Why did Zayn Malik leave One Direction? (Solo career explained)

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As a gamer who grew up during the 2010s, I can attest that One Direction was an unstoppable force in the pop music scene. Their disbandment left many of us in a state of mourning, much like when my favorite video game character got stuck in a never-ending level back in the day.

In the realm of music during the 2010s, I was one of countless fans who found solace and excitement in the melodious harmonies of One Direction. They were the boy band equivalent of a beacon shining brightly since the days of Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC. The news that they would be taking a break in 2016 left many hearts aching, including mine.

Due to the unfortunate and permanent end brought about by the recent passing of bandmate Liam Payne, One Direction has effectively gone on an indefinite hiatus. The surviving members attended his funeral, creating a bittersweet reunion that stirred up feelings of sadness and nostalgia among many fans.

Zayn Malik departed One Direction in 2015

Looking back at One Direction, their history, and the events that caused their split almost a decade ago, which was significantly influenced by the early exit of key member Zayn Malik, became necessary following Payne’s passing and the subsequent heightened interest in the band.

Among the members of One Direction, Malik was particularly well-liked. He was known for his enigmatic, brooding demeanor that made him stand out. His exceptional vocal abilities and reserved character set him apart, particularly when compared to the more playful and openly friendly personalities of individuals like Harry Styles or Niall Horan.

Back in March 25, 2015, I, the singer, made a big decision – I announced my departure from One Direction. I took to the web to share my thoughts openly, ensuring everyone knew there was no bad blood between us bandmates. I wanted to emphasize how precious our journey together has been, and the incredible impact of both the band and our fans on my life.

As a devoted fan, I’d like to share my perspective. Initially, it seemed like Zayn Malik’s departure from One Direction was solely due to personal reasons. However, fast forward to 2023, during an interview on Call Her Daddy, he revealed more about his decision. He admitted that the band was actually heading towards a split, and he wanted to take the lead, setting out on his own path first.

Malik wanted to beat the other members to solo careers

He acknowledged that as soon as he saw it coming, he selfishly yearned to be the one to go first and establish his own path by making his own record,” Malik stated. “Being competitive, I wanted to be the first to venture out on my own and do my own thing. That was my motivation.” He also confessed that he had always planned to pursue a solo career, even before One Direction became successful.

It’s tough to challenge Malik’s choice, considering the instant success he experienced right from the start. His initial solo single, “Pillow Talk,” peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was eventually certified 5 times Platinum. This achievement made Malik the first British artist to debut at number one in both the United States and the UK.

The album “Mind of Mine,” released in 2016, also saw similar success, achieving Platinum status and receiving positive criticism from critics. Since then, Malik’s solo career has had its ups and downs, but he remains unapologetic about his choice.

In 2024, during an episode of the Zach Sang Show, he expressed remorse for not fully appreciating his time with One Direction. However, he is thankful for how events unfolded in retrospect. He acknowledges that he was overly serious when he was younger, but now he looks at things from a positive and optimistic viewpoint, seeing the glass as half full instead.

A perspective that will undoubtedly be shared by 1D fans when they look back on the band’s prime.

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2024-12-09 23:00