Zayn Malik pays tribute to Liam Payne at first show after the singer’s death: ‘I love you, bro’

During a show held at O2 Academy Leedsin Leeds, England, on the night of last Saturday, 23rd, Zayn Malik honored Liam Paynewho died at the age of 31, on October 16, 2024, after falling from the balcony of a hotel room in Buenos Aires.

It is worth remembering how this was the first live performance of Malik since the tragic and untimely death of Paynewith whom the 31-year-old singer was part of the boy band One Direction next to Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan.

The show in question marked the beginning of the tour Stairway To The Sky. After performing the last song, “Gates of Hell,” the screen projected a tribute to Liam Payne with “Stardust” as a trail. The image contained the artist’s name, the year of birth and death and the message: “I love you bro.” On social media, the photo went viral and was widely shared on social media.

Furthermore, the tribute (see below) and the concert took place just three days after the funeral of Payne. The ceremony was attended by the other four members of the One Direction and Simon Cowelljuror of The X Factor who formed the boy band in the beginning.

Zayn Malik’s tribute to Liam Payne at his concert in Leeds tonight. 🤍🕊️ pic.twitter.com/6M2ft26rsx

— Remembering Liam Payne (@updatingljp) November 23, 2024