History of Louis Tomlinson in Timeline

Louis Tomlinson is an English singer and songwriter, notable for his role in the globally successful boy band One Direction. Originating from Doncaster, England, he initially auditioned for The X Factor as a solo artist in 2010. Although he didn't progress as a solo act, he was grouped with four other contestants to form One Direction, which became one of the best-selling boy bands in music history. Beyond music, Tomlinson has also ventured into fashion design.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

December 1991: Louis Tomlinson's Birth

In December 1991, Louis Tomlinson was born in Doncaster, England.

2000: Birth of Half-Sister Félicité

In 2000, one of Louis Tomlinson's younger half-sisters, Félicité, was born from Poulston's marriage to Mark.

2008: First Group Since 2008 to Record Two Number-One Albums in the Same Year

In 2008, One Direction became the first group since 2008 to record two number-one albums in the same year

2009: The X Factor Audition

In 2009, Louis Tomlinson auditioned for The X Factor, but he didn't progress past the producer's audition.

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July 2010: The X Factor Bootcamp and One Direction Formation

In July 2010, Louis Tomlinson failed to progress to the "Boys" category at the end of the final bootcamp stage of The X Factor competition. However, he was grouped with Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, and Harry Styles to form One Direction.

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2010: The X Factor Audition and One Direction Formation

In 2010, Louis Tomlinson auditioned as a solo artist for The X Factor. He was later grouped with four other contestants to form One Direction.

2010: Extensive Philanthropy

Since 2010, Tomlinson has been involved in extensive philanthropy, donating millions of pounds towards charities and participating in causes such as Soccer Aid.

September 2011: Release of "What Makes You Beautiful"

In September 2011, One Direction released their debut single "What Makes You Beautiful", which reached number one in the UK.

2011: Begins Dating Eleanor Calder

Louis Tomlinson began dating Eleanor Calder in late 2011.

September 2012: Release of "Live While We're Young"

In September 2012, One Direction released "Live While We're Young", the lead single from their second album.

September 2013: Debut Announced and Injury in Charity Match

In September 2013, it was announced that Louis Tomlinson would debut for Doncaster's Reserve team on September 18. Prior to that, on September 8, he played for Celtic in a charity match where he was injured following a tackle, forcing him to pull out of the Scunthorpe match.

November 2013: Release of Midnight Memories

On November 2013, One Direction released their third studio album Midnight Memories, which became the best-selling album worldwide in 2013 with 4 million copies sold globally.

2013: Joins Doncaster Rovers Football Club

In 2013, after impressing in a charity game, Louis Tomlinson joined his hometown professional football club Doncaster Rovers on non-contract terms. He was given squad number 28 for the 2013–14 season to be a development player.

February 2014: Debut for Doncaster's Reserve Side

In February 2014, Louis Tomlinson made his debut for Doncaster's reserve side as a substitute in a 0–0 game against Rotherham United. This was a charity match to raise money for Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice.

April 2014: Beginning of the Where We Are Tour

In April 2014, One Direction began their third headlining concert tour, the Where We Are Tour, their first all-stadium tour. It became the highest-grossing tour of 2014 by a vocal group.

May 2014: Participates in Charity Football Challenge

In May 2014, Louis Tomlinson participated in bandmate Niall Horan's Charity Football Challenge at the King Power Stadium.

June 2014: Joint-Ownership of Doncaster Rovers

In June 2014, Louis Tomlinson and former chairman John Ryan initially took over as joint-owners of Doncaster Rovers. However, the takeover later fell through.

September 2014: MAESTRIO Charity Match Appearance

On September 7, 2014, Louis Tomlinson returned to Celtic Park to take part in the MAESTRIO Charity Match, playing for Rio Ferdinand's All-Stars. Proceeds benefited several charities including UNICEF and War Child.

November 2014: Release of Four

In November 2014, One Direction's fourth album Four was released, making it the last album to feature Zayn Malik. The album sold 387,000 copies in its first week in the United States, becoming the second-largest debut of the year.

2014: Birth of Twins Doris and Ernest

In 2014, Louis Tomlinson's half-siblings, twins Doris and Ernest, were born from Poulston's marriage to Dan Deakin.

March 2015: Split with Eleanor Calder

In March 2015, Louis Tomlinson and Eleanor Calder ended their relationship.

July 2015: Reports of Expecting a Child

In July 2015, it was reported that Louis Tomlinson was expecting a child with Briana Jungwirth.

August 2015: Confirmation of Expecting a Child

On August 4, 2015, on Good Morning America, Louis Tomlinson confirmed the reports that he was expecting a child with Briana Jungwirth.

November 2015: Relationship with Danielle Campbell

In November 2015, Louis Tomlinson began a relationship with American actress Danielle Campbell.

November 2015: Release of Made in the A.M.

In November 2015, One Direction's fifth album, Made in the A.M., was released. The album reached number one in multiple countries, including the UK, and it reached number two on the US Billboard 200.

2015: Appearance on The X Factor and America's Got Talent

In 2015, Louis Tomlinson assisted Simon Cowell during the judges' houses stage on The X Factor. He later appeared as a guest judge on America's Got Talent.

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2015: Creation of Triple Strings Ltd

In 2015, Louis Tomlinson created his own record label, Triple Strings Ltd, as an imprint of Syco Music. He also worked with Simon Cowell to create a girl band and held auditions.

January 2016: Birth of Son Freddie Reign Tomlinson

On January 21, 2016, Louis Tomlinson and Briana Jungwirth welcomed their son, Freddie Reign Tomlinson.

April 2016: Joins Soccer Aid 2016 Line-Up

In April 2016, Louis Tomlinson was announced to be joining the Soccer Aid 2016 star line-up, a fundraiser for UNICEF. He played for the England squad.

June 2016: Soccer Aid 2016 Participation

On June 5, 2016, Louis Tomlinson participated in Soccer Aid 2016, playing for the England squad against his bandmate Niall Horan.

December 2016: Release of "Just Hold On"

In December 2016, Louis Tomlinson released "Just Hold On" with Steve Aoki as his debut solo single. The single peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum in the UK.

December 2016: Death of Johannah Deakin

In December 2016, Louis Tomlinson's mother, Johannah Deakin, passed away from leukaemia at the age of 43.

December 2016: Release of "Just Hold On" and Mother's Death

On December 10 2016, Louis Tomlinson released "Just Hold On", a collaboration with Steve Aoki, and performed it live on The X Factor. Days prior, his mother passed away, to whom he dedicated the song.

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2016: One Direction's Indefinite Hiatus

In 2016, One Direction went on an indefinite hiatus to pursue individual projects. Tomlinson recalled feeling "mortified" about the band's split.

March 2017: Altercation at Los Angeles Airport

In March 2017, Louis Tomlinson was detained by airport security following an altercation at Los Angeles International Airport involving a paparazzo and aggressive fans. He was initially charged with a misdemeanour and posted bail.

April 2017: Charges Dropped After Airport Altercation

By April 2017, the charges against Louis Tomlinson stemming from the airport altercation were dropped.

July 2017: Release of "Back to You"

In July 2017, Louis Tomlinson released the single "Back to You" featuring Bebe Rexha and Digital Farm Animals. The music video was filmed in Doncaster at the Doncaster Rovers F.C Stadium.

October 2017: Release of "Just Like You"

In October 2017, Louis Tomlinson released the promotional single "Just Like You", which peaked at No. 99 on the UK Official Charts.

December 2017: Release of "Miss You"

In December 2017, Louis Tomlinson released his second solo single "Miss You", which peaked at No. 39 on the UK Charts.

2017: Tomlinson Confirms News About Triple Strings Ltd

In 2017, Louis Tomlinson confirmed the news about creating Triple Strings Ltd, speaking to Noisey.

2017: Releases and recognition

In 2017, Louis Tomlinson released "Back to You" with Bebe Rexha and "Miss You". He also appeared on Debrett's list of the most influential people in the UK.

2017: Charity Single for Grenfell Tower Victims

In 2017, Louis Tomlinson was featured in a charity single fundraising for victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.

2017: Reunion with Eleanor Calder

In early 2017, Louis Tomlinson and Eleanor Calder reunited after their split in 2015.

July 2018: Becomes Judge on The X Factor

In July 2018, Louis Tomlinson became a judge on the fifteenth series of The X Factor alongside Simon Cowell, Robbie Williams, and Ayda Field. He mentored the "Boys" category, with Dalton Harris ultimately winning.

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2018: Judge on The X Factor

In 2018, Louis Tomlinson appeared as a judge and mentor on the fifteenth series of The X Factor.

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February 2019: Signing with Arista Records

In February 2019, Louis Tomlinson signed with the newly-relaunched Arista Records.

March 2019: Death of Félicité Tomlinson

In March 2019, Louis Tomlinson's sister, Félicité, died from an accidental overdose at the age of 18.

March 2019: Release of "Two of Us"

On March 7, 2019, Louis Tomlinson released "Two of Us", his first release under Arista Records and a tribute to his mother.

September 2019: Release of "Kill My Mind"

In September 2019, Louis Tomlinson released the single "Kill My Mind", described as a 90s-inspired indie pop record. The music video, directed by Charlie Lightening, was released on September 13.

October 2019: Release of "We Made It" and World Tour Announcement

On October 23, 2019, Louis Tomlinson released "We Made It", the third single from his upcoming album. He also announced the Louis Tomlinson World Tour and his debut album entitled Walls.

2019: Death of Half-Sister Félicité

In 2019, Louis Tomlinson's half-sister Félicité passed away.

January 2020: Release of Walls

In January 2020, Louis Tomlinson's debut solo studio album, Walls, was released, debuting at No. 4 in the UK and No. 9 on the US Billboard 200.

June 2020: Support for Black Lives Matter

In June 2020, Louis Tomlinson voiced his support for the Black Lives Matter movement, sharing donation links, making donations, and attending the George Floyd protests in London with his then-girlfriend Eleanor Calder.

July 2020: Parting Ways with Syco Music

In July 2020, Louis Tomlinson announced that he had parted ways with Syco Music and had begun writing his next album.

December 2020: Live From London Digital Concert

On December 12, 2020, Louis Tomlinson held the digital concert Live From London, which sold over 160,000 tickets, breaking the Guinness World Record for the most livestreamed concert for a male solo artist of the year. The proceeds went to various charities.

2020: Sells House in Hollywood Hills

In 2020, Louis Tomlinson sold his house in Hollywood Hills for $6.4 million.

May 2021: Signing with BMG

In May 2021, Louis Tomlinson announced that he had signed a global deal with BMG to release his second album.

July 2021: Away From Home Festival Announcement

In July 2021, Louis Tomlinson announced the founding and curation of the indie music festival Away From Home Festival, and that he would be performing for free to celebrate the return of live music after the COVID pandemic shutdown.

August 2021: First Away From Home Festival

On August 30, 2021, the first edition of Louis Tomlinson's Away From Home Festival took place at Crystal Palace Bowl, London. The lineup included bands like The Snuts and Bilk.

2021: Interest in Musical Management and Record Label

In 2021, having left Syco Music, Louis Tomlinson expressed interest in starting his own musical management company and owning a record label, as he felt Triple Strings Ltd did not meet his goals for nurturing artists.

February 2022: Resumption of the Louis Tomlinson World Tour

In February 2022, Louis Tomlinson resumed his Louis Tomlinson World Tour in Dallas, after it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

August 2022: Album Tracks Leaked and Faith in the Future Announcement

In August 2022, tracks from Louis Tomlinson's upcoming album were leaked. On August 31, he announced that his second album Faith in the Future would be released on November 11, 2022.

August 2022: Second Away From Home Festival

On August 30, 2022, the second annual edition of Louis Tomlinson's Away From Home Festival took place at Marenostrum Music Castle Park in Málaga on Costa del Sol, featuring artists such as The Vaccines, Sun Room, STONE and Voodoos. The festival attracted 17 thousand fans and received positive reviews.

November 2022: Release of Faith in the Future Album

In November 2022, Faith in the Future became Louis Tomlinson's first solo album to debut at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart. In the US, the record debuted at No.5 on the Billboard Charts.

November 2022: Broken Arm After New York Performance

In November 2022, Louis Tomlinson broke his upper right arm in a fall after a performance in New York. He underwent surgery, and his promotional events were rescheduled.

December 2022: Triple Strings Ltd Remains Dormant

As of December 2022, Louis Tomlinson's record label, Triple Strings Ltd, remained a dormant company.

2022: Tomlinson Finds "New Musical Purpose"

In 2022, Tomlinson stated that One Direction's split allowed him to find "new musical purpose".

2022: Second Breakup with Eleanor Calder

Louis Tomlinson and Eleanor Calder broke up again in 2022.

January 2023: Breakup With Eleanor Calder Announced

In January 2023, it was announced that Louis Tomlinson and Eleanor Calder had broken up in 2022.

March 2023: All of Those Voices release

In March 2023, Louis Tomlinson's documentary "All of Those Voices" was released in limited theatres. The documentary, directed by Charlie Lightening, chronicles Tomlinson's journey from One Direction member to solo artist.

May 2023: Faith in the Future World Tour Commencement

In May 2023, Louis Tomlinson commenced his Faith in the Future World Tour, earning him critical acclaim and a Rolling Stone UK Awards nomination for Best Live Act.

July 2023: Kit Connor Wears 28 Piece

In July 2023, actor Kit Connor wore a 28 piece from Louis Tomlinson's clothing line in a photoshoot for The Guardian.

August 2023: Launch of Streetwear Brand "28"

In August 2023, Louis Tomlinson launched his streetwear brand "28", incorporating his native White Rose of York into the branding.

August 2023: Third Away From Home Festival

On August 19, 2023, the third Away From Home Festival curated by Louis Tomlinson took place in Camaiore, Italy. The festival was supported by artists such as Blossoms, The Cribs, Andrew Cushin and HotWax.

August 2023: Launch of "28" Clothing Line

On August 28, 2023, Louis Tomlinson officially launched his "28" streetwear-inspired unisex clothing line, also referred to as 28 Clothing and 28 Official Programme (28OP). He described it as fulfilling a "creative itch that [he] wanted to scratch".

October 2023: All of Those Voices available on Paramount+

In October 2023, Louis Tomlinson's documentary "All of Those Voices" became available to stream on Paramount+.

November 2023: Rolling Stone UK Awards Nomination

In November 2023, shortly after performing in The O2 Arena, Louis Tomlinson was nominated for the Live Act Award at the Rolling Stone UK Awards.

2023: Investment in Andrew Cushin's Debut Album

In 2023, Louis Tomlinson, under 78 Productions, co-invested in English singer Andrew Cushin's debut album "Waiting for the Rain" with Strap Originals, after Cushin supported the North America and Europe legs of the Faith in the Future World Tour.

April 2024: Live Album Release

In April 2024, Louis Tomlinson released his surprise album "Live", featuring live performances from his Louis Tomlinson World Tour and Faith in the Future World Tour. The album includes recordings from 15 different shows in 15 cities.

2024: Faith in the Future World Tour continues

In 2024, Louis Tomlinson performed in Asia, Australia and Latin America as part of his Faith in the Future World Tour. During the Latin America leg, Tomlinson became the first male solo artist to headline Mexico City's Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.