One Direction Could Split By Tour’s End

One Direction split rumors have been circulating like mad. It’s something fans don’t want to see, but One Direction are a group of guys that have been working their butts off for the past five years. Whether it’s a split or a break, whatever ends up happening after the current tour ends and the fifth album is released, just don’t blame the guys.

What if Zayn Malik’s feelings are, indeed, reflected by the rest of One Direction? Perhaps more members want the solo career, which he could have by later this year or next. Zayn Malik expresses the wishes any singer or band member that is part of a larger group would feel, not just those in One Direction.

Zayn released a statement to Entertainment Weekly on his reasons for leaving.

“My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I’d like to apologize to the fans if I’ve let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.”

Nobody was happy to see Zayn leave One Direction so suddenly. But recent statements by those close to the band, and even some in the band, suggest the inevitable is upon us. If One Direction breaks, so will the hearts of millions of fans. But will it be a temporary break or a permanent split?

Former X Factor judge Louis Walsh helped One Direction get their start. He told Music Week almost without question that One Direction was ending. He signed his own boy band, HomeTown, because he didn’t see a future in One Direction. He is quoted as saying “I knew One Direction wasn’t going to last and there was nobody else.”

Walsh also told Music Week how long he thinks One Direction will be a group.

“I think there’s one more album and that’s it. They’ve had an amazing, amazing career – who would have thought? Not me, ever.”

Of course, Walsh’s comments seem overly negative. But he was with the band from the beginning. Even if Walsh’s comments can be brushed aside, a recent interview with Simon Cowell hinted at a temporary break. But in show business, a temporary break could feel like an eternity to fans. If, during that break, Zayn Malik does prove he can be successful on his own, who’s to say the rest of One Direction won’t follow?

[Photo by Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images]