Watching Zayn Malik perform tonight, it’s hard to picture him in One Direction, a band whose lively performances once filled stadiums all over the world. Of course, Malik was always the shy one, so much so that he eventually quit the group in order “to be a normal 22-year-old”. He ventured out as a solo artist and secured a blockbuster hit with Pillowtalk, but then seemed reluctant to keep chasing commercial success. He was likewise hesitant to tour: he cancelled early appearances, citing anxiety and a lack of confidence, and for a time it looked as if he may never perform live again.
That clearly has changed. After initially postponing the US leg of his tour following the death of former bandmate Liam Payne – whom Malik pays tribute to at the end of the show with a projection that reads “love you bro” – the fans tonight seem delighted he’s back on stage. The sound of screaming feels like it could shatter bone, and doesn’t relent as he launches into a run of songs from his latest album, the bluesy Room Under the Stairs.
Still, Malik remains an introverted performer. Unlike the cantering presence of former bandmate Harry Styles, he mostly spends the set unmoving, sequestered behind a protective semi-circle of stage monitors, only stepping back to take sips from a cup of tea. He sings mostly with his eyes closed, gripping the mic stand like his life depends on it. Even when the music seems to call for the sway of hips or the shuffle of feet, as in the bar-room swagger of Dreamin or the shimmering groove of Bordersz, Malik is hesitant, as if afraid of embarrassing himself. “You enjoying it?” he asks with uncertainty. When the crowd responds with screams, he seems relieved: “That’s good.”
It would be dull if it weren’t for his astonishing voice: once pristine, it now has a gorgeous weathered quality to it. He glides across octaves with hypnotic vocal runs, swooping into his falsetto during It’s You. His band and backing singers are also excellent, fostering an intimacy that feels like you’ve stumbled on an accomplished jam session. By the end of it, Malik seems to be enjoying himself, too. He’s unlikely to fill stadiums again, but with a few more shows and little confidence, he could become a mesmerising live performer.
• At Eventim Apollo, London, 26 and 27 November; then touring.
