In a loving gesture, he ensured Payne was included as he paid tribute to him with a sweet message on-screen.
The Pillowtalk hitmaker attended Payne’s funeral just three days ago after the One Direction star tragically died at the age of 31 on October 16.
Zayn joined Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Harry Styles for the devastating goodbye at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham, as Payne’s loved ones held a private service.
James Corden, TV personality Adrian Chiles, Simon Cowell, and JLS member Marvin Humes also attended the funeral near Payne’s home in Chalfont St Giles.
Then tonight, the Bradford-born musician, 31, bravely sang to a packed crowd with his Stairway To The Sky show, which marks the beginning of his first-ever tour as a soloist since leaving 1D almost a decade ago.
Zayn, who left the band in March 2015, performed to thousands at the 02 Academy in Leeds on what was undoubtedly an emotional night for all present.
Then, at the end of the gig after Zayn’s final song, Stardust, a heartfelt notice appeared on the big screen alongside a red heart.
It read: ‘Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro’.
Taking to X after the gig, fans expressed their love for Zayn and admiration for his strength in getting on stage, particularly given how vocal he’s been in the past about his anxiety, which has prevented him from touring until now.
‘Liam was watching you from up there, the whole time. He was so proud of you, Zayn and he loved you so so much’, wrote rauhlslegendary.
‘The fact Zayn left the stage before the tribute appeared on the screen only shows how MUCH it hurts and is difficult for him to go through it. And you still say they’re just bandmates. Zayn, we’re proud of you. Stay strong. We love you’, posted dpwvsn.
‘I can’t even begin to put into words how much respect I have for Zayn and how proud I am of him right now. Seeing him back on stage, smashing it > everything else’, wrote stronghabit28.
Payne was famously vocal with his support for his bandmates, whether it be on social media or in interviews after embarking on his own solo endeavours.
Shortly before he died in a fall from a third-floor balcony at his hotel in Buenos Aries, Argentina, the Strip That Down hitmaker attended Niall’s concert in South America.
And as he greeted fans outside his hotel after Zayn’s tour was confirmed, he told them: ‘Ain’t Zayn doing well, coming out on tour? I’m so proud of him!’
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.
He then announced that his Edinburgh concerts in November had also been postponed due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ which, in hindsight, appears 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 to Payne after news of his death broke, writing that he ‘never got to thank’ the singer for supporting him through some of the ‘most difficult’ times in his life.
He also penned: ‘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.
‘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.’
An investigation has been launched into Payne’s death by prosecutors, and three people have been charged in connection with the incident.
Fans have been in mourning since the tragedy, flocking to vigils around the world in their thousands to sing songs, lay flowers, and light candles.
Payne, who was put into One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, is survived by parents Geoff and Karen, plus older sisters Nicola and Ruth.
At the time of his death, he was dating Kate Cassidy, 25, and also leaves behind seven-year-old son Bear from his two-year relationship with pop star Cheryl.
Zayn Malik pays tribute to Liam Payne with first tour show days after funeral