AN emotional Zayn Malik performed a One Direction song for the first time in TEN years – it was also the last one he ever released with Liam Payne.
Zayn. 32, famously waved goodbye to the band in 2015 leaving fans around the world devastated
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Taking to the stage in Mexico City’s Palacio De Los Deportes, fans went wild when Zayn started to sing One Direction’s famous song, Night Changes.
It was a touching moment, as it was the first time he had also performed the song since his 1D friend Liam Payne died.
The 31-year-singer passed away last October after he fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
So it’s not surprising it was an emotional moment for both Zayn and his fans when he started to sing one of One Direction’s most famous songs.
Fans couldn’t contain their excitement when the star performed the 2014 hit, Night Changes.
At one point Zayn pointed his microphone out the audience and let them sing.
After the moving performance, an emotional Zayn said: “It’s the first time I sang that song in 10 years.
“Thank you, that was f*****g amazing.
“I almost cried at one point. This is insane.”
QUITTING ONE DIRECTION
The performance fell on the 10th anniversary of the day Zayn quit One Direction.
Zayn Malik pays poignant tribute to Liam Payne as he performs first gig since ex-One Direction bandmate’s tragic death
In a Facebook statement on March 25, 2015, he wrote: “My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band.
“I’d like to apologise to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.”
Zayn reunited with bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan at Liam’s funeral last year.
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LIAM TRIBUTE
Zayn kicked off his solo tour, named Stairway To The Sky, in front of thousands at the 02 Academy in Leeds in November.
Fans were heard sobbing as a heartfelt tribute to Liam popped up on a large blue screen behind the former One Direction star.
The message, accompanied with a love heart, read: “Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro”.
The tour was initially delayed after Liam’s sad death.
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BECOMING ONE DIRECTION STARS
Zayn found fame as one of the members of One Direction back in 2010, alongside Liam, Harry, Louis and Niall Horan.
The group became an international phenomenon, with hits including Kiss You, What Makes You Beautiful and of course, Night Changes.
As news of Liam’s 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.
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“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”.
