One Direction drop new song ‘Drag Me Down’ after Zayn Malik quits the boy band

A DAY after Zayn Malik signed a new recording contract, the One Direction boys have released a new single without him — and the internet is already in meltdown.

FILE - This Nov. 3, 2013 file photo shows One Direction members Louis Tomlinson, left, and Zayn Malik during an event for their film "One Direction: This Is US," in Makuhari, near Tokyo. One Direction fans have reacted with dismay to a report that band member Louis Tomlinson is to become a father. Publicist Simon Jones declined to comment Wednesday, July 15, 2015 on a People magazine report saying 23-year-old Tomlinson is expecting a child with American stylist Briana Jungwirth. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)

ONE DAY after Zayn Malik signed a new recording contract, the One Direction boys have released a new single without him — and the internet is already in meltdown.

The new song, titled Drag Me Down, is the first track since the departure of Malik back in March.

Its release comes a day after Malik Tweeted a picture of himself signing a new record contract, saying he would reveal ‘the real me’ to fans.

The song, which wasn’t leaked, was released on their social media accounts and went on radio today.

LISTEN TO DRAG ME DOWN HERE

Bit of a surprise ! 😊 Check out our new single! It’s called Drag Me Down & I hope you love it as much as we do https://t.co/HPJn2Kij5M

— Liam (@Real_Liam_Payne) July 31, 2015

Fans are already going nuts on Twitter, after hearing the announcement. The song is climbing up the iTunes charts.

ITS ALREADY NUMBER 2 AND IT CAME OUT LIKE 20 MINUTES AGO #DragMeDown pic.twitter.com/a5Do0aaoEt

— gabby (@uanswirl) July 31, 2015

#DragMeDown DRAGMEDOWNSINGLE this song is gonna be on replay for like a month I swear 🔥🔥🙌🏼💜 pic.twitter.com/wGJBWxGlJI

— Lizett♕ (@LizettAnahiM) July 31, 2015

THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR I'M ABOUT TO EXPLODE. THIS TRACK IS SO ON POINT. #DragMeDown

— J. (@HoldMyHaLo) July 31, 2015

NOBODY CAN DRAG ME … DO W N #DragMeDown pic.twitter.com/hyPDEHOB6a

— Harry S. Updates (@BestHarryClose) July 31, 2015

The song will be the lead single from the band’s fifth studio album, which the boys have confirmed will be released later this year.

The new song comes as RCA Records and Syco Music announced that Malik will release his debut solo album on RCA Records.

Simon Cowell of Syco Music says: “With RCA, Zayn has the perfect label to work with on his solo career. They are excited about working with him and I am sure whatever they release together will be special.”

Originally published as One Direction drop new song ‘Drag Me Down’ after Zayn Malik quits the boy band