Zayn Malik has performed his first-ever solo gig nine years after leaving One Direction.
The singer took to the stage at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London for the release of his highly-anticipated fourth album Room Under The Stairs.
The 31-year-old devastated fans by his shock departure from the iconic boy band in 2015, launching his solo career.
@pauleen.mia Actually can’t believe that this happened #zayn #zquad #roomunderthestairs #zaynono #london @Zayn @inZAYN
Zayn performed a number of songs from the new album which he suggested is his most personal to date.
He said to Clash Magazine: “This is my favourite album that I’ve made to date, mainly because it comes from a place of sheer honesty and vulnerability.”
“I wanted each song to feel as if it was just me sitting beside you telling you how I feel, singing directly to you.”
“It’s raw and stripped back and the type of music I always hoped to make.”
He continued: “Working with Dave Cobb has been an amazing experience. The way he’s elevated the music is second to none, and he has done an incredible job helping me create this record.”
“I hope we can take listeners on some whimsical, magical journey, and that they enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.”
He added: “I think just being where I was at that time, staying away from things and living with my own thoughts inspired me to want to write something from that place.”
“I’ve got to put this out as a whole body of work, it’s something for myself, not even just for the world.”
Zayn recently revealed he wants to make amends with his One Direction bandmates, according to a new report.
The singer is reportedly looking for “forgiveness and friendship” from his ex-bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson.
During their time together, One Direction released five albums, went on four world tours, and starred in their own movie – before they went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
Now, Zayn is looking to rebuild his friendships following their breakdown since his departure – and now is open to a reunion.
A source told DailyMail: “He doesn’t know if it will ever happen, or when, but he would love to start a conversation with the other guys from One Direction and try to make amends with all of them.”
“He is trying to figure out the best way to reach out because it will be odd, weird, and uncomfortable, but it is something that has been on his mind.”
They insisted that Zayn’s wish to make amends is based on rebuilding those friendships and not necessarily getting the band back together for a reunion.
The source continued: “Whether that leads them to working together again musically is one thing, but Zayn’s reasoning is to become friends with his mates that he did so much with.”
“Zayn wants to approach them for forgiveness and friendship. Working with them is not important to him right now.”
“He has matured and wants to show the rest of the guys this. To be friends again would be amazing,” they added.
