Zayn Malik breaks silence after cancelling gig minutes before stage time

Zayn Malik has abruptly cancelled his Newcastle concert just minutes before he was due to take the stage. The former One Direction star, who is in the midst of his Stairway to the Sky Tour, has already performed in cities including London, Manchester, Leeds, and Wolverhampton, with Edinburgh set to be the final stop in the coming days.

Attendees at Newcastle City Hall were left confused on Tuesday evening when an announcement over the Tannoy revealed that the gig would not proceed as planned. Fans were informed: "Will no longer go ahead tonight. We apologise for the late notice, it was his hope that he would be able to continue with the show. But this is no longer possible. Please contact your point of purchase for reschedule or refunds. If you have parents or guardians collecting you, please stay in the auditorium and wait to be collected."

The 31 year old singer later addressed the cancellation on social media.

In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Zayn wrote: "I'm so sorry to do this but my voice just isn't there at all tonight and without it there's no show. I'm truly sorry to let you down, especially at such short notice.... I held onto hope until the very last moment. I'm hopeful with some rest tonight I'll be back on stage tomorrow. My deepest apologies Newcastle love you all xx."

Fans have taken to social media, previously known as Twitter, to express their feelings about Zayn's sudden cancellation of his Newcastle concert. One fan shared: "Security just told us they don't know why Zayn cancelled Newcastle tonight but he was here and just left? ? " Another expressed sympathy: "Sorry for everyone attending the Newcastle show for Zayn's tonight, please don't say hateful words towards him we don't know what he's going through," while a third observed: "Lots of people crying," Confusion was also voiced by another attendee: "Sat waiting for Zayn to come out in Newcastle and its been cancelled? ? He was due on stage right now.", reports the Mirror.

This tour is particularly significant as it's Zayn's first solo venture since his departure from One Direction in 2015, during which he has been candid about his mental health struggles and his wish for normalcy despite fame.

In response to the cancellation, fans have rallied around the Bradford-born artist, with one writing: "People getting mad at Zayn for cancelling his Newcastle show is so wrong. the man has anxiety and has recently lost someone he grew up with for years. 'fans' have lost all compassion. these Zayn 'fans' attending this tour are really starting to annoy me.."

Throughout the tour, Zayn has regaled fans with some of his top solo tracks, including his hit debut single 'Pillowtalk', and the thought-provoking 'Ignorance Ain't Bliss'. The timing, however, is laden with sorrow for the artist.

Last month marked the untimely death of Liam Payne, his ex-bandmate from One Direction, who died tragically at the age of 31. In the wake of this devastating news, Zayn took to social media to announce changes to his touring schedule, postponing the North American stretch and scheduling two opening nights in the UK.

Originally set to start on October 23 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, California, Zayn broke the news to his 54.2 million Instagram followers about delaying the US segment of his 'Stairway To The Sky' tour. His heartfelt message read: "Given the heartbreaking loss experienced this week, I've made the decision to postpone the US leg of the STAIRWAY TO THE SKY Tour. The dates are being rescheduled for January and I'll post them as soon as it's all set in the next few days. Your tickets will remain valid for the new dates. Love you all and thank you for your understanding."

During his sold-out concert in Wolverhampton, the hometown of the late Liam Payne, a poignant tribute was paid to the former One Direction star. As the show came to a close, a screen displayed the message: "Liam Payne 1993 – 2024. Love you bro," accompanied by a pink heart.

The artist then addressed the audience at the University of Wolverhampton's The Halls, saying: "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. I hope you're seeing this, we're in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton, this is for you, Liam."