One Direction Reportedly Breaking Up For Good
Last year, before releasing their big-selling album Made In The A.M., One Direction, the most popular global boy band of the past 15-or-so years, announced that they’d be going on a temporary hiatus. They stressed that they weren’t really breaking up; they just wanted to take a moment to catch their collective breath. Group member Zayn Malik had left the group earlier in the year, and they wanted to take stock of their lives. But now, it looks like the hiatus won’t be temporary; One Direction are no more.
Us Weekly reports that “a source close to the band” is claiming that the breakup will be permanent: “The 1D thing just ran its course. They’ll remain friends, but they are exhausted and want solo careers.” That source says they won’t be renewing their recording contract. Liam Payne is reportedly hoping to become a producer and songwriter, while Harry Styles wants to get into acting. Louis Tomlinson is about to become a dad.
If the breakup news is true, One Direction have still had a five-year, five-album run, which is way longer than most boy bands get. Even global-phenomenon types like *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys tend to flame out on album number four. Also, 1D have a handful of absolutely bulletproof pop songs. And even if your natural inclination is to make fun of a group like One Direction, keep this in mind: Chances are good that someone in your family is absolutely heartbroken over this. So try not to be a dick, OK?