Zayn Malik Performs 'Unforgettable' Solo Show — His First Concert Since Leaving One Direction

Zayn Malik’s latest performance was a milestone in more ways than one.

The sold-out concert, held on Friday, May 17, at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire, was not only the singer’s first ever solo performance, but also his first concert since leaving One Direction in 2015.

Malik, 31, took to the stage in West London to perform songs from his latest album, The room under the stairsa first for fans on a night he called “unforgettable” in an Instagram post.

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In fan-filmed footage of the milestone, Malik also told the assembled viewers: “I missed this.” And, in a clip he shared himself, he also thanked his fans for “all the love and support over the years”, and for waiting – admitting he knew it had “taken a while”.

“This is an exciting night,” he said at the concert. “I am very grateful to you all and I hope you have a pleasant night.”

Since going solo more than nine years ago, Malik has released several solo projects and topped the charts with hits including “PILLOWTALK” and “Dusk Till Dawn,” but has stayed away from the stage.

Although rare, the musician has occasionally performed live (including a performance at Wango Tango in May 2016, a performance at Vote days later and recently shared a performance of a new track, “What I Am”), but no headlining concerts — until now.

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After first going solo in 2015 — leaving One Direction in the hands of bandmates Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson — the musician has booked several live shows (including a performance at a benefit concert in Dubai and, memorably , set at Summertime Ball 2016), but pulled out of the event, citing social anxiety.

In an official statement announcing his withdrawal from Summertime Ball, Malik said: “Unfortunately, the anxiety that has plagued me for the last few months around performing live has gotten the better of me,” adding that “with the magnitude of the event, I suffered the worst anxiety of my life. career.”

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“I can’t apologize enough, but I want to be honest with everyone who has been patiently waiting to see me. I promise I will do my best to make up for this to everyone I let down today,” he continued. “I know that those who suffer from anxiety will understand, and I hope that those who don’t can empathize with my situation.”

Zayn Malik performs with One Direction in 2012.

Jo Hale/Redferns via Getty

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Reflecting on the situation in his book Zayn, Malik said it “can’t work.” “I found it really frustrating that, even now that I’ve been open about the problem, some people still find reasons to doubt it,” he said of his struggle with anxiety. “But it’s an industry.”

Also in a 2016 biography, Malik recalled how his anxiety was more bearable during his boyband days, writing: “When I was in One Direction, my anxiety problems were huge, but within the safety net of the band, at least they were bearable. ”

“As a solo artist, I felt much more exposed, and the psychological stress of performing just became too much for me – at least at that point,” he added.

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Malik recently discussed his relationship with live performances on a podcast call her dad revealing he is “still nervous” to return to the stage. “I feel like I have something to give and I want to get on stage and be there again and feel it,” Malik said in the July 2023 episode. “That’s one thing I can say, my fan base has always supported me in that way . ”

“They always say, ‘We’re here, we’ve got you. Like, when you’re ready, we got you,’ he said of his supporters, adding, “I definitely feel that love. I’m ready to prove those people right.”

Malikova The room under the stairs arrived May 17 via Mercury Records.

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