Zayn Malik Pays Tribute to Liam Payne in Wolverhampton: "I Hope You’re Watching This"
On Friday, November 29, the British singer Zayn Malik dedicated a song in memory of Liam Payne, the former fellow member of the boy band “One Direction,” on the stage of the Wolverhampton, the city, where Payne was born. The 31-year-old singer performed It’s You, dedicating it to the program Stairway to the Sky, with a heart-warming message to viewers.
In a touching moment captured by fans and shared on X (formerly Twitter), Malik addressed the crowd:
“So, I’ve been doing something at the show's end every night, and it’s being dedicated to my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace. I hope you’re seeing this in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton, this is for you, Liam.”
Payne, who passed away unexpectedly in Buenos Aires on October 16, was remembered with warmth and love by his former bandmate.
Tributes Throughout the Tour
This wasn’t Malik’s first homage to Liam. At the opening concert of his Stairway to the Sky tour in Leeds on November 23, he displayed the message, “Liam Payne 1993–2024 Love You bro,” alongside a red heart on a screen. The tribute played during his performance of “Stardust” adds a deeply emotional layer to the evening.
The Wolverhampton tribute further solidified Malik’s dedication to honoring Payne throughout his tour, providing fans with a sense of shared mourning.
A Somber Farewell
All One Direction members, including Harry Styles, Louis Tomlison, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne’s close friend Malik, attended Payne’s burial before the tour started. The passionate and hearty send-off represented an important turn for the bandmates, who got together to pay tribute to Payne’s legacy.
In light of the tragedy, Malik delayed the start of the U.S. leg of his tour. He announced the postponement on X, writing:
“Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve decided to postpone the US 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.”
A Personal Reflection on Loss
In the days following Payne’s passing, Malik took to Instagram to express his grief and share a personal memory. Posting a nostalgic photo of himself resting on Payne’s lap during their teenage years, he wrote:
“I can’t help but think selfishly that there were so many more conversations for us. I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you were always there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile, letting me know I was loved.”
Zayn Malik’s tributes, both on and off the stage, have resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the enduring bond between the former bandmates and their shared history.
