bucky

Los Angeles 12/6 - (photo by me)

So, How Was Your Decade is a series in which the decade’s most innovative musicians answer our questionnaire about the music, culture and memorable moments that shaped their decade. We’ll be rolling these pieces out throughout December.

Louis Tomlinson had just become an adult when the decade began and was quickly thrust into the spotlight with one of the biggest bands of this pop era. In July 2010, Tomlinson had been grouped up with four other boys who had auditioned as solo artists on The X-Factor — Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik — for a new group called One Direction. The band became a hit while on the reality competition series and would go on to release five albums and headline some of the biggest stadiums in the world before announcing their hiatus in 2016. Around the same time, he became a first-time father to song Freddie Reign.

But success like that can be bittersweet: the band’s touring and album release schedule had been nonstop and strenuous, and their hiatus came a year after a nasty separation with Malik. Tomlinson lost his mother, who had been battling leukemia, the same month he released his debut solo single “Just Hold On” with Steve Aoki. His younger sister also died earlier this year.

Tomlinson is starting off the Twenties with a fresh start: he’s releasing his debut solo album Walls in January and embarking on a tour soon after. Singles like “Kill My Mind” and “Don’t Let It Break Your Heart” are informed by his guitar-driven pop-rock taste, which also influenced much of writing for One Direction where he often served as the principal songwriter. As he prepares for the next phase, Tomlinson looks back on his favorite music and moments of the 2010s.

My favorite album of the 2010s was: Catfish and the Bottlemen’s The Ride. Love the big guitars and big chorus sound.

My favorite song of the 2010s was: Liam Gallagher’s “Once.” Incredible concept and great lyrics to go with it.

The artist who had the best decade was: One Direction

The craziest thing that happened to me in the 2010s was: Going from sixth form at a school in Doncaster to getting put in a band and moving to London.

My least favorite trend in music this decade was: Lack of guitars on pop radio.

The TV show I couldn’t stop streaming in the 2010s was: Peaky Blinders

The best new slang term of the decade was: Not a fan of all these modern abbreviations

The best live show I saw in the 2010s was: Libertines’ set at Glastonbury 2015. It was my first time at the festival and a very memorable night.

The misstep I learned the most from in the 2010s was: Not to spend all my energy on chasing radio

The best book I read this decade was: Phil Knight’s Shoe Dogg. I don’t read as much as I should, but this is a very inspiring read.

The best outfit I wore this decade was: Can I answer that …

The most “2010s” moment of the 2010s was: The cringy “dab”

Loved this #turnforestrainbow action for Niall? Loved the #rainbowlights for Harry during HSLOT? There’s volunteers to organise them for 3 out of 4 of Louis’ upcoming shows and we are SUPER excited about it!!! 

If you want to see the stadiums light up for this, please REBLOG! 

What? Light up the audience in rainbow colours using your phones

Why? To show support for the LGBTQ community!

When? During the first song of the setlist!

How? Hold up your phone with the colour of the section your seat is in.(seating plans, contact persons & further instructions below)

Bringing rainbows? Want to joint the meetup? Want to help? Sign up here

Seating plans & contact persons :

13 Nov: Premious Telehit (Louis & Niall!) at Foro Sol, Ciudad de Mexico: still looking for a volunteer to organize  – you’ve got one month, and we’ve got your back, together we can do this, just hit us up!!

17 Nov: Hits Radio Live 2019 (Louis & Liam!), Manchester Arena, Manchester UK: contact @loushanghai on twitter

30 Nov: Live. Life. Love. Concert for suicide prevention. Municipal Auditorium, Nashville (USA) contact person @lornasaurusrex on tumblr

5 Dec : Poptopia, SAP Center, San Jose (USA) : contact person @lornasaurusrex on tumblr

How to light up in colour:

Flashlight method: Stick a piece of coloured paper/tape or a coloured sticker over your flashlight

Picture method: DroidLight App (Android) or Colour Light App (iPhone)

If you don’t want to use an app, grab your mobile, zoom in on the picture below and screenshot the colour you need. Remember to set your screensaver to kick in only after 5 minutes