Louis Tomlinson Attends Ex 1D Bandmate Zayn Malik's L.A. Show and Gets Onstage Shoutout: 'Tonight Is Kind of Special'

Mar. 15, 2025

Louis Tomlinson in November 2023; Zayn Malik in January 2024.Photo:Dave Benett/Getty; Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty

Dave Benett/Getty; Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty

Zayn MalikandLouis Tomlinson’s bond is still strong.

Tomlinson was in attendance at Malik’s Stairway to the Sky Tour stop at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on Jan. 29, and the “Pillowtalk” singer gave his formerOne Directionmember a kind shoutout from the stage.

“Tonight is kind of special. An old friend of mine is here supporting me tonight,” Malik, 32, told the audience, perfootage on social media, before looking to the balcony and adding, “He’s sitting somewhere here. I don’t want to give his location away, but Louis is here tonight.”

Attendees ultimatelyspotted Tomlinson, 33, standing in the balcony, patting the heart area of his chest after Malik’s shoutout. According to social media posts from fans, the “Dusk Till Dawn” musiciandedicated two songsnear the end of his set, “What I Am” and “Alienated,” to Tomlinson.

Peranother fan postonline, Malik and Tomlinson left the venue together following the show.

Zayn Malik in January 2025.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

The One Direction alums last appeared together publicly (alongsideHarry StylesandNiall Horan) at fellow memberLiam Payne’s funeral in November following the “For You” singer’sdeath on Oct. 16at age 31.

Before attending the funeral, Malik rescheduled several dates of his tour and told fans on Instagram at the time, “Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I’ve made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour.”

Paynedied after falling from the balconyof his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His cause of death was “polytrauma,” according to a December hearing at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court, per theBBC. Polytrauma refers to multiple injuries involving multiple organs or systems, according to theNational Library of Medicine.

Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Niall Horan at Liam Payne’s funeral in November 2024.Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty; Karwai Tang/WireImage (3)

Andrew Matthews/PA Images via Getty; Karwai Tang/WireImage (3)

“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly,” they continued. “The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.”

The statement concluded, “For now, 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.”

Malik’s Stairway to the Sky Tour, which features anightly tribute to Payne, continues its U.S. leg with shows in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco through Feb. 4.

source: people.com