Zayn Malik postpones tour after ‘heartbreaking loss’ of One Direction bandmate Liam Payne
ZAYN Malik has cancelled his upcoming US tour dates in light of Liam Payne’s death.
The former One Direction star has been left devastated by the sudden death of Liam, who died on Wednesday in a shock accident at a hotel in Buenos Aires.
Liam, 31, fell from his hotel balcony just hours after speaking with fans outside, with reports from inside the building claiming he was “acting erratically” shortly before he fell.
In light of the news, Zayn has opted to step away from upcoming shows of his solo tour in order to grieve privately.
He wrote on Instagram Stories today: “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of 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 understanding.”
Liam and Zayn found fame together as members of One Direction back in 2010, alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan.
The group became an international phenomenon, with hits including Kiss You, What Makes You Beautiful and Night Changes.
Zayn left the group in 2015, with the rest of the band going on an “indefinite hiatus” the following year in order to pursue their own solo work.
As news of the heartbreaking loss spread around the world, the band released a statement together, before they each made their own separate tributes.
Zayn shared a picture of him and Liam cuddled up together in the back of the car as he reflected on their friendship and the time they spent together.
He wrote: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“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 would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“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.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
Liam is survived by his family, including his sister Ruth, and his seven-year-old son, Bear.