'Louis Tomlinson has proven he's not just an ex-boyband star, he's a rocker'

12 November 2023 , 17:31

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Louis Tomlinson's recent Faith In The Future World Tour has proven he's a star in his own right (Image: Mirrorpix/Daniel Bird)

Louis Tomlinson may only have two solo albums but he's proving to be one of the artists people should keep an eye on.

Having burst onto the music scene in 2010 as one-fifth of One Direction – a band created by Nicole Scherzinger on The X Factor after all five members were rejected, he's proven he's not just an ex-boyband singer. While singers from bands tend to keep a low profile and venture into other industries after a split, Louis is on a one-way ticket to becoming a mega-star in his own right.

Known for never losing his Doncaster accent and humour, the 31-year-old is currently embarking on his Faith In The Future World Tour, performing to thousands of die-hard fans every night – which he deserves credit for.

Louis Tomlinson has certainly proven he's a star in his own right (Redferns)

Although he may have come from one of the biggest bands of all time, the cheeky chap isn't afraid of getting up close and personal with fans – much to the dismay of his security who leap into action when he jumps off stage and runs to the barricade to see fans. In recent weeks, Louis has seen his expensive vests ripped off him, with fans even going as far as tickling him.

This, however, hasn't stopped him from putting on an incredible show. Despite only releasing two studio albums as a soloist (his second topping the Official UK Charts), he's pushing himself to the limits and playing arenas across the world. Most recently, he performed to around 21,000 fans at Manchester's AO Arena on November 11.

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Walking onto the stage may be daunting for some, but Tomlinson showed no signs of fear as he opened with The Greatest – ironically, perhaps the greatest opening track. Throughout the night, he performed hits including Kill My Mind but also paying tribute to his One Direction days, belting out Drag Me Down and Where Do Broken Hearts Go. But since his pop days, Tomlinson has edged towards a more EDM and synth sound before finding his comfort in rockier tracks. He'd previously stated he'd taken inspiration from the likes of Sam Fender, Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys and Manchester legends, Oasis.

Louis' show at Manchester's AO Arena is certainly one of the best I've seen (Mirrorpix/Daniel Bird)

Nowadays, fans can expect the odd pop hit but also enjoy punk rock as well as indie pop and soft rock.

However, despite being in the business for almost 14 years, Louis remained grounded and acknowledged that Manchester was the start of his career. Between songs, he recalled his first audition for The X Factor in front of Simon Cowell, Scherzinger and Louis Walsh, being in the city. He told fans: "This is where I did my very first audition, so to be back here on my own it definitely feels full circle and I couldn't have done that without you.

"I think f**k knows how long that was, ten years, 11 years? Now I'm back on this stage and that is all thanks to you guys. I make the tunes, I'll give you that, but if you lot don't turn up, this is not a thing so thank you, I f**king love you all, we've done it together." But it isn't just his fans that got him to where he is today – it's down to his music, which he rightfully credited.

Although One Direction may not have been everyone's cup of tea, Tommo, certainly is and he caters for everybody, he even performed an impressive cover of the Arctic Monkeys 505, paying homage to his South Yorks routes. It's safe to say, Tommo, you've smashed it once again and delivered an epic show.

Daniel Bird