Zayn Malik paid a heartfelt tribute to his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne during the first show of his UK tour in Leeds on November 23. At the conclusion of the concert, Malik displayed a moving tribute on the screen, featuring Payne’s birth and death years alongside the message, “Love you bro.” The image quickly spread across social media, touching fans worldwide.
Zayn Malik's tribute to Liam Payne at his concert in Leeds tonight. 🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/6M2ft26rsx
— Remembering Liam Payne (@updatingljp) November 23, 2024
The timing of the tribute added to its emotional weight, occurring just three days after Payne’s funeral. The service, held in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, was attended by notable figures including Cheryl, other members of One Direction, and Simon Cowell. Payne, who tragically died on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, suffered multiple traumatic injuries, as confirmed by an autopsy.
Malik’s tour was initially set to begin earlier in the week with two shows in Edinburgh, but these were postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances,” likely related to Payne’s recent funeral. The rescheduled Edinburgh concerts are now set for December 8 and 9.