Zayn Malik sends fans crazy as he announces his first ever solo gig – nine YEARS after leaving One Direction: ‘This is heaven’

Zayn Malik has sent fans into a frenzy as he announced his first ever solo gig on Instagram on Wednesday. 

The former One Direction singer revealed he will be taking to the stage for his debut solo performance at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on May 17 – nine years after he quit the famous boy band. 

Zayn revealed the exciting news ahead of the release of his fourth album, Room Under The Stairs which will also be released on May 17. 

The star unveiled plans for a special ‘global exclusive live event’ to celebrate his upcoming LP. 

Zayn will perform a selection of songs from the new record after the world premiere of the Road Back To The Mic documentary.

The collection will be his first since 2021’s Nobody Is Listening, and he has suggested it will be his most personal to date.

He said: ‘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 admitted being more introspective at the time helped inspire the direction his music has taken, and it was important for it to be released as an entire album rather than just individual tracks.

He explained: ‘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 co-produced the album with Dave Cobb – known for his work with the likes of Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton – and he’s delighted with the results of their collaboration.

He added: ‘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.’

Fans went crazy for Zayn’s return to live shows as many ‘congratulated’ the star while others said they were ‘crying’ over the news.  

They wrote: ‘I’m excited and extremely proud, this is literally the best year ever; Wow I cant believe it; OMGGGGG CRYING; THIS IS HEAVEN I SWEAR; ZAYN IS BACK!!’  

‘Seeing you happy like this and come back on stage made me prouder than I already am❤️ you deserve it; Congrats Zayn; So proud of Zayn; It’s happening it’s FINALLY HAPPENING;

While other fans from around the world admitted they are ‘jealous’ on UK fans and begged the One Direction star to come to their country. 

‘So delighted for (and jealous of) UK Directioners! NYC next!; I’m gonna die of jealousy; Do you think about doing a little tour in Europe? (Portugal in the list, for love of god)’

‘So how do I magically find my way to London; I hope you will come near to Germany; Zayn please world tour come to Japan and Korea or Indonesia and Singapore’

Tickets to Zayn: Room Under The Stairs are available to those who pre-order Room Under The Stairs (or register on the site) by 3pm on May 8.