Here we go again another go-round for all of my friends…
This will not be a long post. But, rather a cautionary "sign of the times" reminder to not give up the fight. A call to arms if you will. Or, as Harry Styles reminded us in 2017 with the release of his pink album, this is about "fundamentals." There are far too many shenanigans (i.e., shit) continuing into 2019 to believe that Louis Tomlinson is going to be releasing his album, or even a record, anytime "soon". Maybe after March 1, but certainly not before. Or, as Harry reminded us in song, "We've been here before."
It's been three years since the beginning of 1D's Hiatus From Hell. With each passing day, month, and year the purpose of this Sony/Syco intricately planned pause/reset, was not just to wear away at the powerful united front of the 1D boys, but to isolate and factionalize the fandom as a whole, along with the Larrie supporters in particular. The former was easy enough to do. Just have the boys go their separate musical ways. Have them sign their own record deals, work with new collaborators, put out solo music, and fans would gradually gravitate to their favorite. Management's 'Operation Larrie Destruction', however, was always far more complicated. The added factor of not wanting to look homophobic, in an age of social media scrutiny and sensitivity regarding marginalized communities meant that Sony/Syco had to avoid a scorched earth policy and apply a war of attrition instead. That is what this Hiatus is all about.
Within this framework, the amount of work and coordination that has been focused specifically on Louis and Harry cannot be ignored. Here is just a smattering of the various parallel strategies that have been implemented over the last three years. If there was time, hundreds of more coordinated schemes could be highlighted:
1) Put a glowing spotlight on Harry while undermining Louis' image at every turn with a "directionless" reckless, laddy-lad persona.
2) Give Harry a high-profile group of famous, powerful friends, while Louis is marginalized from movers and shakers and confined to his Doncaster childhood posse. The Guardian's, 'Niall is lovely, Zayn has the voice, Harry is cool, Liam gets the crowd going...then there's me' storyline. Louis Tomlinson: The kid in the back.
3. Harry embraces who he is. Proudly, waves rainbow flags at his concerts while wearing flamboyant, daring attire.
4. Louis wears workout suits. Once the most fashionable of 1D in terms of color and stylish accessories, now the sporty guy, with hoodies, t-shirts and snapbacks.
5. Harry allowed to wear symbols of support in reference to the LGBTQ community (e.g. rainbow flag pin; rainbow horsebit leather loafers ; Live Aid t-shirt).
6. Louis is made to cover up his symbol of pride, the triangle (LGBTQ) tattoo on his right ankle, which he has had since 2012.
7. Harry is scheduled to attend the star-studded Met Gala in May 2019 as one of the hosts of a Camp themed costume exhibit, alongside the likes of Oscar-nominated, Lady Gaga.
8. Louis is a judge on the low-rated British reality show, X-Factor with "Uncle" Simon Cowell.
9. Harry stars in Dunkirk, directed by one of the most respected directors in the industry, a film that subsequently wins three Oscars.
10. Louis becomes a judge on America's Got Talent with...wait for it..."Uncle" Simon Cowell.
11. Harry is "rebirthed" as a footloose and fancy free rock star, available to all. Male and female alike.
12. Louis is saddled with the "birth" of Freddie Reign and continues to be promoted as a "daddy" who is off the market. Reattached with his 1D beard of three years in early 2017. No gay here.
13. Harry puts out a best-selling, highly acclaimed album in 2017, and subsequently tours the world. 89 Shows.
14. Louis announces an album and tour in 2018, then 2019. When asked about tour dates the recurring word used is "soon." To date, only one solo record has been released ("Miss You") with no promotion. When radio stations were asked to play the record, they told fans that they were never given a copy by the record label.
At this point, let's conclude with one last piece of speculation about that Louis album that never appears to materialize. We here at Narnia are now side-eyeing why Liam's album still has not seen the light of day either. Remember he was the first member of One Direction to sign a record deal back in June 2016. While Louis did not officially sign with Syco until June 2017. Could it be that Sony/Syco does not want Louis to stand out as the only member of One Direction without an album being released? Interestingly enough, Liam was also the only other member of the group to be saddled publicly with a long-term "girlfriend" (someone with direct ties with Simon Cowell), and a baby. A picture is rapidly emerging that seems to suggest Liam is being used by Sony/Syco to preemptively undermine any argument that points to Louis being singled-out by the Music Industry for punishment.
Nevertheless, taking all of these dismal and frustrating events in mind, after three years of lies and manipulations from Sony/Syco, what's most important to remember is to continue to support Louis and Harry no matter what. Just as the fandom continues to support Niall and Liam. These two young men have never given up the fight. Or, have stopped taking the time to let us know, in both big and small ways, what is really true. What to really believe.
All the while doing it with a sense of humor. Waves to that ridiculous and ubiquitous Stunt Hat™ Harry has been hilariously sporting everywhere he goes these days. LOLLLLLL! We see you Harry.
In retrospect, it's so obvious that Sony/Syco have attempted to silence Louis and Harry's voices and to tie their hands, while gaslighting everyone into thinking that there's nothing out of the ordinary happening here. Another reason that album has been delayed for so long is the continuing saga of Freddie Reign. As long as that albatross is around his neck, Louis can never be free to have his music be put front and center of any kind of promo campaign. Never mind every interviewer asking him how many love songs are about Eleanor. Giving Louis a real platform with an album of songs, is something Sony/Syco have been avoiding for years.
Regardless of the impediments thrown at and between them, Louis and Harry still find ways to communicate to the fans and let them know that everything is going to be alright. And so here we are. Nearly February 2019. We wait because these two guys are worth our time. Worth our patience. Worth our trust. Remember, no one is more frustrated than Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles. Or, as Harry sings prophetically when he's down, "Why are we always stuck and running from the bullets?" If only Harry could have kept that "f" in front of "uck" and the meaning of the lyric would have summed up much more viscerally what is really going on behind the scenes.
*ucked over: To be treated unfairly; preyed upon, discriminated,
Or, in his darkest moments Louis shares with us how he feels about Harry:
And when I'm down I need H. Sigh. Sometimes you just want to give them a big, virtual hug. I guess this post is our small attempt to let them know they are heard. To let them know we get down sometimes too. But, that's okay. Redemption will come one day. And so will Karma.
Welcome to the final show.
Pic sources: Tumblr; Just Like You Music Video; giphy
Believe - DMA
Within this framework, the amount of work and coordination that has been focused specifically on Louis and Harry cannot be ignored. Here is just a smattering of the various parallel strategies that have been implemented over the last three years. If there was time, hundreds of more coordinated schemes could be highlighted:
1) Put a glowing spotlight on Harry while undermining Louis' image at every turn with a "directionless" reckless, laddy-lad persona.
2) Give Harry a high-profile group of famous, powerful friends, while Louis is marginalized from movers and shakers and confined to his Doncaster childhood posse. The Guardian's, 'Niall is lovely, Zayn has the voice, Harry is cool, Liam gets the crowd going...then there's me' storyline. Louis Tomlinson: The kid in the back.
3. Harry embraces who he is. Proudly, waves rainbow flags at his concerts while wearing flamboyant, daring attire.
4. Louis wears workout suits. Once the most fashionable of 1D in terms of color and stylish accessories, now the sporty guy, with hoodies, t-shirts and snapbacks.
5. Harry allowed to wear symbols of support in reference to the LGBTQ community (e.g. rainbow flag pin; rainbow horsebit leather loafers ; Live Aid t-shirt).
6. Louis is made to cover up his symbol of pride, the triangle (LGBTQ) tattoo on his right ankle, which he has had since 2012.
7. Harry is scheduled to attend the star-studded Met Gala in May 2019 as one of the hosts of a Camp themed costume exhibit, alongside the likes of Oscar-nominated, Lady Gaga.
8. Louis is a judge on the low-rated British reality show, X-Factor with "Uncle" Simon Cowell.
9. Harry stars in Dunkirk, directed by one of the most respected directors in the industry, a film that subsequently wins three Oscars.
10. Louis becomes a judge on America's Got Talent with...wait for it..."Uncle" Simon Cowell.
11. Harry is "rebirthed" as a footloose and fancy free rock star, available to all. Male and female alike.
12. Louis is saddled with the "birth" of Freddie Reign and continues to be promoted as a "daddy" who is off the market. Reattached with his 1D beard of three years in early 2017. No gay here.
13. Harry puts out a best-selling, highly acclaimed album in 2017, and subsequently tours the world. 89 Shows.
14. Louis announces an album and tour in 2018, then 2019. When asked about tour dates the recurring word used is "soon." To date, only one solo record has been released ("Miss You") with no promotion. When radio stations were asked to play the record, they told fans that they were never given a copy by the record label.
At this point, let's conclude with one last piece of speculation about that Louis album that never appears to materialize. We here at Narnia are now side-eyeing why Liam's album still has not seen the light of day either. Remember he was the first member of One Direction to sign a record deal back in June 2016. While Louis did not officially sign with Syco until June 2017. Could it be that Sony/Syco does not want Louis to stand out as the only member of One Direction without an album being released? Interestingly enough, Liam was also the only other member of the group to be saddled publicly with a long-term "girlfriend" (someone with direct ties with Simon Cowell), and a baby. A picture is rapidly emerging that seems to suggest Liam is being used by Sony/Syco to preemptively undermine any argument that points to Louis being singled-out by the Music Industry for punishment.
"Just Like You" music video -
Clip Louis Tomlinson (released October 11, 2017,
on Coming Out Day)
Nevertheless, taking all of these dismal and frustrating events in mind, after three years of lies and manipulations from Sony/Syco, what's most important to remember is to continue to support Louis and Harry no matter what. Just as the fandom continues to support Niall and Liam. These two young men have never given up the fight. Or, have stopped taking the time to let us know, in both big and small ways, what is really true. What to really believe.
Activate rainbow waves - Clip from "Sign of Times" music video, Harry Styles - May 2017
All the while doing it with a sense of humor. Waves to that ridiculous and ubiquitous Stunt Hat™ Harry has been hilariously sporting everywhere he goes these days. LOLLLLLL! We see you Harry.
In retrospect, it's so obvious that Sony/Syco have attempted to silence Louis and Harry's voices and to tie their hands, while gaslighting everyone into thinking that there's nothing out of the ordinary happening here. Another reason that album has been delayed for so long is the continuing saga of Freddie Reign. As long as that albatross is around his neck, Louis can never be free to have his music be put front and center of any kind of promo campaign. Never mind every interviewer asking him how many love songs are about Eleanor. Giving Louis a real platform with an album of songs, is something Sony/Syco have been avoiding for years.
Regardless of the impediments thrown at and between them, Louis and Harry still find ways to communicate to the fans and let them know that everything is going to be alright. And so here we are. Nearly February 2019. We wait because these two guys are worth our time. Worth our patience. Worth our trust. Remember, no one is more frustrated than Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles. Or, as Harry sings prophetically when he's down, "Why are we always stuck and running from the bullets?" If only Harry could have kept that "f" in front of "uck" and the meaning of the lyric would have summed up much more viscerally what is really going on behind the scenes.
*ucked over: To be treated unfairly; preyed upon, discriminated,
oppressed.... We see you Sony/Syco, and Modest for that matter as well.
Or, in his darkest moments Louis shares with us how he feels about Harry:
And when I'm down I need H. Sigh. Sometimes you just want to give them a big, virtual hug. I guess this post is our small attempt to let them know they are heard. To let them know we get down sometimes too. But, that's okay. Redemption will come one day. And so will Karma.
Welcome to the final show.
Pic sources: Tumblr; Just Like You Music Video; giphy
Our playlist: Sign of the Times - Harry Styles
Clouds - One DirectionBelieve - DMA
