One Direction announces hiatus after release of fifth album
A temporary break to focus on solo projects
The members of British boy band One Direction have decided to go their separate ways after the release of their fifth album this year. It is planned to be at least a year long, starting on March 2016. The announcement was made shortly after their new music video "Drag Me Down" created a buzz among fans. The video was the first appearance of the group without former member Zayn Malik, who left early this year.
According to People, a source tells them that the decision to take on a hiatus was mutual. After years of working together, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne felt they needed to focus on their own individual pursuits. Another source of US Weekly also say that the decision is in no way influenced by the departure of Malik. They have been planning about parting ways for some time, even before Malik decided to leave. It is reported that Styles is interested in getting into acting and trying a solo career. Meanwhile, Payne wants to try his hand in songwriting, Horan making a solo album, and Tomlinson participating in a reality TV series.
Despite this, the boys reassure fans that they are not splitting for good. In a series of tweets, Horan clarifies that what they are planning is temporary and will be back to share new music with their fans. Tomlinson also thanked fans on Twitter and promised them that they "are not going anywhere."
One Direction's still untitled fifth album is slated for release in November, with a new single Drag Me Down. Because of the hiatus, the boys will not be doing a tour for the album, but they will continue promoting it until February of next year. The group is currently on tour in the United States until September.
