Zayn Malik pays tribute to Liam Payne at first show since band mate's death

Get the latest Daily Record breaking news on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info

Join us on WhatsApp

Zayn Malik delivered a moving tribute to his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne at the inaugural concert of his solo tour.

Launching his 'Stairway To The Sky' tour at Leeds's O2 Academy on Saturday, Malik had initially postponed the original opening dates in Edinburgh due to Payne's funeral on Wednesday.

The singer joined other band members for a private service in Buckinghamshire to bid farewell to Payne, who tragically died at 31 in Argentina last month. Social media posts from Malik's performance show a touching message displayed on a large blue screen behind him, reading: "Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro" alongside a pink heart.

The 31 year old artist had previously delayed the US leg of his tour citing the "heartbreaking loss" of Payne and rescheduled the Edinburgh shows, set for November 20 and 21, to December due to "unforeseen circumstances". In the wake of Payne's passing, Malik expressed regret that he "never got to thank" Payne for his support during some of his life's "most difficult" moments.

"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", he said in an emotional Instagram post. "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," he concluded.

"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."

The singer found fame with Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan after Simon Cowell grouped them to form One Direction on the ITV talent show The X Factor in 2010. Malik departed from One Direction in 2015, and the band entered an indefinite hiatus a year later, with each member embarking on solo ventures.

Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

Payne sadly passed away on October 16 due to multiple traumas and "internal and external haemorrhage" following a fall from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, as detailed by post-mortem reports. Authorities are investigating the tragic event, which has led to the charging of three individuals.

Tributes continue as fans worldwide hold vigils for Payne. Meanwhile, Malik is gearing up for several UK dates, including concerts in London, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Manchester.

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.