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One Direction’s domination of culture in the early 2010s was total, whether they were selling out shows or just goofing off backstage.
Made up of five singers Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson, who were put together by Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger during season 7 of X Factor U.K., 15 years ago on July 23, 2010, One Direction didn’t win their season but still went on to become one of the biggest boy bands in the world.
After five years in the group, Malik announced his departure in March 2015. Styles, Payne, Horan and Tomlinson would continue as a quartet before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. In the years since, each member has released solo projects and found success in their respective lanes Tragically, Payne’s life was cut short at age 31, after a fall from his hotel balcony in Argentina on Oct. 16, 2024.
“We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing,” a statement released by Styles, Malik, Horan and Tomlinson read following Payne’s death. “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.”
“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever,” the statement continued. “For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
As a tribute to Payne’s life, and the band’s more than a decade’s worth of memories, here’s a look back at some of their most memorable moments caught on camera.
In the Beginning
Dominic Lipinski/PA Images via Getty
In this quintessential throwback from 2010, the young lads are pictured before heading into rehearsals for X Factor.
Utter Shock
Anna Gowthorpe/PA Images via Getty
Whatever or whomever they were staring at must have been truly shocking.
Hitting the Scene
Dave Hogan/Getty
Fresh off their X Factor run, One Direction attended the BBC Teen Awards at Wembley Arena on Oct. 9, 2011.
Another Number One
Dave Hogan/Getty
The boys jumped for joy while celebrating the release of “What Makes You Beautiful.”
Paying It Forward
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After garnering global success, 1D went back to their roots, performing on season 2 of X Factor U.S.A. in 2012.
That One Thing
John Shearer/Getty
We love a coordinating boy band moment. The boys touched down at the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards wearing different variations of navy and white ensembles.
Selling Out the Big Venues
Craig Warga/NY Daily News via Getty
After what Billboard called a “banner year,” One Direction reached even higher heights when the band sold out Madison Square Garden in 2012.
Morning Tea
George Pimentel/WireImage
The group got a taste of home while visiting ET Canada in 2012.
Winners’ Rejoice
Kevin Winter/Getty
No other band had the tweens losing their minds at the level One Direction was in the early 2010s, so it was only right that they were awarded the Choice Group award at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards.
Leaning Into the Moment
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One Direction made their musical guest debut on the April 12, 2012 episode of Saturday Night Live, where in addition to singing, they performed in “The Manual Ortiz Show” sketch helmed by Fred Armisen and Sofia Vergara.
Working the Crowd
Kevin Winter/Getty
At the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, the quintet did what they did best (performed to a sea of screaming fans).
Cheek to Cheek
One Direction/Instagram
Tomlinson, Payne and Malik all sported matching facial hear in this adorable selfie dubbed “Beardy boys.”
Vocal Face Off
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The ultimate supergroup?! One Direction joined some of the men from the Anchorman cast to form what Paul Rudd dubbed “Nine Direction” in this hilarious SNL skit from 2013.
Hey, You!
One Direction/Instagram
As the band’s Take Me Home tour kicked off in early 2013, Payne showed his excitement backstage, striking a pose with a microphone in one hand.
Teeth Time
One Direction/Instagram
A 2013 post to Instagram gave a glimpse into the band’s pre-show ritual which, for Malik, included making sure his pearly whites were extra shiny.
All Together Now
One Direction/Instagram
The band celebrated their last night on a tour with a backstage snapshot their team shared to Instagram.
“LAST SHOW OF THE TOUR SOB SOB…. COME ON TOKYOOOO!!!,” the caption read.
And They Danced All Night
Rick Diamond/Getty
At the 2013 MTV VMAs, One Direction snagged the Moonperson for song of the summer. The tune in question? “Best Song Ever,” of course.
Just A Group of Boys Chatting
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In an impromptu moment, One Direction did a “floor interview” with Jimmy Fallon while visiting his show in 2014.
Spreading Christmas Cheer
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Later in the show, the band joined Jimmy Fallon and The Roots for an acoustic version of “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” played with classroom instruments.
Harry’s Style
One Direction/Instagram
Following Malik’s departure from the band, the boys continued on their On the Road Again Tour. While Tomlinson, Horan and Payne all appear focused on their performance, Styles took the moment to pull a funny face for the camera.
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