Zayn Malik pays tribute to former bandmate Liam Payne

One Direction alum Zayn Malik took the opportunity to remember his late bandmate Liam Payne during the first show of his Stairway to the Sky Tour on Saturday at O2 Academy in Leeds, England.

The words “Liam Payne 1993-2024 Love you bro” appeared alongside a red heart on the screen behind Malik as his track “Stardust” played. After this tribute, Malik launched into the final song of the concert.

Three days earlier, Malik attended Payne’s funeral alongside his former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan.

Payne died on Oct. 16 after a fall from a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires. He was 31.

The day after his death, his One Direction bandmates issued a statement: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever,” the statement continued. “For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

On Nov. 7, three people were charged in connection with Payne’s death. Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office announced the news on Thursday, Nov. 7 and requested the arrest of the suspects, whom they did not identify by name at the time. Payne had cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he died.

One of the suspects, described as “the person who accompanied the artist on a daily basis during his stay” in Buenos Aires, has been charged with abandonment of a person followed by death. The charge can carry a prison sentence of five to 15 years.

Malik had postponed his first-ever solo tour following the tragedy, writing on social media: “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the U.S. leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January, and I’ll post them as soon as it’s all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding.”

He had previously paid tribute to Payne the day after his death, writing on Instagram: “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. 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.”