New York, U.S. – Singer and former member of One Direction, Zayn Malik, has postponed his hugely anticipated U.S. tour in the wake of his sudden death of former bandmate Liam Payne. According to sources, Liam Payne, 31 years old, died early this week.

Zayn immediately took to social media to express his heartbreak with a statement that read: “It’s impossible to put into words the sadness I feel right now. Liam was a brother to me, and out of respect for his memory, I need time to process this loss.”

The tour, that was going to mark Zayn’s return to the stage after some time off, will be rescheduled for a later date. His management team assured fans who bought tickets that these would be valid for the new dates, offering refunds for anyone unable to attend on the revised dates.

News of Payne’s death sent shockwaves throughout the music world, with fans and celebrities alike taking to social media to pay tributes. A celebrity known both as a solo artist and a member of the band One Direction, he had been open about his personal struggles over recent years.

Zayn and Payne, the other members of One Direction, included Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson; for the years the band had spent together, they had shared a very close bond. Their death is, of course, a devastating moment in the life of the group, who have referred to one another as family on many occasions.

While fans everywhere are in mourning with Zayn and the other bandmates, many people took to social media to pay their respects to Payne’s life and remember how his music touched so many around the world. A representative for Zayn confirmed more information about rescheduling the tour would be announced over the coming days.

The music fraternity has been plunged into mourning by that tragic loss, and one can only hope more strength and unity come to Payne’s loved ones at this time of need.

IMAGE SOURCE –