Zayn Malik has shared a heartfelt message with fans after being forced to cancel his show at the last minute.
The former One Direction star has been on tour, performing to thousands of adoring fans in sold-out venues worldwide with his solo music—and even some nostalgic 1D tunes.
Last night, the Dusk Till Dawn hitmaker, 32, was due to take to the stage in Mexico City. Alas, he issued an emotional statement explaining he is ‘really sick’.
Taking to his Instagram Story, the pop star wrote: ‘I’m heartbroken to say that I won’t be able to perform tonight in Mexico City.
‘I’ve been really sick since this morning and despite trying everything to push through, my body just isn’t allowing it.
‘I’m so sorry to let you down.’
The Pillowtalk vocalist continued: ‘The love and energy I always feel from my fans means the world to me, and it hurts deeply to miss this moment with you.’
‘Thank you for your understanding, and please know I’m sending all my love to each of you x’, he signed off.
The Mexico City gig was to be Zayn’s last date on his Stairway to the Sky Tour, meaning his run of live shows has now come to an end.
In a post several hours later, Zayn reflected on the tour and divulged further details of his sickness, penning to his Mexican audience: ‘I love you even though myself and many of my crew got severe food poisoning… it’s no joke – still struggling.
‘To my fans, I’m so sorry – these shows have made me feel alive, happy, grateful & at home and that’s all because of you. These shows, your energy, your fan projects… filled me with so much love and with a feeling I can’t even describe. Big love’.
Taking to X upon hearing the news of Zayn’s cancellation on Friday night, fans expressed their sadness as they wished for his speedy recovery.
Others chimed in by speculating that the star’s voice has taken a beating since he ‘hardly does live tours’ so his vocals ‘aren’t used to the additional strain’ of ‘belting’ each night.
‘that’s why his voice was hoarsely during his speech at the end of the show last night :( [sic]’, wrote @tobesoolonelyy.
‘He needs to have a team that takes care of his voice and body, this is the third time this has happened IT CANNOT BE’, said @marxzayn.
‘Omw to fight whatever is making Zayn sick’, quipped @Eifieflare.
As fans have pointed out, this isn’t the first time the beloved musician has been forced to cancel a show this year.
Zayn last cancelled a gig at Newcastle City Hall, which was axed mere minutes before the curtain was due to lift.
He returned the next night, telling the audience and those who would inevitably watch on social media: ‘If you guys are seeing this online, I’m sorry I didn’t make the show yesterday.
‘My voice just wasn’t working at all. I needed a day to kind of rest, so I appreciate everybody showing the love and, you know, still being here.’
Zayn initially apologised profusely for having to cancel the Newcastle show ‘at such short notice’, as fans were already entering the venue.
‘My voice just isn’t there at all tonight and without it, there’s no show,’ he wrote on socials at the time
‘I’m truly sorry to let you down, especially at such short notice… I held onto hope until the very last moment,’ he added.
Zayn also rescheduled dates in Edinburgh last year, citing ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
It later transpired that the reason was so he could attend Liam Payne’s funeral along with his fellow ex-bandmates after Payne died on October 16.
He made a triumphant comeback days after saying a final goodbye to Payne, with former bandmate Louis Tomlinson even surprisingly tagging along in the audience for one concert, having ended their long-running feud in the wake of Payne’s tragic death.
The Strip That Down hitmaker has very much been an integral part of Zayn’s shows, as a tribute appeared on the screen each night as he left the stage.
Alongside a pink heart, a message read: ‘Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro.’
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Speaking explicitly about his loss for the first time in person, Zayn shouted out his late ‘brother’ while performing in Payne’s hometown, Wolverhampton.
He said on the mic in November: ‘I’ve been doing something at the end of the show every night, and it’s been dedicated to my brother, Liam Payne. Rest in peace.’
Zayn continued: ‘I hope you’re seeing this; we’re in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton; this is for you, Liam.’
Payne died at the age of 31 after falling from a third-floor balcony at his hotel in Argentina, leaving behind his parents, two sisters, girlfriend Kate Cassidy, and eight-year-old son, Bear, whom he shares with Cheryl.
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