Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Louis Tomlinson has said he was never surprised that Harry Styles went on to enjoy the most successful solo career after One Direction.
The singer explained that he always believed the As It Was hitmaker was destined for major solo success once the group entered an indefinite hiatus in 2016.
"I always knew Harry was going to go on to do what he's done. I'm sure he's even gone beyond what he expected himself in terms of how completely he's taken over the world, but we all knew he had everything needed to become a great artist," Tomlinson told Billboard in an interview published on Monday.
Tomlinson also shared that he felt confident about Niall Horan’s future as a solo performer.
"Niall was someone I had a really good feeling about too. He's Irish, he's lovely and people naturally warm to him," he said, while adding that history shows there are usually "not normally more than two" members of a band who go on to truly "prosper" on their own.
While Tomlinson, Horan, Zayn Malik and the late Liam Payne all found varying degrees of success after the band, none reached the same level of global dominance achieved by Styles.
Styles launched his solo career with the 2017 single Sign of the Times and his self titled debut album, before releasing 2019’s Fine Line and 2022’s Harry’s House. His run has included chart topping songs such as Watermelon Sugar and As It Was, sold out arena and stadium tours around the world and appearances in several films.
Speculation is now growing that Styles may be preparing to return to music after more than two years away from the spotlight. He has unveiled a new website at webelongtogether.co, while his official site now includes an unexplained sign up form. Cryptic billboards featuring the phrase "we belong together" have also appeared in cities worldwide.
Meanwhile, Tomlinson is set to release his third studio album, How Did I Get Here?, on 23 January.
Share
Advertisement
Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner say they are certain they will eventually record music together.
The pop punk favourites and the singer songwriter will be touring together across Australia and the UK throughout May, June and July for a series of co headlining shows. They also came close to recording a track together for Bowling For Soup’s upcoming twelfth studio album.
Lead singer Jaret Reddick told ContactMusic.com: "We had actually talked about doing a track together for the new [BFS] album.
"I was working on songs during a really hectic period for Frank. We had planned this perfect day where he would stop by the studio. He did show up, but we ended up just spending time together and catching up instead, with no expectations.
"I feel like if we had tried to finish something just to release it before the tours, it probably would not have come out the way we wanted.
"I do believe that at some point down the line we are both sure we will create something together."
Frank and Jaret have already worked side by side in the studio before on the track Drunk As It Takes, which appeared on the BFS frontman’s country album.
Frank reflected: "There is something special about country songwriting that I think we both really admire.
"There is a real honesty and straightforwardness to it that I think both of us naturally bring into our own music, no matter what style we are working in."
Even though Frank is not featured on the new record, Jaret did share some insight into Bowling For Soup’s forthcoming album, which gained momentum after they recorded Holding Onto That Hate last summer while testing equipment for audio company SSL.
He explained: "They were looking for a band to come in and record a track to test out some new studio equipment. It ended up being our first recording as a three piece.
"I remember telling the guys, 'I think I am feeling inspired again. Let’s just go for it.'
"We set a target date, which ended up being February this year, and we followed through. A lot of the songwriting happened toward the end of last year and continued into January."
Jaret mentioned that he considers the 2009 album Sorry For Partying to be "the last truly great Bowling For Soup record," but he is very optimistic about what is coming next.
He said: "Some fans would probably argue and say, 'Actually, Lunch. Drunk. Love. is great as well'.
"But when I think about the last couple of albums, I sometimes feel like there were a few tracks I maybe should have left off.
"With this new record, there honestly is not a single weak track. All three of us feel like this could end up being the best Bowling For Soup album we have ever made, which feels wild to even say."
At first, the group considered putting the album out quickly, but they later decided to take more time with it.
He added: "To be honest, that idea does not really make sense since we will be touring with Frank and also heading out with Simple Plan.
"We are now thinking about releasing it in the fall or possibly even early next year. It is going to be worth the wait."
Full schedule for Bowling For Soup x Frank Turner Bowl My Bones UK Tour 2026:
June 25 Margate Dreamland
June 26 Southampton TK Maxx Presents Southampton Summer Sessions
June 27 Lincoln TK Maxx Presents Live at Lincoln Castle
June 29 Glasgow O2 Academy Glasgow
June 30 Halifax TK Maxx Presents Live at The Piece Hall
July 2 Scarborough TK Maxx Presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre
July 3 Llangollen TK Maxx Presents Live at Llangollen Pavillion
July 4 Cardiff TK Maxx Presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle
July 5 St Austell Eden Sessions
Share
Advertisement
