Former One Direction member Niall Horan has talked about his time in the band, admitting that he was “afraid” to go out after being “chased” by fans while touring. The 29-year-old Irish singer-songwriter claimed he “loved touring” with One Direction “but it was f***ing crazy.” The group was put on indefinite hiatus six years after it was formed in 2010. During its existence, One Direction became one of the biggest pop groups globally, releasing five albums and staging four world tours.
Horan also discussed his friendship with Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi, who he described as a “diamond geezer.” The Irishman opened up about the camaraderie between the pair, saying that Capaldi is a “solid friend” and one of the funniest people he knows. He adds that famous people do not always know each other and that seeing another celebrity does not equate to a friendship with them.
The former One Direction singer talked about his upcoming third album, The Show. He said that he is both excited and nervous about releasing the new record. Horan hopes that he did not waste 18 months writing something that people will not like. He revealed that there is no heartbreak material on this album, so he felt the need for a new concept.
Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Horan said that the only good thing that came out of it for him was the chance to slow down. He became comfortable being still, realising that life does not always have to move at a breakneck speed.
Horan also touched on his fear of going out in public due to fans. He said that One Direction never got a chance to see the countries they visited because they were typically holed up in hotels, going to venues and then airports. Fans would crowd the exit doors, and if one of the band members were to be seen, they would be chased. Though he understands why it happened, Horan admitted that there was a period where he could not bring himself to go outside in London.
Horan has had great success since leaving One Direction, launching a solo career and producing chart-topping hits such as Slow Hands and Heaven. Fans anticipate the release of his newest album, The Show.
