Zayn Malik stunned fans at Mexico City’s Palacio De Los Deportes on 25 March by performing One Direction’s Night Changes live for the first time in 10 years.
The emotional moment coincided with the anniversary of his departure from the boyband in 2015.
ZAYN MALIK AND THE BAND
Opening his Stairway to the Sky tour set with the 2014 hit, Malik’s voice cracked as he declared: “It’s the first time I’ve sung that song in 10 years, according to People.
Thank you, that was f***ing amazing. I almost cried.”.
The crowd erupted into screams and tears, with fans online flooding social media with crying GIFs and nostalgic tributes.
Malik left One Direction on 25 March 2015, citing a desire for privacy and normalcy.
LEAVING ONE DIRECTION
His statement at the time read: “I want to be a normal 22-year-old who can relax and have some private time out of the spotlight.”.
The remaining members – Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne – vowed to continue as a four-piece.
The performance comes five months after Liam Payne’s tragic death in October, according Rolling Stone.
Malik has honoured his former bandmate throughout his tour, projecting “Love you bro” during his song Stardust.
ZAYN MALIK AND ‘NIGHT CHANGES’
Fans noted the timing of Night Changes – a track that surged in popularity after Payne’s passing, with tributes from Maggie Rogers and the Jonas Brothers.
While the concert took place in Mexico, South African fans felt the ripple effect.
Malik’s Mexico City show marked a rare moment of vulnerability. Dressed in a bold red jacket, he paused mid-performance to soak in the crowd’s adoration.
Though he’s occasionally teased One Direction tracks on social media – including a 2022 Instagram clip of Night Changes – this was his first live rendition since leaving the group.
LEGACY ENDURES
Night Changes remains a fan favourite, its lyrics about fleeting youth resonating globally, according to Cosmopolitan.
“We’re only gettin’ older, baby,” the chorus laments – a sentiment amplified by the band’s real-life journey.
Malik wraps his Stairway to the Sky tour on 28 March 2025, having already performed in Washington D.C., New York, and London.
While One Direction’s future remains uncertain, this performance proves their legacy endures – even across continents.
BAND LOVE
As Malik’s voice soared through Night Changes, was a bridge between eras.
For South African fans and global Directioners alike, the moment served as a poignant reminder: even as stars evolve, their roots stay forever etched in our hearts.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE ONE-DIRECTION SONG DURING THEIR BOYBAND ERA?
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