Zayn Malik, 31, has received widespread praise for choosing an all-female band to accompany him on his first-ever solo tour. The former One Direction member returned to the stage in November, performing tracks from his latest album Room Under the Stairs, marking his first live shows since bandmate Liam Payne’s tragic death in October.
The seven-member band includes talented musicians such as guitarist Molly Miller, drummer Baby Bulldog, vocalists Lisa Ramey and Tahira Clayton, and keyboardist Tina Hizon. The decision has been celebrated by fans, with many admiring the band’s musical prowess and Malik’s choice to highlight female talent in the music industry.
Lisa Ramey shared a heartwarming photo of the band posing by a Christmas tree on social media, captioned, “The ladies say hello.” Fans flooded the post with support and personal stories. One fan wrote: “I’m currently a female drummer in an all-male drumline of 25 who constantly make me feel lesser than them and leave me out. Seeing this has been making me feel happy all day – even with today being an especially rough day with them. I can’t wait to find this myself.”
Malik’s fans praised the band’s live performance, with one commenting, “So cute! They’re so good live.” Music critic Blanca Schofield noted that Malik “didn’t have many moves” during the show but credited his “all-female seven-piece band” with bringing energy and groove to the stage.
The decision to perform with female musicians was hailed as a progressive and respectful move. One fan on X wrote: “This is the hottest thing a male singer could’ve ever done btw like mad respect.”
In addition to the praise for his band, Malik also paid an emotional tribute to his former bandmate Liam Payne, who passed away last month following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Malik postponed the US leg of his tour after the “heartbreaking loss” but resumed his UK shows at the end of November.
At the conclusion of his performance at Leeds O2 Academy, a touching message appeared on the screen behind the stage, reading, “Love you bro,” alongside Payne’s name and his birth and death dates.
In the wake of Payne’s death, Malik released a statement expressing regret over not having thanked his friend for his support during difficult times. “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly,” Malik wrote.
