See Zayn Malik Sing 'Night Changes' on 10-Year Anniversary of Leaving One Direction
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03/26/2025 03:05 PM
The song received renewed popularity following Liam Payne's death in October 2024
Marc Piasecki/WireImage; Fred Duval/FilmMagic
Zayn Malik; Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zian Malik, Liam Payne and Niall HoranZayn Malik is thinking about how fast the night changes.
On Tuesday, March 25 during a concert at Mexico City's Palacio De Los Deportes, Malik, 32, performed a classic One Direction song, "Night Changes," marking 10 years since he exited the boy band.
According to fan footage shared on X, Malik told the crowd at his Stairway to the Sky tour stop that "It's the first time I've sung that song in 10 years. Thank you, that was f---ing amazing. I almost cried."
Fans were emotional online following the performance going viral, sharing crying gifs and emojis.
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Zayn Malik in Leeds in November 2024Related: 15 Amazing One Direction Throwbacks, from Headlining Madison Square Garden to Goofing Around on SNL
"Night Changes" received a resurgence in popularity since One Direction band member Liam Payne's death in October 2024. Maggie Rogers sang the 2014 song days after Payne died. In November 2024, the Jonas Brothers performed the song paying tribute to the singer.
"We're only gettin' older, baby/And I've been thinkin' about it lately/Does it ever drive you crazy/Just how fast the night changes?" the band sings in the chorus.
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On March 25, 2015, Malik announced via the band's Facebook page that he was leaving One Direction. "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined," he began his statement at the time.
"But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologize to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight."
"I know I have four friends for life in Louis, Liam, Harry and Niall. I know they will continue to be the best band in the world," Malik concluded.
JM Enternational/Redferns
Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles and Liam Payne in London in February 2012In the same post, One Direction — made up of Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Payne — commented on Malik's exit. "We're really sad to see Zayn go, but we totally respect his decision and send him all our love for the future," the remaining members said.
"The past five years have been beyond amazing, we've gone through so much together, so we will always be friends. The four of us will now continue. We're looking forward to recording the new album and seeing all the fans on the next stage of the world tour."
