#Just a boy from wolverhampton

[harrybirthdaytoya]

At one 1D concert I attended where I was very close to the stage, I was shocked when Liam made eye contact and winked at me less than 5 minutes into the concert. I wasn’t particularly attractive or special. As I watched him, I noticed he did it again, and again, and again, to any fan whose eyes he managed to catch.

That was Liam. Liam wanted every fan to have the best experience possible. He wanted everyone to feel noticed. He wanted everyone to know they were loved. I wasn’t a Liam girl but he saw me, and he cared.

Liam certainly had his flaws. I don’t deny any allegations. But I am devastated (and frankly, a little angry) that mental health, drugs, and arrested development from fame at such a young age broke him.

I will always remember Liam for the heart that was within him that I saw firsthand.

[rbbtruther]

The thing that has me crying now is all of these signs and moments at the memorial gatherings for Liam around the world.

He always wanted us to know how much he loved us, the 1D Family.

[twopoppies]

So, you know how this fandom kind of trains us to see signs and codes in clothing? At the same time, we're always at risk of reaching and seeing too much in too little... and so we gotta stay prudent.

I don't really have mutuals and nobody in real life to share the thoughts that pop into my head when my eyes see things that my brain connecs... So, at the risk of being called a clown, can I share a thought? Let's just say that if it's a coïcidence, it's a sweet one...

On his very first show, Zayn wore a red snapback. Many people, myself included, immediately saw it as a (possible) nod to Liam, a way to honour him and have him onstage with him.

When Zayn had his show in Wolverhampton, Liam's actual hometown, he didn't bring back the red snapback, though he did have red on his jacket. He wore a black snapback.

The next day, Zayn was in Manchester. He wore the same snapback, but in green. And I thought "Oh! He's wearing Harry's colour in Harry's town!" I know Harry's not directly from Manchester but I remember at least one interview or two were the boys (Louis in one, at least) said that, in the band, playing Manchester was playing Harry's home gig. So I thought then that wouldn't it be funny if Zayn wore a blue version of the cap close to Louis' hometown?

Imagine my excitment now, that I see Zayn playing Leeds, 45 minutes from Doncaster, talking about how it's good to be back up North wearing a blue snapback !!! Am I loosing my mind alone in my living room, here?

So now I can't help but think that the original plan was to wear : Red in Wolverhampton, Green in Manchester and Blue in Leeds. Zayn just throwing a playful wink at his band brothers. However, Liam's passing made him rearrange the order to Red - opening night Wolverhampton : black for mourning Green in Manchester Blue in Leeds. And of course the next question is : where and what colour would Niall's snapback be?

😭😭😭😭

You really didn’t have to hurt me like that.

[themultifandomgal]

From 2010- Grimmy Chats to One Direction

Part 51

2015

“Hello One Direction”

“Hello Nick Grimshore” Niall says into his mic. I sit in between Niall and Louis while Liam sits next to Louis and Harry on the edge of the sofa

“How are you all?”

“Tremendous” Liam responded

“No Harry you’re not well are you?”

“No. The doctor told him he either had to pick singing or talking so obviously he picked singing” Niall says “he’s downloaded an app so everything he wants to say is going to be spoken through his phone”

“Thanks for having us at radio one” Harry’s phone says

“Now the point of this interview is that you guys will be going on a break, which hasn’t started yet we thought we would get your fans who have been so loyal over the past 5 years to take control of this interview. In 2 days we got 200,000 questions. We’re gonna get through these”

“Hi I’m ebony I’m 16 and I’m from Barnsley. My question is do you have a WhatsApp group chat and if so what’s it called?”

“We don’t actually, but I have them all saved into my phone under different names. Like Louis is 007 because the amount of times on tour he’s snuck up to me is ridiculous, Niall is leprechaun, I know original, Liam is save as koala and Harry is just H” the boys then talk about how we see each other everyday. After a while we finally hear Harrys phone say

“Your still in my phone as Ariel from when you had your red hair”

“Really? I hope I have a mermaid emoji next to it” Harry then smiles nodding his head

“Ok next one”

“Can you do an impression on each other now that you’ve been together for 5 years”

“I’ll go first” I say I take my hair bobble out and just keep running my hand through my hair

“Harry!” Liam laughs looking at Harry. The Louis then does an Irish accent

“Harry?” Nick says

“I’m Liam, im from Wolverhampton” Harry then puts his thumb up

“Sounds perfect. Just like him” I say laughing

“Hi I’m Sasha. What’s your Hogwarts house”

“No one really wants to go in hufflepuff or Ravenclaw” Louis says making me pout

“But I’m in hufflepuff” I say

“You really are a hufflepuff” Liam laughs “I’m Gryffindor”

“Ok boys thank you for that”

“Thank you for having us”

“Can’t wait for the live lounge later”

[saraloveslove]

Zayn's tribute to Liam yesterday in Wolverhampton was simple, sweet, painful and emotional.

“I’ve been doing something at the end of the show every night and it’s being dedicated to my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace, i hope you’re seeing this.”

And then he sang "It's you"

I am sure Liam is watching over his boys from above and I am also sure he can feel now all our love. I only wished he could have felt it before.

I just wished people could have respect for him, at least in the death.

Zayn, I also hope you can feel our big hug for you. We know this tour isn't going as you thought it would and we can see and feel how much you are grieving for such a devasting loss 💔

I just want you to know we are here ❤️

[mightdeletelater]

when fame turns fatal: the tragic cycle of celebrity exploitation

this blog post was originally posted on my substack

How do you capture the unknowable life of someone else? Someone only seen through interviews, music videos, and invasive paparazzi snapshots? Maybe starting by laying out the simplest biographical details? Liam Payne was born in 1993 in Wolverhampton. He first auditioned for The X Factor at 14. Joined the boy band One Direction at 16. Had a son named Bear at 23. Released his only solo album at 25. And passed away at 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

Another approach could be to focus on the photos, the ones from both the beginning and the end. In 2010, when One Direction was formed, judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, and Nicole Scherzinger hovered over a polaroid of a 16-year-old Payne, arranging it with pictures of three future bandmates – Niall Horan, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson – as if they were playing with dolls. "That looks good." "That looks great." "It looks unbelievable." When Payne passed away in 2024, TMZ published zoomed-in, cropped photos of his lifeless body. His arm, and section of his side, both with his distinct tattoos. The article had no warning of the contents. 

Denial of dignity in death is a tragic culmination of a toxic kind of fame, one especially endured by pop stars and teen idols. Payne was simply just another one who was dehumanized throughout his life – by the music industry that propelled him to stardom, by the tabloids, by social media, and even by his own fans. Being idolized can be as depersonalizing as being vilified. He became a pin-up poster, and eventually a literal doll (fans could collect all five members of the boyband). 

The cycle of objectification persisted even after One Direction disbanded in 2015. Payne's solo career and erratic interview behaviour became a source of online mockery. Once endearingly called the "dad" of One Direction for being more serious, ambitious, and occasionally a bit awkward, these traits grew exaggerated over time. His ‘cringe moments’ became viral content on social media. Despite being open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, he received little empathy. He was open about by long periods of boredom that came after the highs of performing to sold out arenas which led him to an alcohol and drug addiction and suicidal thoughts. Speaking on the Diary Of The CEO Podcast in 2021, Payne said: “I was worried how far my rock bottom was going to be. Where's rock bottom for me? And you would never have seen it. I'm very good at hiding it. I don't even know if I have hit it yet. I can either make that choice now and pick my last moment as my rock bottom or I can make a whole new low.” While the exact circumstances of Payne's fall from the balcony remain unclear, emergency services were called to the hotel for “a guest who has had too much drugs and alcohol.”

Before his death, Payne was accused by his ex-fiance Maya Henry of physical and emotional abuse, including chasing her with an axe and forcing her to get a self-induced abortion. Last week, Henry had issued a cease and desist against Payne, accusing him of repeatedly contacting her. She also alleged that the singer continuously contacted her friends and family, including her mother. 

The fantasy that One Direction embodied for a generation was always deeply co-dependent – a symbiotic relationship between the fevered daydreams of millions of teenage girls and the dream come true for five young boys. But what once seemed like a fantasy looks more like a nightmare. There is something undeniably troubling about adults marketing 16-year-old boys to children for maximum profit, despite the clear risks to their well-being and mental health. Why do we only recognize this when tragedy strikes? How can we justify doing this to such young people – isolating them from their families, their normal lives, and their sense of self – only to mock them as they struggle through adulthood? How many more lives must the pop industry claim before something finally changes? It all just feels irredeemable. What is someone supposed to do with all that fame and then all that vilification? What does it say about us when there is a market for identifying tattoos from a corpse?

And there will never be closure. Henry will not get justice. Payne will have never beaten his battle with addiction. While the tributes pour in for Payne, it is clear how most of the decisions he made – and that were made for him – never were in his best interest. But that never mattered because the industry chews and spits out young people but will continue to thrive and produce entertainment. Unregulated fame has horrific ramifications, for the person in the spotlight and all the people in their lives standing just outside of it. 

[inkywarden]

This is a long one (fr sorry in advance) but it seems I can't quite put this out of my mind. I've never really listened to One Direction, even if I as a now 32 year old, probably was in the main target audience. I never got the hype, or much more likely, I never attempted to get the hype. I remember seeing them everywhere, and since I do have eyes, I noticed they were good looking boys. I also remember (silently mind you, I was much too edgy for 1D at this point) quickly finding my fav. He looked kind, he had a nice laugh and kind eyes. He was gorgeous, with the kind of smile I fear I will never see again. Tbh I have gone until last week without listening to, or even thinking much about 1d since. I do remember him though, Liam. I've seen him in the news, on social media, and again since I do have eyes, I noticed how the boy with the beautiful smile turned in to a very, very (like extremly??? hello?) handsome man. A man who still had the most genuine, contagious smile. A smile that always spread to his eyes. That was pretty much it for my knowledge of this band, and this man, until last week.

I saw it in the news, and it made no sense to me. How did we go from there to here? I felt.. something, still unsure what exactly. I later saw my old university post a memorial type post about him on facebook. My old university being the University of Wolverhampton, where I graduated as an illustrator in 2015. That's two things, two coincidences that weirdly made me feel more connected to this stranger. The unexplained, undefined feelings I was having suddenly felt heavier. This is when I hyperfixated and consumed just about everything there is to consume about this band, and this man. I'm still not a 1D fan, but I can now, after all these years say I get it. I've seen and read so much about this man and his life now, ups and downs. In the end, tragically, it seemed to be most of the latter in later years.

Most notably, and this actually broke my heart, I noticed how that genuine, beautiful smile that used to spread across his entire face, at some point stopped reaching his eyes. This is sad, it is tragic, and it is infuriating.

The time leading up to, and the aftermath both - the takes i'm seeing out here is wild and lacking in nuance. It feels like everything always is weighed in extremes, and it is neither fair or realistic. I dont know if I feel this way due to my own personal experiences and struggles with mental health, substance and/or alcohol abuse, or if its because this is the field I am soon graduating (career change dw) to work in, and I see many of these issues close up daily. These issues are things I would argue always goes hand in hand, and it is a never a choice one makes. It is a disease. I will never have anything in common with internet people today, and I will never understand this. Whatever the reasons. I will not speculate further. What I choose to believe in and live by is whatever the circumstance, people suffering from these issues deserve some grace. It is hard, constantly, and every day. No one chooses to stay in this illness, and even if they do manage to get out, it is almost impossible to stay out.

Whatever people have done, that is still just an aspect of a whole. A single line on a piece of paper, a small piece of a bigger, much more complex picture. We are more than the worst thing we have ever done. I have to believe this, both for my own sake and for the sake of others. Life is not black and white, it exists in shades of grey.

I am confused about the range of feelings i've experienced over this, and I'm still unsure why I'm affected to this degree but here we are.

I am sad, I am frustrated, I am disappointed and I am angry. Most of all my heart breaks for Liam, who never got the chance to get better, heal, and find his smile again. I also feel actual despair at the thought of this man, that young boy, passing away thinking the world hates him. There's no fixing that now. He is gone. Please, I beg you to be kinder next time. Show some compassion. Give some grace, be kind or at the very least be quiet.

I'm not even sure why I felt the need to post this, as I mentioned before I never had a horse in this race. The only opinion I ever settled on before this last week was that if I, in an alternate universe was a Directioner, I would be a Liam girly. It appears, after all these years, I still am. I dont know what comes when life ends, but I hope you find your smile again. Whatever else, you deserved so much more than this. You were a complex piece, but still so, so beautiful.

You meant so much to so many, and I wish you could have known that in the end.

Rest in peace, Liam. 🎤🎨💙

[allwaswell16]

One Direction fics where one main character is a servant to the other main character as requested in this ask. If you enjoy the fics, please leave kudos and comments for the writers! You can find my other fic recs here. Happy reading!

—Louis/Harry—

🫧 Truth Behind Golden Eyes by MyEnglishRose / @lwtisloved

(E, 228k, servant Louis) A Fantasy AU loosely inspired by Merlin BBC where one relationship has the power to define the destiny of the whole land.

🫧 The Murmur of Yearning by MediaWhore / @mediawhorefics

(M, 93k, land steward Louis) The sudden, and slightly suspicious, death of the Marquess of Haxshire, however, brings great disturbance to Crescentfield Hall and, as his late's husband's closest male relative, Harry unexpectedly finds himself the head of a family he never felt he belonged to. 

🫧 Shooting Stars in the Woods by frenchkiss

(E, 81k, knight Harry) A Tudor era AU. Prince Louis I of England has everything a man could ever dream of, but his lack of husband is driving his father, the King, to madness.

🫧 Behind The Lights by Tomlinsontoes / @pianolouis

(M, 61k, maid Louis) Inspired by Maid in Manhattan, but not the same at all.

🫧 When The Wolves Come Out (series) by NiamJenn1994

(E, 54k, alpha servant Harry) A sort of Bonnie and Clyde AU series with A/B/O thrown in the mix.

🫧 To Be a King Beside You by hilarry13

(E, 32k, royal au) Harry scrambled to his feet quickly and bowed. “Your majesty” Harry mumbled, not making eye contact but instead staring at the ground. “Please forgive me- I was just- um-I’m sorry”. Harry guiltily tried to hide the half made flower crown behind his back.

🫧 dip you in honey by delsicle / @eeveelou

(E, 28k, a/b/o) Anxious about his performance on his wedding night, he enlists the help of his loyal handmaiden Louis to help him practice everything he needs to know

🫧 a dream is a wish your heart makes by orphan_account

(T, 22k, royal au) Fairytale retelling of Cinderella, where Harry is a servant boy who's too kind, Louis is a prince in an arranged marriage, Liam is Harry's step brother, and Niall is Louis' dutiful grand duke.

🫧 Away From Home by @marchessa

(E, 12k, shipwreck au) the one, where Harry is a servant to the Tomlinson family and he ends up as one of the lone survivors of a shipwreck. But maybe he can still find paradise in the tragedy.

🫧 If I Had One Wish I Know What I'd Wish For by @hilourry

(E, 10k, royal au) Louis is the new servant at the Styles’ castle, and Harry is the Prince of England.

🫧 Maid in the A.M. by @lainy122

(E, 9k, famous/not famous) “You’re not supposed to be here.” The lad frowned at him.“Sorry,” Harry said automatically. Which, wait. No, that wasn’t right. “Um, actually, I sort of live here?”

🫧 The King's Omega by HunterMay18

(M, 8k, servant Harry) An omega with a really dark past becomes the King's new love interest.

—Rare Pairs—

🫧 If I Fall For You, Would You Fall Too? by @slashter

(E, 29k, Louis/Harry/Zayn) the one where Louis is a uni dropout who's just managed to land a new job as a housemaid, and he ends up getting to clean the shared apartment of well-known socialites Harry and Zayn

🫧 wish I could be (part of your world) by carbsoncarms

(E, 3k, Zayn/Liam) Zayn Malik is a servant at the palace of the Wolverhampton kingdom, and Liam Payne is the said kingdom's crowned prince. 

[sweetdreamsjeff]

Jeff Buckley March 2, 1995 Wulfrun

Set List:

Dream Brother

So Real

Last Goodbye

Grace

Eternal Life

Kick Out the Jams

What Will You Say

Lilac Wine

All That I Ask

Mojo Pin

Lover, You Should've Come Over

Hallelujah

Vancouver

Kanga Roo

Venue History:

1990s

During the decade an incredible 1,271 performances were given:

On November 6 1991, just 756 people were in the Wulfrun Hall to see Nirvana play what was to be one of their last gigs in the UK.

The Wulfrun Hall was host to the first of Blur's many visits to Wolverhampton. The band played to 483 fans in the October of 1993.

756 Oasis fans came along for the Manchester band in August '94.

There were very few Britpop bands that didn't play in Wolverhampton – just some of the other nineties names included Pulp, The Charlatans, Cast, Shed Seven, Elastica, Space, Dodgy, The Boo Radleys, Kenickie and Sleeper.

Female musicians were also taking centre stage during the decade with acts including Bjork, Hole, Suzanne Vega, Garbage, Sleeper, Tori Amos, Skunk Anansie, Elastica, Echobelly and Babes in Toyland rocking the halls.

American rock acts also travelled to the halls during the nineties, with performances from Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden and Green Day. Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl returned to Wolverhampton in '95 and '97 when his band Foo Fighters played to sell-out crowds.

More pop acts including Robbie Williams, Boyzone and Backstreet Boys made sure audiences were bopping while artists such as Salt-N-Pepa, Public Enemy, Naughty by Nature, Cypress Hill and Ice-T and Body Count brought rap and hip-hop to The Halls.

---

From: @darrenashton957 On YouTube

769 views? I was at this gig and Jeff and the band were incredible. It is impossible to do it justice with words, he just blew us all away. I knew we were witnessing something very special. Obviously his voice is like no other, but he had an amazing presence on stage and total commitment.

@chrisseventeen Just one of the greatest gigs I ever saw - a treacherous solo drive to Wolverhampton through ridiculous snow made more than worthwhile by the tightest rockingest band i’d Seen in years. Thanks for posting this gem of a show. Snowball fights with Beastie Boys fans after the show......

@frankdonnelly5475 I made this recording. Takes me right back there to that snowy night in Wolverhampton every time I hear it. Jeff in a half full Wulfrun Hall while a sold out Civic Hall next door hosted the Beastie Boys. People who witnessed Jeff's magic surely had the more unforgettable experience. Thanks Jeff - 21 years gone.

[mooseyspooky]

Spooky!

I have 2 nosy questions: 21 and 44.

😉🌟

21: What I love most about myself

I'm driven. If I want something I try and commit to it. I also really love being able to come with new smut ideas at the drop of a hat. Really handy, that, if I'm honest with you

44: A random fact about anything

I've never had a long term relationship with an American. My first relationship lasted 7 years and was with a boy from just outside Birmingham, near Wolverhampton, and I'm currently in an open nesting relationship/long distance marriage with a transgirl from Dublin, Ireland. We've been together for a little over 6 years.

[influencermagazineuk]

Fans were deeply moved during Zayn Malik's recent performance in Wolverhampton, where he paid an emotional tribute to his former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne. The heartfelt moment occurred on November 29 during Malik's debut headline solo tour. Wolverhampton, Payne’s hometown, served as the backdrop for a deeply personal and touching acknowledgment of his late friend and colleague. At 31, Malik has been enchanting audiences with his first solo tour since he left the globally successful boy band in 2015. He quit the group due to the need to take care of his mental health and have a private life. Malik's return to the stage has been all about powerful performances and raw emotional moments, such as when he sang a tribute to Payne. At The Halls in Wolverhampton, Malik stopped to speak to the audience. "I've been doing something at the end of every show," he said. "It's dedicated to my brother Liam Payne. Rest in peace. I hope you're seeing this. We're in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton, and this is for you, Liam." The words from him and the weight in his voice were so poignant for so many fans. For all who saw, it stood not only as Malik's sadness but also a testament to how strong a bond remained between former bandmates. Ianthebush, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Zayn Malik and Liam Payne were members of the phenomenon that was One Direction, a group created for The X Factor UK in 2010. Along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, they achieved unprecedented global success. Their meteoric rise had chart-topping albums, sold-out stadium tours, and an intense level of fame that very few could truly comprehend. Despite leaving the group in 2015, Malik often talked of the complexities of fame and issues it brought. So also does Payne, being quite forthcoming about his problems within this limelight, from talking issues with mental health and living an always-on life within public vision. Malik's tribute has been an undying testimony of their deep bond as they both went ahead with their life and careers following different paths. It is a poignant reminder of the friendships they had when they were in One Direction, something that no time and distance would tear apart. Tragedy in Buenos Aires On October 16, Liam Payne tragically died when he plunged to his death from the balcony of his third-floor Buenos Aires, Argentina hotel room. Fans and friends were left in shock at such news, with mourning pouring out across the planet. Following Payne's death, Malik delayed his tour so he could come to terms with this loss. After getting back out there, he started closing each show by paying a tribute to Payne. His words and actions stand as a memorial to his friend in ways which deeply resonate with audiences to honor Payne's memory and legacy. Addressing his Wolverhampton show, Malik said, "Rest in peace. I hope you're seeing this." This moment was charged with emotional feel, reflecting not only the pain of his loss but the collective mourning of fans that have grown up watching One Direction grow up. Malik's solo tour, aptly titled Stairway to the Sky, has been a journey not only into his musical evolution but also his personal growth. Having performed in cities such as London, Manchester, and Leeds, it was both artistic triumph and emotional catharsis. Adding Payne's tribute to all the performances, Malik shares that intimacy with fans and makes them feel closer to him. These gestures also display his vulnerability where the fans not just enjoy an artist but see a human being behind the music. For many fans, tributes have become their way of collectively mourning and, in the meantime, celebrating Payne's life. Social media sites are filled with messages of support to Malik, but also pay homage to the memory of Payne. Fans are sharing clips of performances by Malik, with many commenting on the raw emotion in his voice and the heartfelt nature of the words. A Legacy That Lives On While the world mourns the loss of Liam Payne, moments like Malik’s tribute ensure that his legacy lives on. Payne's impact on the music world, his fans, and his former bandmates is undeniable. In Malik's words, "This is for you, Liam," there is deep weight. They are a testament to how the guys in One Direction are sticking together and, more importantly, a reminder of the human aspect that cannot be lost in the glitz and glamour. As Malik moves forward with his tour, these tributes are sure to stay at the very heart of his concerts and performances. Through words and songs, he keeps Payne's memory alive to give his fans a way to celebrate his life and mourn his passing together. This was more so for Wolverhampton, his hometown. It connected him both to his roots and to the fans who had been with him since the start. It was one of those performances that people would never forget—a night full of emotions, music, and memories of a life that had touched so many. Read the full article

[seasurfacefullofclouds1]

why was otra cleveland not an easy time for them?

OTRA Cleveland was 28 Aug 2015. In August 2015, One Direction had just announced they were “going on hiatus.” OTRA tour after Zayn left was always somewhat chaotic. They were trying to tour one album while another album was being recorded and readying for promo— even though they were going on break. I think Freddie’s pregnancy was announced in July 2015 and fandom was still hot on the topic. Liam also admitted to drinking heavily on tour, having lots of mental anxiety. Xander Ritz was following Harry around the USA during OTRA, I believe traveling on the Azoff’s private plane at times.

In October 2015, Liam’s interview with Attitude would come out, for Sexiest Man of the Year.

“It’s been five years and it’s time to take a well-earned break.” Liam will later tell us. “Of course, we’ll work together again; we’re not splitting up. We’re just having some time out.”

While long-haired larrikin Harry Styles is recognised by the press as the band’s hottest guy, it’s actually moody-looking Liam, 22, from Wolverhampton, who has caught the eyes of us gay men. Since he cropped his Bieber fringe in favour of a rugged crop, Liam’s blossomed from a teenage boy to a handsome, self-assured man.

But it’s not just his dashing teen idol looks that have captivated us so much; so too has his surly take on life. He may come across as the ‘practical’ Gary Barlow type, but he’s certainly not scared to say what’s on his mind, a refreshingly honest trait that has occasionally landed him in hot water.

This next part was the part that got Liam all kinds of fandom hatred, as you can imagine:

Do you see your fans being more liberated?

When the law changed in the U.S., there were loads of rainbow flags flying at our shows, but I think that was mainly because people think of the Louis and Harry thing [that they’re secret lovers], which is absolutely nuts and drives me insane.

Why does it drive you insane? Jealous much?

No, nothing like that. It’s like when you know the ins and outs of what is going on with people it’s just annoying when it’s so stupid. It becomes like a conspiracy or like a cult, the people who watch them and think that every move they make is a gesture toward them being together, and I know it’s just not true and it makes me mad.

Where do those rumours come from?

I think it was when Louis and Harry started living together. The thing is, we as a band mess around with each other. There are certain terms and phrases that we use that we all think are funny that people misunderstand. It’s so funny to be on the inside of it because you know what’s what and then you hear all these crazy theories.

I can imagine it must be frustrating.

Well, just imagine you’re the man who lands on the moon and you come home to hear people saying you didn’t – naturally, you’d get agitated. ‘Cos you know what they’re saying is not true.

Well, Louis is going to be a dad…

Yes, indeed, and he’s very happy about becoming a dad. But the funny thing is, there are some people out there who think that Louis getting Briana pregnant is fake. That it’s not real; it’s a cover up. And that’s the sort of shit that gets to me. But you have to hold your tongue and that’s fine. I mean, it’s not really any of my business anyway.

Even though the fans are young, they are quite knowledgeable about sex.

I get a lot of drawings sent to us on the internet. I get tagged in drawings of Louis and Harry being together. I remember this one time I was sitting next to my dad and I see this picture of me on top of Niall, which was quite intimidating. It’s just really weird to have people drawing these sexually explicit pictures of us in strange situations.

Especially as these girls are so young. Some as young as ten.

I don’t think it’s the right hobby for these girls to be enjoying. I find it very strange that someone so young can think up these stories or even imagine these things are going on. That for me is the sad and sorry side of what we have done.

Then the Belfast concert got cancelled, the first time ever in One Direction history. It was a chaotic time, for sure.

[alarrytale]

Heyy,

Just saw some post about liams funeral and of course without any judgement, but I don’t really understand why the family didn’t choose for a more private funeral. Especially with Like Simon C and Simon J being there.

Also Kate (I’m not sure if I believe they were together)

Hi, anon!

I'm sure they looked at all their options, weighed the pros and cons before landing on this. Liam had a lot of celebrity friends who would want to attend if possible, that will naturally draw a lot of attention. They probably also thought about their own need for privacy and the public interest this event would have.

The funeral was held close to his home and not in Wolverhampton, the location was kept secret to not have hordes of fans show up and risk a security situation. That made it possible for all his celebrity friends to attend. The paps were allowed to take pics, bar pics of Bear. That made it possible for the public to take part in giving Liam his send off, our last farewell, while keeping the ceremony itself for guests only. Since it was so public, i don't think they could stop the Simons from going, the same with KC.

Seeing so many celebrities, friends and family there goes to show how loved Liam was. Seeing the boys all there together, despite them looking devastated, was healing. No matter what, they're brothers.

[didhewinkback]

there's this sadness in my throat that i can't let out because im at work but man this is affecting far more than i expected, liam had never been my fave and i'd written him off a lot time ago and only more so when i found out about the abusive behavior but still there is grief i suppose feelings are just not that simple as not mourning someone or what they represented because they did bad things

yeah i think its all things at once. it is devastating that that boy from wolverhampton died in this gruesome and shocking fashion, that he grew up to be this abusive man. its horrifying how abusive he was to maya and how he treated countless other victims and its all just very very very sad that he had been struggling w substance abuse for so long and could not get the help he needed. it doesnt excuse anyhting he did because many people struggle with addiction and do not abuse or manipulate others but i just cant stop thinking about the boy who would sit in his hotel room doing those twitcams and now hes gone and thats very sad to me

[themultifandomgal]

From 2010- The Start Of The Live Shows

2010

Part 3

Nervous is not the right word to describe how I’m feeling for the first live show. We’ve been rehearsing everyday and night. We’ve gotten to know each other really well in such a short amount of time and I’m so lucky to be in a group where we all actually get along. At first I think it was a little weird for them having a girl in the group, but we know that if we do well in this competition then we will have to just get used to being around the opposite sex. I just get off the phone with my dad and walk back into Harry and Liams shared room where everyone else is

“YN we’re needed to film our VT”

“Ok let me just run to my room and slap some makeup on”

“You don’ need any” Harry says. I give him a small smile

“Thank you, but I’m in a group of good looking lads, that girls will fall head over heals with. I don’t want to be the slob of the group. I’ll be 5 minutes, tops” I quickly go to my room opposite and put on a little foundation, blush and mascara, nothing crazy just enough to make me look alive. Then we all head to the room where VTs are being filmed. I sit on the floor between Zayn and Liam

“I’m Louis, I’m 18 I’m from Doncaster”

“M’Harry, m’ 16 and m’Cheshire”

“I’m Niall I’m 17 and I’m from Mullingar in Ireland”

“I’m Liam, I’m 17 and I’m from Wolverhampton”

“I’m YN in 16 and I’m from Shrewsbury”

“I’m zayn I’m 17 and from Bradford. When we were practicing this song I was off time with the music. Obviously I can’t make a mistake like that on the live show”

“We’ll be ok” I smile at Zayn next to me. Once our VT filming is over we’re told to go and rest up ready for our first live show tomorrow.

Nervously we stand waiting to be introduced. My hands are shaking while holding on to the microphone. I take some deep breath trying to settle my nervous stomach

“We’ve got this” Niall puts his arm around my shoulders and gives me a squeeze.

We get into positions and music starts playing. The stage is revealed in front of us and we start singing Rule The World. During the song all of us become more and more comfortable and confident, especially when seeing Simons smiling face.

“Well guys I loved what you did with the song, you made it your own. I love how YNs voice stands out, but also blends with the rest of you. Well done” Louis says smiling

“You look like you fit together. You look like the perfect band. When I heard that there was going to be a girl in a boy band I was confused” Danni laughs “but it works”

“I have to agree with Danni. You look fantastic you sound good but I can tell you just a little more time getting to know one another and get comfortable with each other, but that will come with time. I am so happy that Simon agree to have you YN because although I couldn’t see you as a solo artist, I couldn’t see you and your talent go. You fit in so well”

“We took a risk and what was so impressive is how you help each other. I know YN you’ve been very nervous today and yes you could hear that in your vocals, but you all supported one another and that’s what a band does. It was brilliant”

Thankfully we stay in the show week after week and we are so so grateful.

[kingsofeverything]

My dramione loving ass is definitely down for some famous/famous Tom Felton Emma Watson if you’re still willing to share! I hope it involves a skateboard board ride because that Instagram post STILL haunts me

omggggggggg ok so the plan does definitely include that and the famous jeep pic but i haven't written it. so far it's just pretty much a carbon copy of the interview where emma's like "oh yeah i had a crush"

funnyish story, but i was thinking of trying to combine this with my other famous/famous wip where harry's a dick lol but i haven't put much thought into it. anyway here it is!

Traffic in LA is maddening. Louis sighs as he finally pulls into his garage, exhausted from a long week on set. Adjusting to the drive is rough. Maybe Zayn was right and he should pay a driver so he can nap on the ride home. 

At least the weather’s nice. As he’s done every day since moving to California, Louis strips out of his clothes, pulls on a pair of trunks, and dives into the pool in his backyard. He swims laps until his arms and legs feel like noodles, then lifts himself up on the side of the pool and sits there catching his breath. After shaking some of the water from his hair, and tipping his head side to side to clear it from his ears, he climbs to his feet and wraps a towel around his waist. 

On the way to the shower, he checks his phone, finding a text from Niall telling him to watch Graham Norton—which he always records. As soon as he’s washed and dried and dressed again in his softest sweatpants, he turns on the television, but before the show can start, Niall calls again. 

Rolling his eyes, Louis answers, “Neil?”

“Lewis.” Niall scoffs and asks, “Skip ahead to Harry's bit.”

“What?”

“Graham Norton. Harry’s on. Skip ahead to his interview.”

“Harry?”

“Styles.”

“Oh!” Louis chuckles quietly, and fast forwards while he talks. “Thought you meant Prince Harry. Harry Styles. Haven’t seen him in— There he is.” Beautiful. He’s grown into his features and he’s cut his hair, but he’s still obviously Harry. 

“Right, mate. Talk to you later,” Niall says, and hangs up before Louis can say goodbye. 

Louis frowns at his phone, but turns up the volume to listen to Harry's interview.

“Does it bother you? Still being asked about the Super Series?”

Shaking his head, Harry replies, “No. Not at all, actually. I wouldn’t be here if not for those movies. And I know they’re�� They're important to a lot of people in a lot of ways. They’re important to me. If, in twenty, fifty, a hundred years I’m remembered for playing a teenage superhero, I’d be thrilled. Happy to be remembered at all, actually.”

“That’s a good way to look at it.” Graham smirks and, “Just one more thing about it then. You’ve said that the Super Series was pivotal for you with regards to your sexuality. Is this because of the fans and the, erm… shipping?”

Louis sits back on his couch, watching as Harry laughs and shakes his head. They haven’t seen each other in years. After the movie series wrapped, they were all off doing their own thing—different movie projects, television shows, guest spots, magazines, charities. Liam even moved back to Wolverhampton and worked as a volunteer firefighter, though that was kept secret for the few months he did it, so none of the fans would become arsonists in an effort to meet their favorite superhero. But the boys all kept in touch, except for Harry. He disappeared completely from Louis’ life, and until a few years ago, he thought Harry just didn’t want to be connected to the movie series or his co-stars. Turns out he just didn’t want to be connected to Louis. 

“Nothing to do with shipping, no. I was very young when we first started, you know. But I think everyone remembers their first crush, don’t they? Only I’d never thought about it. We were a few weeks into filming and I quite suddenly had a crush on a boy.” The audience whoops and hollers and Harry frowns, but clears his expression immediately. “I didn’t know I was gay at the time, so it was a bit jarring. At first I thought I just wanted to be him, so I tried.”

“Oh. Been there, mate.” 

“Yeah. Bought myself a skateboard and helmet and knee pads and everything. Would’ve cut my hair like his, but it was in the contracts that we had to keep the same hairstyle.”

Louis leans forward, studying the telly as if that will help him understand what Harry is talking about. 

Graham Norton laughs. “A skateboarder? I’m sure the fans have probably figured this out already, but enlighten me.”

“Oh, sorry,” Harry says, covering his face with his hands. “I had a horrible crush on Louis Tomlinson. For the first few films actually. It was terrible.”

“Oh, no. Did Louis know you had this crush on him?”

“Oh, yeah. It was obvious. It was so obvious. Everyone knew. I asked him to teach me to skateboard. He was always so sweet—nothing like a villain in real life—and he did try to teach me, but I was hopeless.”

Louis sits there blinking at the screen. He remembers it then—little Harry, a Harry that was shorter than Louis was, with round cheeks and out of control hair stuffed under a helmet. Aside from tutors, the studio had to provide them all with things to do in their down time, and he had begged for a half-pipe. They’d settled with letting him skateboard in the back lot with a few small ramps as long as he promised to practically wrap himself in protective gear. He and Zayn spent most of their free time out there. And Harry joined them once or twice, pushing himself along on his brand new board while keeping one foot a half-inch off the ground. Louis tried to show him how to tick-tack, but as soon as Harry got both feet on the board, he panicked, jumped off, and that was that. He stopped coming around. But Harry hadn't had a crush on him. Or at least, it wasn’t as obvious as he seemed to think it was. Louis had no idea. Besides, they were children. 

He tries to tune in and listen to the rest of the interview. Harry talks passionately about his charity work and what he’s doing in the UK involving LGBTQ+ youth. But Louis’ mind keeps drifting back to the almost decade long working relationship they had while filming the Super Series, wondering when the crush faded, and when Harry decided that Louis wasn’t worth keeping around for even friendship, especially since he talks of their past so fondly. Finally, he gives up and turns the telly off, calling Niall again.

Niall doesn’t answer with a greeting, just says, “Harry and Louis sitting in a tree—”

“Shut up, Ni. I had no clue about any of that. Did you?”

“Nah. But it’s Harry. He flirted with everyone before he knew what flirting was. Think it’s just his personality.”

“Well, thanks for the heads up. I’m sure that’ll be a talking point when I’m on the Late Show next week.”

When he goes to New York for The Tonight Show, it’s the first thing Jimmy asks him about and all Louis can do is tell the truth. No, he didn’t know about Harry’s crush, but they were practically babies back then. All he remembers is being worried about his hair and his spots and whether he’d get any taller. 

He fields the question at all of the other interviews to promote his new show, and by the time James Cordon asks him about it, he’s tired of the question. Unlike the other repetitive talking points, this one starts to bother him and a part of him wants to respond to Cordon’s follow up about whether he and Harry have discussed it with the truth. Which is that they haven’t spoken in years. But he knows that would only lead to more drama and more questions and he’s not up for that. Thankfully, Late Late is the last stop on his short promo tour. 

On the way home in the back seat of the car he hired for the day, his phone rings. An unknown number. Of course, he dismisses the call, but they leave a voice message, and as soon as he sees the beginning of the transcript, he listens to it. 

“Heyyyy this is Harry Styles. Wanted to apologize for the trouble I caused you. Call me if you can.”