zayn malik | WellnessMaster

Zayn Malik surprised fans at his show on Tuesday night with an impromptu throwback to his One Direction days – on the anniversary of his exit from the band being announced.

The chart-topping singer is currently nearing the end of his first ever solo world tour, but kicked things off in a different way at his show in Mexico City.

Much to fans’ delight, Zayn opened the set with a live performance of Night Changes, which also happened to be the last single One Direction released with him still a part of the group.

Zayn with his One Direction bandmates Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Harry Styles in 2012

Zayn had not performed the song – which he co-wrote alongside all four of his former bandmates – since parting ways with 1D in 2015.

Unlike the other four members of the group, One Direction songs have never formed part of his live setlists.

It has been an emotional few months for Directioners, following the shock death of Liam Payne in October 2024, at the age of 31.

Back in November, Zayn joined his bandmates Niall Horan, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson – with whom he’d not been seen in public since his departure from the group – at Liam’s funeral.

Prior to that, he paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, writing: “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what l’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.

“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, [I have] no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace A and you know how loved you are.”

He signed off the emotional message: “Love you, bro.”

Liam Payne has spoken out after hitting the headlines for comments he made about his former bandmate Zayn Malik.

Earlier this week, the former One Direction star’s interview with YouTuber Logan Paul was shared online, during which he spoke about past tensions within the boyband.

He was also asked about Zayn, who quit 1D in 2014, a year before the group announced they’d be going on an indefinite hiatus.

“There’s many reasons why I dislike Zayn and there’s many reasons why I’ll always, always be on his side,” Liam said.

“You can always look at the man for where he is and say ‘Whatever, that guy’s a dick,’ but at the end of the day once you understand what he’s been through to get to that point and also if he even wanted to be there. I’m so misunderstood by myself more than anyone… I can’t sit here and dick on him.”

Liam added: “I can’t commend some of the things he’s done, I can’t be on his side for that.

“What I can say is I understand…. You hope at some point the person on the other side of the phone wants to receive the help you’re willing to give them.”

As his remarks became more widespread, Liam posted a clarification on his Twitter page.

One Direction in 2014, shortly before Zayn's departure — One Direction in 2014, shortly before Zayn’s departure

“I wouldn’t normally comment on this stuff but when it’s your family it’s hard to let it slide,” he tweeted.

“They mentioned a specific incident involving Zayn which I responded to – but listening back maybe I didn’t articulate myself as well as I could have.

“I was saying that there will always be things we disagree on but that I will always, always be on his side. That’s family. Zayn is my brother and I will stand by him forever.”

Guys – I wouldn’t normally comment on this stuff but when its your family it’s hard to let it slide.

They mentioned a specific incident involving Zayn which I responded to – but listening back maybe I didn’t articulate myself as well as I could have.

— Liam (@LiamPayne) June 2, 2022

I was saying that there will always be things we disagree on but that I will always, always be on his side. That’s family. Zayn is my brother and I will stand by him forever.

— Liam (@LiamPayne) June 2, 2022

Elsewhere in the interview, Liam admitted that while he and Louis Tomlinson are now “best mates”, they “hated” one another during their time in One Direction.

The Strip That Down singer also recalled an incident when a member of the group “threw me against a wall” during an altercation, and discussed his relationship with ex-partner Cheryl Tweedy, with whom he has a five-year-old son.