Zayn Malik postpones US tour after Liam Payne’s death

Zayn Malik has postponed his US tour following the death Wednesday of his former One Direction bandmate Liam Payne.

“Given the heartbreaking loss I have experienced this week, I have made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour,” the British singer posted on social media on Saturday. “The dates will be moved to January and I will post them in the coming days once everything is finalized. Your tickets remain valid for the new dates. I love you all and thank you for your understanding.”

Payne, 31, died Wednesday after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Argentine authorities said local police found drugs, alcohol and “destroyed objects and furniture” in Payne’s room, adding that he “may have fallen into a state of semi- or total unconsciousness.”

Payne’s death has led to an outpouring of grief from fans of One Direction and his fellow British boy band members, including Malik, who wrote: “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain what I would just give you a hug you one last time.” The band also shared a group statement: “The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever. 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.”

The affected dates of Malik’s tour include the October 23 show at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco; the Oct. 25 show at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas; and the October 27 show at LA’s Shrine Expo Hall, as well as performances in Washington, DC and New York City.