English singer Zayn Malik announced on Saturday that he is postponing his planned U.S. tour following the death of his former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne.
In a statement on the social platform X, Zayn shared that the decision was made “given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week.” He indicated that the dates for the U.S. leg of his “Stairway to the Sky” tour will be rescheduled for January, with new dates to be posted in the coming days.
Zayn had performances scheduled for next week in San Francisco and Las Vegas, followed by shows in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and New York the following week. He assured fans, “Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding.”
Liam Payne, 31, was found dead on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. His passing has led to an outpouring of grief from friends, collaborators, and fellow musicians. Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, expressed her sorrow in an Instagram tribute, stating, “I don’t believe this is happening. Many times have I poured my heart out publicly with pride about Liam but never much about life as his sister.” She added that her brother was “born with music in his veins” and lamented that “this world was not good enough or kind enough to you.”
One Direction, formed on the reality show “The X Factor,” was the internet’s first boy band to achieve a level of fame comparable to Beatlemania. The members navigated the challenges of sudden stardom and the subsequent breakup while attempting to build successful solo careers.
The circumstances surrounding Payne’s death are still unclear, although Argentine authorities have noted suspicious elements and potential drug involvement. Toxicology test results are expected in the coming weeks. Payne had previously acknowledged his struggle with alcoholism, stating in a YouTube video posted in July 2023 that he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment.
