will never get over the fact that one direction were a band for less than five years and here we are 16 years later still talking about the boys when they were together because it was that serious and it was that special
Louis’ emotional final speech in Orlando tonight, before he sang No Control to celebrate 16 years since One Direction were formed:
“You’re too kind, Orlando, I love yous. *Sits on the stage platform* Perch myself here.
So, today! Today is 16 years… *Crowd cheers* Since One Direction were formed, and uh, if anyone’s been following my social media today, from about 2pm, *Crowd cheers again* I honestly, I went through a One Direction megamix for about five hours straight, top to bottom.
I think honestly, since leaving the band, I’ve probably only done that twice ever really. So uh, it was nice, nice to have a moment and reminisce, and think about all the good times, and uh, obviously, when you’re looking back like that, you just, I’m just filled with gratitude. I-I’ve been so fucking lucky since I’ve been like 18 years old. And I’ve, I’ve- *Interrupted by the crowd cheering* Thank you.
I can remember crystal clear, I can remember even picking my outfit out for- *Crowd laughs* You’ve seen it, it’s bad, innit? It’s bad, it’s bad. It was alright at the time though, you know, looked alright at the time, at least I thought it did.
But I can remember picking that outfit out, I can remember going to bootcamp and I didn’t really expect too much, truthfully. I’d never been in a situation like that before in my life, you know, I didn’t go to stage school or anything like that. So, I didn’t really know what to expect, and uh, really, I was just there for the experience, and umm, I can remember- *A fan screams loudly* I appreciate that, thanks.
I can remember when the producers came up to us and they, you could see that something was going on. Now, I’m a big X Factor fan, that’s the show that we came up on, and uh, I kind of had a feeling what was happening, it felt really exciting, you’d seen similar things happen before, and then we got put together. Five fucking strangers, crazy shit, you know.
I feel incredibly lucky to have the career that I’ve had, 16 years is fucking crazy, I’ve got goosebumps saying that now.
*To a fan* Thank you, thank you, I’m proud of us, I’m proud of us, I love you.
So uh, yeah, I’ve been emotional today but it’s been lovely, it’s been a really lovely day. The gig today has been fucking lovely, really, really, I love yous.
*Walks back over to the mic stand* Ooh, felt myself getting a bit emotional there, had to rein it in. *Gets distracted by a fly* What’s this fly doing inside?
Alright listen. *A fan shouts something* Eh? I’m gonna nod my head and pretend I didn’t hear you.
Alright, here’s one of the One Direction songs, then.”
#HDWGHOrlando
#HDWGHWTOrlando
23/07/2026
“Today is 16 years since one direction was formed and if anyone’s been following my social media today from about 2pm- 5 hours straight top to bottom, I think honestly since the band I’ve only done that twice ever so it was nice to have a moment and reminisce”
16 fucking years of One Direction!!! Blows my mind. Thank you for changing all our lives and the love and passion you all still show is unmatched! Tonight’s going to be a special show.
Spending the rest of the day listening to all the bangers and reminiscing! Thank you for all the memories.
And to my brother I Miss you every day but especially on days like today. I know we’d have been celebrating today together!