UPDATE: Billboard is reporting that a source close to the band says they are still on hiatus and nothing has changed, but US Weekly still stands behind their original report.
Somebody start workshopping a 12-minute song and finding words that rhyme with Zayn Malik, because today is officially the day the music died. According to Us Weekly, One Direction have broken up for good.
The band was already down one member (the aforementioned Malik) and had plans to begin a hiatus in March. However, the gossip magazine reports that the remaining four members of 1D have something a little more permanent in mind.
“The 1D thing just ran its course. They’ll remain friends, but they are exhausted and want solo careers,” said one of those oh-so-trustworthy anonymous sources.
If the rumor is true, it will end a six-year career that began on the UK version of The X Factor in 2010. The band was the first in history to have their first four albums debut on top of the Billboard 200. All but their most recent album — Made In The A.M. — have been certified platinum by the RIAA with three of those albums going double platinum.
Us claims that the band are going down separate paths, with Liam Payne looking to get into production, Harry Styles attempting a career in acting, and Louis Tomlinson focusing on being a father.
For what it’s worth, Niall Horan denied the idea that the split was permanent in November 2015.
“We’re not breaking up. We’re literally taking time out to see our friends and see our family and reflect on what we’ve done over the last few years.”
1D has yet to comment on this latest report, but the ride may be over for the young pop kings.
