Zayn Malik's recent concert was a significant milestone, marking his first solo headlining show since leaving One Direction in 2015. The sold-out performance took place on Friday, May 17, at London’s Shepherd's Bush Empire, where Malik, 31, captivated the audience with songs from his latest album, Room Under the Stairs.
During the electrifying show, Malik expressed his gratitude to the fans, acknowledging the long wait. "I missed this," he told the enthusiastic crowd. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he described the night as "unforgettable" and thanked his supporters for their unwavering love and patience.
“This is an exciting night,” Malik said, adding, “I’m very grateful to you all, and I hope you have a great night." This concert was particularly special as it marked his return to the stage after nearly a decade of focusing on studio projects.
Since he departed from One Direction, Malik has released several solo hits, including "PILLOWTALK" and "Dusk Till Dawn." Despite his chart-topping success, Malik has mostly avoided live performances due to struggles with social anxiety.
His last major performance was at Wango Tango in 2016, followed by a brief appearance on The Voice.
Struggles with Anxiety
Malik's journey with anxiety has been well-documented. After pulling out of the Summertime Ball in 2016, he released a statement explaining his difficulties with live performances.
"Unfortunately, anxiety, which has haunted me throughout the last few months around live performances, has got the better of me," he admitted. He apologized to fans, promising to make it up to them in the future. In his 2016 autobiography, Zayn, he reflected on these challenges, noting that his anxiety was more manageable during his One Direction days due to the support of his bandmates.
As a solo artist, he felt more exposed, intensifying his anxiety. More recently, Malik opened up on the podcast *Call Her Daddy*, admitting he was "still nervous" about returning to the stage but felt a renewed desire to perform.
He praised his fans for their unwavering support, saying, "My fan base has always been supportive... They're always just like, ‘We’re here, we’ve got you.’" Malik's album, *Room Under the Stairs*, was released on May 17 via Mercury Records, marking a new chapter in his solo career.