Fans were left “sobbing” after Zayn Malik cancelled his Newcastle gig last minute.

The singer was due to perform at O2 City Hall Newcastle on Tuesday (December 3) evening but had to cancel after saying his voice “just isn’t there”. 

The former One Direction star said he was “truly sorry” to fans and “held out hope until the very last moment” - adding that he hopes to be back on stage today (December 4) at the O2 Apollo in Manchester.

Taking to Instagram, he said: “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.”

Fans posted on X, formerly Twitter, to send the PILLOWTALK hitmaker get well soon wishes, while also sending “big hugs” to all those who travelled for the concert. 

Some described how fans were left “sobbing” after hearing the news, with one person saying: “It was a shock and a real shame. Couldn’t believe it - but I didn't blame Zayn.”

Another said on Facebook there were “lots and lots of tears”. 

Zayn is currently embarking on his Stairway to the Sky tour across the country, with dates in Manchester and Edinburgh still to come. 

The cancelled Newcastle gig comes after Zayn - who kicked off the tour in Leeds' O2 Academy - rescheduled two of his Edinburgh shows “due to unforeseen circumstances” last month.

The original November 20 performance was rescheduled for December 8, while the November 21 date at the same O2 Academy Edinburgh venue was moved to December 9.


Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here.


After performing across the UK, he will then go on to play a string of dates across the US.

The tour comes just weeks after the tragic loss of former bandmate Liam Payne,  who tragically died on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.

Zayn - who attended Liam’s funeral last month - has been paying tribute to him on his tour so far, with a large message reading: "Liam Payne 1993-2024. Love you bro."