Zayn Malik Attends Liam Payne's Funeral Alongside One Direction After Rescheduling Tour Dates
Until Payne's funeral, Malik had not been seen together publicly with all of his former band members since he left One Direction
Zayn Malik attended Liam Payne's funeral alongside his former bandmates on Wednesday.
Payne, one of five members of the boy band One Direction, died Oct. 16 when he fell from a third floor balcony at CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31.
On Nov. 20, just over a month after his death, his funeral saw friends and loved ones, including Payne's four bandmates — Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan. The service was held in a church on the English countryside outside of London.
One Direction debuted as a group in 2010 after X Factor judges suggested they compete as a group. The band released four albums before Malik departed the group in 2015, and officially split up in 2016.
Upon hearing news of Payne's death, the band released a group statement on Instagram.
"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," the post read. "But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly."
The post continued, "The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. Today, 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."
The post was signed by Malik, Horan, Tomlinson and Styles.
Until Payne’s funeral, Malik had not been seen together publicly with all of his former band members since he left One Direction.
Malik's appearance at Payne's funeral comes after he recently rescheduled dates for his tour. He announced on Oct. 19 — three days after Payne's death — that the United States leg of his Stairway to the Sky Tour tour would be postponed.
"Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I've made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour," Malik said.
The first show was set for Oct. 23. Malik added in the statement that new dates would be scheduled for early next year, which he confirmed days later.
Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy was also in attendance, as well as his ex Cheryl, mother of Payne's 7-year-old son Bear Grey. Payne's friend James Corden and former X Factor judge Simon Cowell, who helped create One Direction, also attended.