Five members to four members to none. One Direction, one of the most successful and loved boy bands, has made an impact that has lingered in the hearts of fangirls since their hiatus. Their music, YouTube videos and concerts have made the crazy fangirls cling to the memories, hoping for a possible reunion. However, as time passed, the possibility seemed to diminish.
his past fall, Liam Payne — a crucial member — passed away in Argentina while visiting another former One Direction singer’s concert. With this heartbreaking news, generations of music lovers came to feel sorrow.
That same day, I walked into my childhood playroom, and there he was — Liam, or at least the cardboard cutout of him my parents got me back in 2018. It felt surreal; a bittersweet reminder of how much artists leave their mark on us.
Musical artists have an incredible way of influencing our lives, many times in ways we don’t fully recognize at the time. Through their lyrics, beats, stories or even just their presence, they inspire and help individuals find a connection with others similar to them, and sometimes even discover a deeper sense of identity. Songs like “Little Things” by One Direction resonated with fans struggling with self-esteem and reminded the world of self-worth.
It’s not just about the music or the fame. Artists create memories and connections. They bring people together and make us feel like a community. They give us something to hold on to, especially when life gets messy. And even when they’re gone, their impact doesn’t disappear. Holding onto their influence isn’t embarrassing; it’s human to feel joy and sadness over it. Upset about Frank Ocean’s disappearance in the music industry? Don’t worry, it’s a universal sorrow. Obsessing over the new Tyler the Creator album? Understandable. Freaked out over the Jonas Brothers comeback? Completely valid. Crying when they broke up? A little intense, but we get it.
The Backstreet Boys are still going, the Beatles split up decades ago and One Direction might be gone for good, but those moments of serotonin stick with us for a long time. We should hold onto them because you never know what’s going to happen next. Maybe your favorite artist or band will suddenly announce a reunion. Or maybe their most recent release is their last. Either way, indulging in the joy they produce isn’t just okay. It’s the point.
One Direction might not be together anymore, but their songs, their impact and their memories will always be there for me. And like we’ve seen from their rise to fame, dissolution shortly after member Zayn Malik’s departure, growing solo careers and now a loss, One Direction is showing us how to fully appreciate, because you never know just how fast the night changes.
