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Zayn Malik kicked off his first solo tour on November 23 at the O2 Academy Leeds in England, paying an emotional tribute to his late friend and former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne.
Though Zayn did not directly address Liam during his performance, a poignant projection displayed the words, "Liam Payne, 1993–2024, Love you Bro," with a red heart as he exited the stage.
The tribute follows Liam's tragic death on October 16 in Buenos Aires, where he suffered multiple injuries after a fall. Toxicology reports revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and an antidepressant. Zayn postponed the U.S. leg of his 'Stairway to the Sky' tour in the wake of the news, expressing his heartbreak on Instagram.
The emotional toll of Liam's passing brought One Direction members Zayn, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson together for the first time since 2015. The group attended Liam's funeral on November 20 in England, alongside his family, friends, and notable figures like Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole.
In a joint statement released shortly after Liam's death, the band members expressed their devastation: "The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. We will miss him terribly. We love you, Liam."
Zayn's tribute and the group's reunion underscore the deep bond they shared, even after years of pursuing solo careers. Fans have embraced the tribute as a moving acknowledgment of their collective grief and love for Liam.
