Louis Tomlinson Shares His Thoughts on BTS Breaking One Direction’s Records: “It Was A Bit of A Shame”
Louis Tomlinson Reflects on His Journey in Latest Billboard Cover Story
In a recent cover story for Billboard, Louis Tomlinson discusses the evolving landscape of the music industry, particularly in the context of transitioning from being part of One Direction to observing the rise of BTS. The cover story, published on January 12, highlights Tomlinson’s candid reflections on fame and camaraderie.
Speaking with Billboard’s Executive Director of Music, Jason Lipshutz, Tomlinson acknowledged that while he doesn’t closely monitor other artists’ achievements, the success of BTS has been a significant development. “There was a time when BTS was on the way up, and I felt like, every time I logged into Twitter, they’d just taken one of our records for something — some fastest selling thing, and they’d take it away!” he said with a sense of humor.
Despite this lighthearted lament, Tomlinson expressed no resentment, noting, “It was just a bit of a shame! But I don’t begrudge them that — that’s the nature of the music industry, it keeps moving.”
Tomlinson also reflected on One Direction’s unique position in the music scene, claiming, “I’m sure people are trying, but I think what was really interesting about One Direction [was] pretty much every boy band that had come before us would fit into a quite specific mold.” He emphasized that One Direction broke free from traditional norms, such as uniformity in outfits and choreography.
The timing of Tomlinson’s remarks coincides with the upcoming release of his solo album, How Did I Get Here?, set for January 23. This period has been particularly challenging for Tomlinson and his former bandmates, who recently mourned the loss of Liam Payne, who passed away in October 2024.
In discussing his relationships with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, Tomlinson noted, “Naturally, there is a closeness — it definitely feels closer than it was.” He highlighted the challenges of maintaining consistent communication amidst their busy lives but reassuringly remarked about his bond with Horan, stating, “Niall — and hopefully he’d say the same about me — we could not exchange a text in a whole year and then go for a beer and literally be chatting nonstop.”
Tomlinson’s reflections offer a glimpse into his personal and professional evolution, showcasing his resilience in an ever-changing music industry.
