Zayn Malik joined his former One Direction bandmates at Liam Payne’s funeral on Wednesday. Payne, who was one of the five members of the popular boy band, tragically passed away on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was 31 years old.
Held on November 20, just over a month after his passing, the funeral service brought together Payne’s close friends and loved ones, including Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan. The somber ceremony took place in a church located in the English countryside, just outside of London.
One Direction first came together in 2010 when X Factor judges suggested that the group of young solo performers compete as a collective. The band went on to release four albums before Malik left in 2015, and the group officially disbanded in 2016. Following the news of Payne’s death, the surviving members of One Direction shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram.
Liam Payne’s life celebrated by family, friends, and former bandmates in England
“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 statement read. “But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
The tribute continued with, “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 message was signed by Malik, Horan, Tomlinson, and Styles. Malik had not been publicly seen with all of his former bandmates since he left the group until he attended Payne’s funeral.
Malik’s attendance at the funeral follows his recent decision to reschedule tour dates. Just three days after Payne’s death, Malik announced on October 19 that he would be postponing the U.S. leg of his Stairway to the Sky Tour.
“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 explained. The first show had been scheduled for October 23. Malik later confirmed that new dates would be announced for early next year.
Also present at the funeral were Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, his ex-partner Cheryl, who is the mother of Payne’s 7-year-old son Bear Grey, along with close friend James Corden and former X Factor judge Simon Cowell, who helped form One Direction.
