Zayn Malik honors the memory of his beloved friend Liam Payne with heartfelt tributes.

On Friday, November 29, 2023, the 31-year-old singer Zayn Malik dedicated his poignant song “It’s You” to his late One Direction bandmate during an emotional concert as part of his Stairway to the Sky tour, which took place in Payne’s hometown of Wolverhampton, England. This touching tribute was not just a performance but a moment filled with sentiment as Zayn took the time to express his grief and fond memories of Liam, who sadly passed away in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16, 2023.

“I’ve been dedicating something special at the end of every show, and tonight it’s for my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace, my friend. I hope you’re watching from your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton; this one is for you, Liam,” Malik shared in a heartfelt message captured by a fan on X (formerly Twitter). His words resonated deeply, showcasing the strong bond they shared as bandmates and friends.

Zayn, known for his hit “Pillowtalk,” had previously paid tribute to Liam during the opening night of his Stairway to the Sky tour at the O2 Academy Leeds in West Yorkshire, England, on November 23. During this memorable performance, Zayn displayed a powerful tribute on the screen that read, “Liam Payne 1993-2024 Love You bro,” alongside a red heart, all while his new song “Stardust” played softly in the background, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere.

In a show of solidarity and respect, Malik attended Liam’s funeral just days before kicking off his tour. He was joined by his former One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, collectively honoring the memory of the late singer during this somber occasion.

Before embarking on his U.K. tour, Malik made the heartfelt decision to postpone the start of his first official solo tour in light of the devastating news regarding Payne’s passing. He shared his sentiments publicly, stating, “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour.” Malik expressed his gratitude for his fans’ understanding and mentioned that the rescheduled dates would be announced shortly, ensuring that all tickets would remain valid for the new shows.

In addition to his concert tributes, Zayn also took to Instagram to express his grief and honor Liam with an emotional post shortly after hearing the tragic news. He reflected on their friendship, writing, “I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.” Alongside a nostalgic photo of himself resting in Payne’s lap during their teenage years, Malik shared how Liam was a source of support during challenging times, highlighting the deep emotional connection they shared throughout their lives.