History of One Direction in Timeline
One Direction, also known as 1D, was an immensely popular English-Irish pop group formed in 2010. The band consisted of members Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, who left in 2015. Achieving global fame and record-breaking sales, they established themselves as one of the most successful boy bands ever. In 2016, the group decided to take an indefinite break from making music together.
2002: NSYNC's Indefinite Hiatus Creates Void in Boy Band Scene
NSYNC's decision to go on an indefinite hiatus in 2002 marked a turning point in the boy band scene. This event created a void in the market that would later be filled by artists like Justin Bieber and, eventually, One Direction.
2009: The Wanted Emerges as Potential Rival to One Direction
The Wanted, formed in 2009, was initially seen as a potential rival to One Direction, sparking comparisons to the earlier rivalry between NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys. However, One Direction's rapid rise to global fame overshadowed The Wanted's success.
2010: One Direction Signs with Syco Records
After their impressive run on The X Factor, One Direction signed a record deal with Simon Cowell's Syco Records in 2010, launching their journey to musical stardom.
2010: One Direction is Formed on The X Factor
In 2010, five aspiring solo artists - Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, and Louis Tomlinson - crossed paths on The X Factor, leading to the formation of One Direction.
2010: One Direction is Formed on The X Factor
In 2010, the world was introduced to One Direction, a five-piece boy band formed on the British singing competition, The X Factor. This marked the beginning of their meteoric rise to fame.
January 2011: One Direction Begins Recording Debut Album
One Direction wasted no time after The X Factor, starting work on their debut album in January 2011.
February 2011: "One Direction: Forever Young" Book Released
February 2011 saw the release of "One Direction: Forever Young," a book documenting their X Factor journey, which quickly climbed The Sunday Times Best Seller list.
April 2011: One Direction Concludes X Factor Live Tour
One Direction wrapped up their participation in the X Factor Live Tour in April 2011, having performed for a massive audience of 500,000 across the UK.
September 2011: One Direction Releases Debut Single "What Makes You Beautiful"
September 2011 marked the debut of One Direction's infectious single, "What Makes You Beautiful," which quickly soared to the top of charts internationally.
November 2011: One Direction Signs with Columbia Records, Releases "Up All Night" in UK & Ireland
One Direction expanded their reach by signing with Columbia Records in November 2011, coinciding with the UK and Ireland release of their debut album, "Up All Night."
December 2011: One Direction Kicks Off First Headlining UK Tour
One Direction embarked on their first headlining UK concert tour, the Up All Night Tour, in December 2011, marking a significant step in their career.
2011: One Direction Releases Debut Album, "Up All Night"
One Direction released their highly anticipated debut album, "Up All Night," in 2011, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide with their catchy tunes and charming personalities.
2011: One Direction Partners with Pokémon and Nokia
One Direction became the face of Pokémon Black and White in 2011, appearing in TV ads for the game, and they also launched Nokia C3 and Nokia C2-02 phones.
2011: One Direction Supports Pride of Britain Awards
In 2011, One Direction showed their support for charitable causes by attending the Pride of Britain Awards. At the event, they presented the Child of Courage award to 13-year-old Danielle Bailey, a quadruple amputee.
2011: One Direction Releases Debut Album "Up All Night"
In 2011, One Direction released their debut album "Up All Night," characterized as a pop record with teen pop, dance-pop, pop rock influences, and elements of electropop and rock.
2011: One Direction Performs on BBC's Children in Need
In 2011, One Direction made their first appearance on the BBC's Children in Need charity telethon.
February 2012: One Direction Launches US Promotions, Tours with Big Time Rush
One Direction set their sights on the US market in February 2012 with a promotional tour and opening for Big Time Rush's concert tour.
April 2012: Trademark Infringement Lawsuit
In April 2012, an American band with the same name filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against One Direction. The US band claimed they were entitled to three times the profits made by the UK band, as well as compensatory damages in excess of US$1 million.
May 2012: Up All Night: The Live Tour DVD Release
In May 2012, One Direction released a recording of a concert from their Up All Night Tour, titled Up All Night: The Live Tour. The DVD topped charts in twenty-five countries and had global sales exceeding 1 million copies by August 2012.
May 2012: Recording of 'Take Me Home'
In May 2012, One Direction began recording their second studio album, Take Me Home, in Stockholm at Kinglet Studios. The album was developed with contributions from multiple songwriters and received generally favorable reviews.
June 2012: Nick Gatfield's Business Expectations
In June 2012, Nick Gatfield, the chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment UK, stated his expectation that One Direction would represent a $100 million business empire over 2013, noting that they already represented a $50 million business.
August 2012: One Direction's Record Sales Milestone
By August 2012, One Direction's record sales exceeded 8 million singles, 3 million albums, and 1 million DVDs. They also performed 'What Makes You Beautiful' at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in London.
August 2012: "Up All Night" Sells Over 3 Million Copies Worldwide
One Direction's debut album, "Up All Night," continued its impressive sales trajectory, exceeding 3 million copies sold globally by August 2012.
September 2012: Niall Horan Raises Money for Charity
In September 2012, Niall Horan organized a fundraising event for Irish Autism Action and Temporary Emergency Accommodation Mullingar, a charity based in his hometown. The event was met with such high demand that the ticket website crashed.
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. The song was a global success, reaching the top ten in almost every country it charted in.
September 2012: Legal Dispute Resolution
In September 2012, the UK group One Direction won the legal dispute over the right to keep using their band name. The US band changed its name to Uncharted Shores.
September 2012: One Direction's MTV Video Music Awards Wins
On 6 September 2012, One Direction were the biggest winners at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, winning all three of their nominations, including Best New Artist.
October 2012: One Direction Signs Endorsement Deals with Colgate, Pepsi, and Penshoppe
One Direction partnered with Colgate to launch their own line of dental care products, signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Pepsi, and endorsed Filipino clothing brand Penshoppe in October 2012.
November 2012: Release of 'Take Me Home'
In November 2012, One Direction released their second studio album, Take Me Home. The album sold 540,000 copies in its first week in the US and topped charts in more than thirty-four countries, making the band the first to have their first two albums reach number one on the Billboard 200.
December 2012: Performance at Madison Square Garden
On 3 December 2012, One Direction headlined a sold-out show at New York City's Madison Square Garden and performed 'Little Things' at the 2012 Royal Variety Performance in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II.
2012: One Direction's Meteoric Rise to Fame
In 2012, One Direction experienced a "meteoric" rise to fame, becoming a global phenomenon. They were the first British band to debut at number one on the US charts with their debut album. Their immense popularity led to "One Direction Infection," highlighting their widespread appeal. The band's unique approach, including their decision to forgo traditional boy band aesthetics like matching outfits and synchronized dancing, contributed to their distinct image and success.
2012: One Direction Releases Sophomore Album, "Take Me Home"
Riding the wave of their debut success, One Direction released their sophomore album, "Take Me Home," in 2012, solidifying their status as global superstars.
2012: One Direction Opens BBC's Children in Need with "Live While We're Young"
One Direction returned to BBC's Children in Need in 2012, opening the telecast with a performance of their single "Live While We're Young."
2012: One Direction Releases Second Album "Take Me Home"
One Direction released their second album, "Take Me Home," in 2012, marked by its rock-influenced pop sound, prominent electric guitar riffs, and use of synthesizers.
February 2013: Take Me Home Tour
In February 2013, One Direction embarked on their Take Me Home Tour, their first all-arena tour. The tour included 123 shows across multiple continents, grossed $114 million, and sold 1,635,000 tickets.
February 2013: One Direction Releases Charity Single for Comic Relief
In February 2013, One Direction released "One Way or Another (Teenage Kicks)", a medley of Blondie's "One Way or Another" and The Undertones' "Teenage Kicks", as the charity single for the UK's Comic Relief.
February 2013: Release of Comic Relief Single
In February 2013, One Direction released a cover version of 'One Way or Another' and 'Teenage Kicks' for Comic Relief. The charity single reached number one in the UK and Ireland, and the band travelled to Ghana for charity work.
May 2013: Announcement of 'Where We Are Tour'
On 16 May 2013, One Direction announced their first all-stadium tour, the Where We Are Tour. Tickets sold out in minutes, leading to additional shows being added due to overwhelming demand.
May 2013: One Direction Partners with Office Depot for Anti-Bullying Campaign
In May 2013, One Direction announced a partnership with Office Depot to release a limited-edition collection of back-to-school supplies. A portion of the proceeds from this collaboration was donated to an anti-bullying educational program aimed at promoting kindness in schools.
July 2013: Release of 'Best Song Ever'
On 22 July 2013, One Direction released 'Best Song Ever', which reached number two in the US and broke the 24-Hour Vevo Record with 10.9 million views on YouTube.
August 2013: One Direction Releases Debut Fragrance "Our Moment"
One Direction launched their debut fragrance, "Our Moment," in August 2013, with a full advertisement featuring their song "My Favourite Things."
August 2013: Release of One Direction: This Is Us
On 30 August 2013, the 3D documentary and concert film One Direction: This Is Us was released. Directed by Morgan Spurlock, the film topped UK and US box offices and grossed over $60 million worldwide.
October 2013: Release of 'Story of My Life'
On 28 October 2013, One Direction released 'Story of My Life', the second single from Midnight Memories. The song charted at number six in the US and at number two in the UK.
November 2013: Release of "Midnight Memories"
In November 2013, One Direction's third studio album, "Midnight Memories," was released. The album marked a departure from their previous sound, taking on a rockier edge. It became a global success, becoming the best-selling album worldwide in 2013.
November 2013: 1D Day
On 23 November 2013, One Direction held '1D Day', a 7.5-hour socially interactive YouTube live-stream featuring live performances and celebrity guests, in support of their album Midnight Memories.
December 2013: Record-breaking DVD and Blu-ray release of "This Is Us"
One Direction's concert film, "This is Us," was released on DVD and Blu-ray in December 2013. The release broke the UK record for first-week sales, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Jackson's "This Is It." This achievement further solidified their global stardom and commercial success.
2013: One Direction's Financial Success
One Direction's financial success soared in 2013. They earned approximately $75 million, earning them the title of the second-highest-earning celebrity under 30, according to Forbes. This recognition highlighted their rapid rise to stardom and commercial dominance.
2013: Simon Cowell Claims He Formed One Direction in 10 Minutes
In 2013, Simon Cowell revealed that it only took him 10 minutes to conceive the idea of putting One Direction together as a band.
2013: One Direction Becomes Second Highest-Earning Celebrity Under 30
In 2013, One Direction's earnings reached an estimated $75 million, making them the second highest-earning celebrity under 30, as recognized by Forbes.
2013: One Direction Releases "Midnight Memories," a Pop Rock Departure
In 2013, One Direction released their third album, "Midnight Memories," marking a departure from their previous sound with a more pop rock style and influences from 80s rock and folk music.
2013: One Direction Releases "Midnight Memories," the Best-Selling Album Worldwide
2013 saw the release of One Direction's "Midnight Memories," which became the best-selling album worldwide, marking a pinnacle moment in their musical career.
2013: One Direction Named Global Recording Artist of the Year
In recognition of their exceptional global success, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) named One Direction the Global Recording Artist of the Year in 2013. This prestigious accolade highlighted their dominance in the music industry and their ability to captivate audiences worldwide.
April 2014: Start of the "Where We Are Tour"
One Direction's "Where We Are Tour" commenced in April 2014. The tour became a massive success, breaking records for attendance and gross revenue. It marked a significant milestone in their career, demonstrating their global appeal and solidifying their status as one of the biggest touring acts in the world.
June 2014: Concerts at San Siro Stadium
One Direction performed electrifying concerts at the iconic San Siro Stadium in June 2014 as part of their "Where We Are Tour." These concerts became memorable events, showcasing the band's global stardom and their ability to command massive stadium crowds.
July 2014: Announcement of "One Direction: Where We Are - The Concert Film"
In July 2014, One Direction thrilled fans by announcing a concert film, capturing the energy and excitement of their "Where We Are Tour." The film provided a way for fans to relive the tour's highlights and experience the band's captivating stage presence.
September 2014: Release of One Direction's Autobiography, "Who We Are"
One Direction provided fans with an intimate look into their journey with the release of their autobiography, "Who We Are," in September 2014. The book offered personal accounts, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into their experiences, allowing fans to connect with them on a deeper level.
September 2014: Announcement and Free Release of "Fireproof"
One Direction announced their fourth studio album, "Four," in September 2014 and celebrated the occasion by releasing the song "Fireproof" as a free download for 24 hours. This generous gesture delighted fans and created excitement for the upcoming album.
October 2014: Conclusion of the "Where We Are Tour"
After an incredible run, One Direction's highly successful "Where We Are Tour" came to an end in October 2014. The tour left a lasting legacy, showcasing the band at the peak of their popularity and leaving millions of fans worldwide with unforgettable memories.
November 2014: One Direction Joins Band Aid 30 for Ebola Relief
One Direction joined forces with other British and Irish pop acts in November 2014 as part of Band Aid 30. They recorded a new version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?" at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill, London, to raise funds for the Ebola crisis in Western Africa.
November 2014: One Direction Releases Fourth Album "Four"
On November 2014, One Direction released their fourth album, "Four," showcasing a further maturation of their pop sound with influences from 1970s and 1980s music.
November 2014: Release of "Four" and Chart-topping Success
One Direction's fourth studio album, "Four," hit the shelves in November 2014. The album achieved remarkable success, topping charts globally and solidifying the band's dominance in the music industry.
2014: The Wanted Disbands, Acknowledging One Direction's Dominance
The Wanted announced their indefinite hiatus in 2014, citing One Direction's overwhelming global success as a significant factor in their decision. They acknowledged the difficulty of competing with a phenomenon like One Direction, effectively ending the speculation of a boy band rivalry.
2014: Billboard Names One Direction "Artist of the Year"
One Direction's remarkable achievements in the music industry continued in 2014 when Billboard recognized them as "Artist of the Year." This honor solidified their status as one of the most prominent and influential musical acts of their time.
2014: One Direction's "Where We Are Tour" Breaks Records
One Direction's "Where We Are Tour" in 2014 etched its name in music history, becoming the highest-grossing concert tour of the year and the highest-grossing tour by a vocal group ever.
2014: One Direction Performs at Royal Variety Performance
One Direction took the stage at the London Palladium in 2014 for a special performance at the Royal Variety Performance. The event was attended by Prince William and Catherine, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
2014: One Direction Achieves Historic Billboard 200 Chart Domination
One Direction made history in 2014 by becoming the first band to have their first four albums debut at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, a testament to their unparalleled popularity.
2014: One Direction Releases Second and Third Fragrances
In 2014, One Direction released their second fragrance, "That Moment," followed by their third fragrance, "You & I."
2014: One Direction Named "Artist of the Year" by Billboard
One Direction's exceptional success in the music industry earned them the prestigious title of "Artist of the Year" by Billboard in 2014.
February 2015: Embarking on the "On the Road Again Tour"
One Direction kicked off their highly anticipated "On the Road Again Tour" in February 2015. The tour marked their second all-stadium tour, showcasing their continued global appeal and their ability to draw massive crowds.
March 2015: Zayn Malik's Departure from One Direction
Zayn Malik announced his departure from One Direction in March 2015, marking a significant turning point for the band and sending shockwaves through their fanbase. Malik's exit ignited a wave of emotions among fans worldwide, leaving a void in the band's lineup and raising questions about their future.
March 2015: Zayn Malik Leaves One Direction
In a heartbreaking turn of events for fans worldwide, Zayn Malik announced his departure from One Direction in March 2015, marking a significant turning point in the band's history.
March 2015: Zayn Malik's Departure and Fan Reactions
Zayn Malik's departure from One Direction in March 2015 sparked a wave of emotional responses from fans worldwide. The news went viral on social media, with many expressing their sadness and support. Candlelight vigils held in Malik's honor highlighted the intense connection between the band and their devoted fanbase.
July 2015: Surprise Release of "Drag Me Down"
One Direction surprised fans with the unexpected release of their single "Drag Me Down" in July 2015. The song's release without prior promotion or announcement created a frenzy among fans and marked their first release as a four-piece.
August 2015: Announcement of Hiatus in 2016
One Direction announced in August 2015 their decision to go on hiatus in 2016, allowing members to pursue individual projects while assuring fans of their intention to reunite in the future.
October 2015: Conclusion of the "On the Road Again Tour"
One Direction's "On the Road Again Tour" concluded in October 2015. The tour, completed as a four-piece following Zayn Malik's departure, marked the end of an era for the band.
October 2015: One Direction Completes On the Road Again Tour
One Direction completed their On the Road Again Tour in October 2015.
November 2015: Release of "Made in the A.M." and Chart Success
One Direction's fifth studio album, "Made in the A.M.," was released in November 2015, marking their final album before their hiatus. The album received positive responses from fans and achieved commercial success, topping charts in several countries.
December 2015: Final Performances and Hiatus
One Direction delivered their final televised performance as a group before their hiatus on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, 2015, marking the end of an era for the band and leaving fans with lasting memories.
2015: One Direction Appears in Toyota Vios Ad and Releases Fragrance "Between Us"
One Direction appeared in an ad for the Toyota Vios in 2015 and also released their fourth fragrance, "Between Us."
2015: One Direction Releases Fifth Album, "Made in the A.M."
In 2015, One Direction released their fifth studio album, "Made in the A.M.," showcasing their musical growth and maturity.
2015: Forbes Ranks One Direction as Fourth Highest-Earning Celebrities
One Direction's global stardom translated into immense financial success, with Forbes ranking them as the fourth highest-earning celebrities worldwide in 2015.
2015: One Direction Ranked Among Highest-Earning Celebrities
One Direction's global popularity translated into immense financial success, with Forbes ranking them as the fourth highest-earning celebrities worldwide in 2015. This ranking showcased their continued dominance in the entertainment industry and solidified their status as global superstars.
2015: One Direction Launches 'Action 1D' Campaign
One Direction launched the 'Action 1D' campaign in 2015, aiming to raise awareness about significant global issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. As part of the broader action/2015 global citizen's movement, they encouraged their fans to use the hashtag #Action1D to share their vision for a better world.
January 2016: One Direction Begins Indefinite Hiatus
In January 2016, One Direction embarked on an indefinite hiatus, allowing its members to pursue solo projects.
January 2016: Rumors of Permanent Split Surface
In January 2016, rumors of One Direction splitting permanently began to circulate following a report by Us Weekly. The report suggested that the members had not renewed contracts after their On the Road Again Tour in October 2015, prompting denials from representatives who stated that hiatus plans remained unchanged.
June 2016: "What Makes You Beautiful" Achieves Platinum Status
By June 2016, "What Makes You Beautiful" had reached an impressive sales milestone, surpassing 4.8 million copies in the US and over 7 million copies worldwide.
2016: One Direction's Continued Financial Success
One Direction's reign as one of the world's highest-earning celebrities continued in 2016, with Forbes ranking them second. This consistent success underscored their enduring appeal and impact on the global entertainment landscape.
2016: One Direction Ranked Second on Forbes' Highest-Earning Celebrities List
One Direction continued to dominate the music industry and financial charts, securing the second spot on Forbes' list of the highest-earning celebrities in 2016.
2016: One Direction Announces Indefinite Hiatus
After five years of record-breaking success, One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016, leaving fans with a mix of emotions and hopes for a reunion in the future.
May 2017: One Direction Members Embark on Solo Careers
By May 2017, all members of One Direction had released solo singles, embarking on individual careers and releasing at least one solo album each.
October 2017: One Direction Applies for Touring Company Removal
One Direction applied for the removal of their touring company from the Companies House registry in October 2017.
2017: Search for the "Next One Direction"
In 2017, ABC premiered a television series titled "Boy Band," with the goal of creating a new five-member boy band. The show's premise led many media outlets to speculate that it was an attempt to capitalize on One Direction's success and find a similar group.
February 2018: One Direction's Touring Company Folds
It was reported in February 2018 that One Direction's touring company had folded after an application for removal from the Companies House registry in October 2017.
July 2020: One Direction's 10th Anniversary Celebration
On July 20, 2020, One Direction announced their 10th anniversary celebration, sending fans into a frenzy. The announcement included a social media campaign and the launch of a dedicated anniversary website, which crashed due to overwhelming traffic. The band members expressed gratitude to their fans, acknowledging their immense support over the years.
2020: One Direction's Commercial Success
As of 2020, One Direction achieved global stardom, selling over 70 million records. This achievement solidified their place as one of the best-selling boy bands of all time. Their commercial success cemented their legacy within the music industry.
2020: One Direction's Legacy and Impact
By 2020, One Direction had left a significant mark on pop culture. Their influence extended beyond music, with their individual personalities and bond resonating with fans. They were recognized for challenging traditional masculinity norms and promoting friendship, further solidifying their positive impact. Publications like TMRW Magazine acknowledged their role in redefining boy band stereotypes.
2020: One Direction Reaches 70 Million Records Sold Worldwide
By 2020, One Direction had sold a staggering 70 million records globally, solidifying their place among the best-selling boy bands of all time.
2020: One Direction's Legacy as the World's Biggest Boy Band
Even four years after their hiatus in 2020, One Direction is still widely regarded as one of the biggest boy bands of all time. Their impact on the music industry, particularly on the resurgence of boy bands, is undeniable.
2020: Directioners' Impact on One Direction's Success
In 2020, publications like Billboard acknowledged the crucial role Directioners, One Direction's fans, played in the band's global success. Their passionate support, fueled by social media and music streaming, was compared to some of the most dedicated fandoms in history, highlighting their significant contribution.
2022: Directioners' Impact on Internet Culture
A 2022 book by Kaitlyn Tiffany, "Everything I Need I Get From You: How Fangirls Created the Internet as We Know It," examined the significant role Directioners played in shaping online fan culture. The book explored how the fandom's online presence and activities contributed to the evolution of social media and fan communities.
2022: Nicole Scherzinger Revealed as the Driving Force Behind One Direction's Formation
A never-before-seen video surfaced in 2022, revealing Nicole Scherzinger as the key figure in forming One Direction during their time on The X Factor.