Zayn Malik postpones US tour after 'heartbreaking' loss of former bandmate Liam Payne

Zayn Malik, a former member of One Direction, has postponed his tour dates in the United States following the death of his bandmate Liam Payne.

In an Instagram post, Malik stated, "Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I've made the decision to postpone the US leg of the Stairway to the Sky tour."

Zayn Malik and Liam Payne.

Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images

Malik notified supporters that the events had been rescheduled for January, and that their tickets would remain valid for the new dates.

"Love you all, and thank you for your understanding," he said.

Malik and Payne were members of the popular boy band One Direction for six years, alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. 

Payne died on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

Last week, One Direction posted a statement on social media mourning the loss of a bandmate.

"We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing," the couple wrote. "When everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for the time being, we will grieve and digest the loss of our beloved brother. The memories we made with him will be remembered forever. For the time being, our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the fans who adored him just like we did. We'll miss him horribly. We love you, Liam."

The 31-year-old had recently been to one of Horan's gigs in Argentina.

"I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently," Horan said in his statement. "Unfortunately, I had no idea that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It is heartbreaking. My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, and Nicola, as well as his son Bear. Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you, brother. Nialler."

Other members of the band paid tribute to Payne on social media, including Malik, who called him his "brother."

"I lost a brother when you left us and can't explain to you what I'd give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly," he said on his blog. "I shall hold all of my memories of you in my heart forever. There are no words that can describe or express how I am feeling right now, other than saddened. I hope that wherever you are right now, you are happy, at peace, and know how much you are loved. "Love you, bro."

Simon Cowell found Payne in 2008 while he was auditioning for "The X Factor" at the age of 14. He returned to audition in 2010 and was chosen to be a member of a supergroup including Horan, Malik, Styles, and Tomlinson.

Following "The X Factor," One Direction signed with Cowell and went on to become one of the best-selling boy bands in history.

Cowell paid tribute to Payne via Instagram, writing, "Liam, I am terribly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much I love and respect you. Every tear I've shed is in memory of you."

He went on to say, "This is so tough to put into words right now. I went outside today and thought of all the moments we spent together. I wanted to tell you what I usually say to the thousands of individuals that ask me. What's Liam like? And I would tell them you were nice, hilarious, sweet, considerate, humble, and focused. And how much you enjoyed music. And how much you actually cared for the fans."

Payne was remembered at the in memoriam part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday.