One Direction celebrates 10 year anniversary

Band members took to social media to thank fans, crew members alike

July 23 marks a special day for British boy band One Direction ever since 2010 - this year being particularly important as it marked the 10 year anniversary of the band’s formation on UK reality show The X Factor.

With the band being on an indefinite hiatus since early 2016, Directioners were sent into a frenzy when the band tweeted for the first time in two years, a day prior to the anniversary. “Tomorrow! You and me got a whole lot of history #10YearsOf1D,” read the tweet, referencing a song lyric from their hit single History.

Tomorrow! You and me got a whole lot of history #10YearsOf1D pic.twitter.com/nwxrm5MSE9

— One Direction (@onedirection) July 22, 2020

The day itself was commemorated by fans and bandmates alike, with #10YearsOfOneDirection trending on Twitter. Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan took to Twitter and Instagram to express gratitude for their incredible journey.

Meanwhile, former member Zayn Malik, who left the band in March 2015, chose to keep mum, though was mentioned by his former friends and bandmates, and was also a part of a video compilation released on the One Direction official YouTube channel.

Sharing a text message from 2010 on Thursday, Payne, 26, wrote, “What a journey. I had no idea what we were in for when I sent this text to my dad 10 years ago at this exact time the band was formed. Thanks to everyone that’s supported us over the years and thanks to the boys for sharing this with me #10YearsOfOneDirection.”

What a journey… I had no idea what we were in for when I sent this text to my Dad ten years ago at this exact time the band was formed. Thanks to everyone that’s supported us over the years and thanks to the boys for sharing this with me #10YearsOfOneDirection pic.twitter.com/0d17ggB66x

— Liam (@LiamPayne) July 23, 2020

Horan, 26, also took to Twitter. “When I met these four gents, there was no way I thought we would go on to do what we did. So many unbelievable memories we shared together. We felt the adoration of millions from around the planet on a daily basis and it was mind-blowing,” he wrote. He then tagged the four other boys, congratulating them.

when I met these four gents there was no way I thought we would go on to do what we did. So many unbelievable memories we shared together. We felt the adoration of millions from around the planet on a daily basis and it was mind blowing. pic.twitter.com/rHeGL8rY7z

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) July 23, 2020

Fans could hardly keep their emotions in check when Tomlinson, 28, also tagged all his bandmates in a tweet, even Malik, with whom he had a public spat after the latter left the band.  “Spent the morning watching old interviews and performances. Just wanted to send a massive thank you to all of my bandmates,” he emphasised. “Too many incredible memories to mention but not a day goes by that I don't think about how amazing it was. Niall, Harry, Liam, and Zayn. So proud of you all individually.”

Too many incredible memories to mention but not a day goes by that I don't think about how amazing it was. @NiallOfficial @Harry_Styles @LiamPayne @zaynmalik . So proud of you all individually.

— Louis Tomlinson (@Louis_Tomlinson) July 23, 2020

Styles, 26, had an emotional moment himself, sharing how he’s been struggling to “put into words how grateful I am for everything that’s happened over the last 10 years.” He shared a photo of the band on stage, hugging it out.

“I’ve seen things and places that I’d only ever dreamt of when I was growing up. And for that, I will be forever thankful. I just can’t believe it’s been 10 years,” he wrote. He then went on to thank their crew and team. “To all the fans, I love you and I thank you with all my heart. You did it all and you changed everything. And finally… to the boys, I love you so much, and I couldn’t be prouder of everything we achieved together. Here’s to 10. H,” he signed off.

I’ve been struggling to put into words how grateful I am for everything that’s happened over the last ten years. I’ve seen things and places that I’d only ever dreamt of when I was growing up. pic.twitter.com/yfAv8aUpbe

— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) July 23, 2020

Thanking their extensive crew, Horan also tweeted, “It’s the 150 person crew of carpenters, lighting, riggers, sound, stage manager Mill that flew the globe with us. It’s our band, our security boys, tour managers, our managers, our label, Sarah cooking our food for us on the road. Today is a day to celebrate those guys also.”

It’s the 150 person crew of carpenters, lighting, riggers, sound, stage manager Mill that flew the globe with us. it’s our band, our security boys, tour managers, our managers, our label, Sarah cooking our food for us on the road. Today is a day to celebrate those guys also.

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) July 23, 2020

Earlier on Thursday, a special website was also launched to mark ‘10 Years of One Direction’. Touted as an immersive and interactive fan experience for Directioners, the website crashed on release, as documented by fans on Twitter.

Watch the remastered 'What Makes You Beautiful' video in 4K ultra HD on @YouTube now and see what else is to come 👀... pic.twitter.com/aaY2T3QpWB

— One Direction (@onedirection) July 23, 2020

The band’s official Twitter page also announced a week worth’s of special video releases, including remastered, 4K versions of hits like What Makes You Beautiful and Story of My Life, and a DVD Livestream of their 2014 Where We Are tour.

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