Zayn Malik Returns to the Stage After a Decade: ‘I Forgot How Much I Love Doing This’

A soulful comeback filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and renewed passion

After a ten-year hiatus from live touring, Zayn Malik has returned to the stage, rekindling his love for performing and reaffirming his place in the hearts of devoted fans. The former One Direction member, now a solo artist with four studio albums to his name, took the spotlight at Los Angeles’ Shrine Expo Hall on Tuesday night as part of his Stairway to the Sky Tour.

For longtime fans, the moment was surreal. The last time Malik performed live on tour was in 2014 with One Direction, and much has changed since then. But as he delivered his signature falsetto to a captivated audience, it felt as though time had stood still. His presence—modest yet magnetic—was marked by warmth and gratitude, a stark contrast to his later years with One Direction when he often seemed disengaged despite his vocal brilliance.

A Return to Music and the Fans Who Waited

Now 32, Malik still favors a grounded performance style, remaining close to the microphone stand with minimal movement, occasionally offering fist pumps and waves to the crowd. Yet, the magic of his voice remains undiminished. His near-angelic vocals soared effortlessly, leaving concertgoers in awe.

Taking a moment to connect with the audience, Malik admitted, “I forgot how much I love doing this.” It was a sentiment that resonated deeply with fans who had patiently awaited his return to live music.

His struggles with anxiety have long been public, contributing to his reluctance to tour in the past. Whether it was years of quiet solitude on his Pennsylvania farm or the joys of fatherhood that renewed his sense of peace, Malik appeared more at ease, his energy uplifted by the unwavering support of his fans.

As he performed a gospel-infused rendition of Pillowtalk, his breakout 2016 single, he confessed that he had been “nervous” to sing it live but knew it was “a long time coming.” The crowd responded with deafening cheers, singing along to every lyric—a testament to their enduring loyalty.

A Subtle Tribute to One Direction and Liam Payne

Unlike some of his former bandmates, Malik has largely distanced himself from his One Direction past in his solo career. His setlist focused on his 2024 album Room Under the Stairs, along with selections from his earlier work, but did not include any One Direction tracks.

However, one poignant nod to his past came at the end of the show. After Malik exited the stage, a heartfelt tribute to former bandmate Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024, was displayed:

“Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro ♥”

It was a simple yet powerful moment that spoke volumes about the unbreakable bond he shared with Payne, despite the years and distance between them.

A Decade-Long Wait That Was Worth It

For fans, seeing Malik back on stage was nothing short of a dream realized. His absence from touring had been marked by canceled performances due to crippling anxiety, and the postponement of this tour following Payne’s passing only heightened anticipation.

Acknowledging this, he told the audience, “It took a while to get back on stage, but thank you for your patience.”

That patience was repaid in full. From the raucous cheers when he shed his jacket to the reverent silence during iT’s YoU, where fans stood in awe of his hauntingly beautiful vocals, the night was a testament to Malik’s enduring impact.

While he may still be navigating the world of live performance, one thing is clear: Zayn Malik has found joy in music again. And for the fans who have stood by him all these years, his return is nothing short of triumphant.

His tour continues through March, with upcoming stops in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Mexico City.