Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles: Ready, Steady Go! (The Early Years, 2011) Part III

 

Louis and Harry, February 21, 2011

Zayn and Liam, November 2011

Part II, closing paragraph:

Stay tuned. There will be lots more going on in subsequent months as Louis and Harry continue to go full speed ahead throughout 2011, joyfully sharing their dreams while continuing to build castles that would withstand the test of time. In stark contrast, TPTB begin to manufacture their alternative version of events, grounded on a foundation of lies and deceptions. One Direction supporters begin to notice the disconnect as the Larrie fandom grows.

As January transitioned into February, Louis and Harry were about to experience the combined joy and excitement of building a home and life together, while pursuing their future careers in the music industry. For two people still in their teens, the innocence and optimism of youth went a long way to help strengthen their resilience and desire for authenticity. Like with so many people who fall in love at an early age, everything seemed possible.

“Why are we not enough?”

Man Crush, Best Mate Magazine, Feb 2011

Teen Now Interview May 17, 2011

Combined with their growing friendship and love for the three other young men who shared the same professional ambitions and pride in their identities, the united front of OT5 was palpable, clever and, more often than not, intractable. Once the cameras rolled, it was impossible to guess which new clue might expose what was really going on behind the scenes. What new interview would penetrate the smoke and mirrors facade presented to the public. This ongoing threat potential was particularly ominous to TPTB, given the receptive and growing Larrie and Ziam fandoms who refused to be gaslit or have their voices silenced. 

Gradually, both fandoms began to be known for their investigative skills, intelligence, and open-mindedness toward the LGBTQ+ community and, by 2011, were growing daily with each new finding. Most importantly, unlike previous boy band fandoms, these supporters were now armed with digital platforms (especially Tumblr) to conduct their own fact-checking and information-sharing operations. Tools that allowed them to create and spread independently formulated narratives. Accounts based not on corporate-centric and curated storylines orchestrated to maximize profits and control images, but based instead on the massive amounts of evidence primarily provided by the actual group that was being closeted in real time. 

Remember when Harry recently covered, "Everybody's Wants to Rule the World", and he came to the lines, "There's a room where the light won't find you (The Closet).  Holding hands while the walls come tumbling ____," He purposely doesn't sing the word, "down" for a reason. Which means that this lyrical omission emphasizes "tumbling". Could Harry have been hinting that what Tumblr users tried to do back in One Direction days may be a deliverable that could still be achieved; an unfulfilled commitment, perhaps. Don't forget, Harry also pleadingly sings the line, "Help me to decide." Truly, given this fork in the road moment that Harry and Louis are experiencing at this point in their careers, a better song could not have been selected. 

[The phrase "when the walls come tumbling down" means a sudden, total collapse of a structure, system, barrier, or way of life.]

. 

March 12, 2026

HMV book signing, "One Direction: Forever Young", Manchester, March 7, 2011 -
A fan gifted Harry this t-shirt during a 1D promo event

Put simply, if Narnia readers recall, Harry recently reminded the public that this segment of the One Direction fandom, known for forming a united front of solidarity and resistance to TPTB, were still very much in existence during his Night 2 Wembley Stadium residency on June 13, 2026. That’s right. Ten years later, even when the night changes, Harry was hoping fans out there, including those once insurgent Ziam and Larry Tumblr folks, were still listening.

BOXPARK Wembley LED screen, Together, Together Tour, N2, June 13, 2026
L I A M 

And for the predictable (but embarrassing by this point), reflexive naysayers, yes Harry was fully aware what was being displayed on the stadium’s state-of-the-art digital LED screen because his own on-stage strings section played “Night Changes” during the coordinated video tributes and visuals. With, of course, plausible deniability on Harry’s side to avoid contractual breaches and to maintain his safety against the retributions of TPTB.

Wembley LED screen BOXPARK Wembley policy, June 13, 2026

BOXPARK Wembley LED screen, Together, Together Tour, N2, June 13, 2026
Z A Y N 

BOXPARK Wembley LED screen, Together, Together Tour, N2, June 13, 2026
L O U I S

June 13, 2026 N2 BOXPARK Wembley

A Louis doll

Yes, we are all straight. Promise.

What Narnia is about to present is the profile of a corrupt industry that had originally planned on exploiting five, talented young men who were proudly queer (Their name was One Direction, people. Hello!), and dreaming of a career in music. As in the past, The Closet would be the primary enforcement mechanism, along with deceiving what TPTB arrogantly perceived as submissive and unschooled tweens to sell their abusive and more often than not, blunder-filled media narratives and manipulations. But, in the face of a very loud couple, and a more reserved, but still subversive and supportive Liam and Zayn pairing (embodied by Liam's "We are the quiet ones" tattoo which he debuted on August 30, 2015), Cowell, Modest Management, Sony, et al. began to realize, as early as 2011, they had to regroup and implement more drastic measures to execute their business plan.

The rose and skull often symbolizes how beauty and adversity coexist 

If there is any doubt who the pronoun "We" refers to in Liam's tattoo, look closer at the "th" in the word "the". The flourish stands out, especially when remembering how Zayn wrote the Z in his first name during that time. Look familiar?

Discovered by Tumblr account Paynegerouslyinlove

What is about to emerge may not be pretty. Many of us lived through the cruelty once, and may not want to stomach the hardships and setbacks again. But as we seem to be on the precipice of something positive and genuinely narrative shifting, this overview is a reminder of why these guys have always been worth the time and efforts of a dedicated fanbase. Their talents have always been beyond question as have their charisma and generosity.  Combine those special attributes with their collective and individual bravery, ingenuity and fierce loyalty to each other, including their fans, and their story, regardless how it continues to evolve, can easily be viewed as groundbreaking. 

Hopefully, by looking back again, a better explanatory model can be developed to clarify why the guys behaved in a certain way, sometimes perceived as reckless, and how what once might have been viewed as a coincidence, bad luck or simply the personal choices of Louis and Harry were, upon closer inspection, actually coercive events.  

On that note, let's return to what was happening in the early months of 2011.  Still riding the high of having found the love of their lives in each other (e.g., going on dates, sleepovers, eating cookie dough, enjoying their favorite meals), Harry turned seventeen on February 1 and, of course, a smitten and steadfast Louis was there to celebrate.

Louis’ birthday card to Harry on his 17^th birthday - Note the bottom left photo of him and Harry

    

Gotta love Louis’ choice of a Birthday Card Boyfriend pic

Then there's Harry posting more public courtship messages using Bruno Mars lyrics about wanting to be married and promising to always be there. A united front. Unconquerable. Louis was a big fan of Bruno, after all.

All the ways you need me
I need you the same

There since I was eighteen
And you're the reason why
If you stay until it's over
We'll keep growing up side by side

From the Bruno Mars song, "Marry You"

From the Bruno Mars song, "Count on Me"

Hanging out in Birmingham before One Direction's first Live Show on the X Factor Tour.

Louis and Harry in Birmingham February 19, 2011

                                

And, of course, there is always family extending support and acceptance.

January 28, 2011 love the added "lol"

No doubt, Louis is sitting right next to him when Harry hits, SEND.

Wanting to share the spotlight together, Dublin, N2

Every great love story is always based on trust.

Filmed in March

One Direction promo video for their Dare To Dream Book taken on Brighton pier in March and uploaded on August 31, 2011

Another moment from the Dare To Dream March footage.

Necessary hand grab near Louis' precious bum to save his man
LOLLL! Liam and Zayn don't seem too interested

Flirtation and desire. When actual kissing in public is forbidden.

Do you tantalize and titillate

Launch of Pokémon's Black and White Game, March 3, 2011

The very next day,

WH Smith book signing, "Forever Young", Lakeside Shopping Centre, Essex, March 4, 2011

Propinquity

Two fans telling Louis and Harry that their bromance is better than theirs. Got to love the unimpressed, disgruntled toddler look on Harry's face. Like these people don't even deserve a response as Louis side eyes the speaker dismissively, with a "No, no. I don't think so", and shakes his head.

Harry: "You seem to be mistaken."

And some more flirting, on Louis' part. The two continuing to master chaotic, playful touching. No doubt because it's just plain fun, but also to make their intimate interactions more socially acceptable. Without even knowing it, the guys were effectively practicing a positive form of desensitization. Not sure what Niall is doing back there though. LOL!

Pokémon Diaries, Part 1 March 15, 2011

Running through the garden, Oh, where nothing bothered us

Thus far, the first quarter of 2011 had been a hopeful and joyous time for Louis and Harry. Working hard. Sharing their dreams. Learning about new possibilities. Building a home. But, as Oscar Wilde observed, "Some things are more precious because they don't last long", those blissfully happy and carefree days would soon disappear. Cracks would begin to appear slowly as reality started to seep in. Although fans were unaware of what was coming, Louis and Harry mostly continued to show their love in big ways and small. Sometimes micro expressions revealed the truth behind the curtain, such as an eyeroll, or an awkward look off stage. But inevitably there would be an affectionate pat on the bum or a protracted never-want-to-let-you-go hug that would set things right with the world again.

Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle - March 25, 2011 - X Factor Live Tour

March 25, 2011 Metro Radio Arena - Newcastle

If these two young men knew what was coming there were no obvious signs. Behind the scenes, however, wheels were turning. No matter how in love, and how accepting many fans and media outlets were of their "bromance", or even those who believed there was something more, TPTB were not about to tolerate Louis and Harry spoiling their material ambitions. There was no room for innovation or inclusion in their calcified and highly controlled world of greed and power. A debut single and an album were in the works. Books and merchandise were being issued. Interviews were being lined up. A music video planned. The machine was in motion.

Within this limited world view, only the imposition of heterosexuality was acceptable and not the kind of low-key storytelling that Hannah Walker represented. In fact, the contrived image that was being created for Harry Styles™, was so reprehensible. dehumanizing and disrespectful that it was hard not to believe that TPTB enjoyed every second of their ability to humiliate and brutalize. No doubt, hoping that eventually, Louis and Harry would break under the pressure.

We held darkness in withheld clouds

These guys were not going down without a fight though and Narnia's next post will begin to examine the good, the bad, and the ugly. Through it all, what made everything worth the while was the love that remained. The unbreakable bond being forged between all five men. The fandom that provided and continues to provide a platform for their truth. And the faith in the future that endures to this day.

Two days before Babygate

Playlist:    Sweet Creature – Harry Styles
                Sleepwalking (Demo) – Louis Tomlinson 
                Imposter – Louis Tomlinson
                Keep Driving – Harry Styles  

Sources: Top of the Pops Magazine, Tumblr, BOXPARK, Wembley, Twitter, X Factor, ITV,  Dare to Dream, Pokémon Black and White, Nintendo UK, WH Smith, Together, Together Tour, YouTube, Pokémon Diaries

Do You Know the Enemy: Who Exactly is Steven Bartlett? Part 2

Well, Narnia has been given the final piece of the puzzle we were waiting for regarding our Steven Bartlett post from September 18, 2025. As we indicated in Part 1, Bartlett just has too many suspicious connections with shady business practices and people in the media industry to view his selection for Louis' upcoming interview as a chance event. From Simon Cowell, the BBC, Sony, et al. to Jonathan Shalit and of course his sudden attachment to Liam in 2021 and his recent red-hearted Soccer Aid association with Louis. 🙄

Never mind that Bartlett curiously continues to follow Maya Henry on social media, and even though he has portrayed himself as Liam's good friend since 2021 has no public association to Kate Cassidy. The "girlfriend" portrayed as the love of Liam's life. 👀 With this kind of connect-the-dots personal and professional profile it's hard to view Bartlett as anything other than a ready, willing and able accomplice in facilitating TPTB's public narratives related to One Direction. Remember that Howard Stringer (Rob Stringer's brother) served as the Chairman, President and CEO of Sony Corporation from 2005-2012. He also joined the Executive Board to the BBC in December 2013. This information is being provided again, just in case anyone is wondering why Louis and the BBC, have been strangers, until now. That's right. These byzantine, widespread connections all exist for a reason. That's how control is maintained/enforced. That's how secrets are kept. 

Never mind Bartlett's close friendship with Jay Shetty, who just happened to be the person selected to "interview" Kate Cassidy on April 16, 2025. Another lengthy "opportunity", in podcast form, that just "coincidentally" pushed the TPTB narratives of a fairy tale romance and Cassidy and Liam's eternal "love" for one another. Blech! All the while intermittently rewriting Ziam truths to now be about her (like the Angel number 4 suddenly being ["our thing"], and co-opting the significance of the lion figure that was also part of Zayn and Liam's relationship dating back as early as 2013. [Refer to podcast transcript for details.]

The Payne Coat of Arms is a Lion

And we all know that Zayn is a sucker for heroes.

Liam in Melbourne, Australia October 29, 2013

A revealing quote from Zayn for the newly launched game, Harry Potter: Puzzles and Spells back on September 23, 2020. And what a coincidence that Gryffindor's coat of arms features a Lion. The symbol of bravery, chivalry and courage.

Which house do you want to be put in?I picked Gryffindor. I'm a sucker... [I go] straight for the heroes.

So with this shady background in mind, the world is now informed that not only is Steven Bartlett going to interview Louis for two whole hours, but for the first time ever, the podcast will be making history. How? Well, by amplifying/propagating whatever Louis says, while showing the podcast on the Big Screen. The publishing of an instantaneous transcript, as was done to Liam in 2021, apparently not enough fire power for what is about to take place. Just like the All of Those Voices Mockumentary was used in 2023 to get Louis on the record about Babygate, now TPTB are using the cinema format once again to have Louis promote their official public narratives and thus, wipe their fingerprints off of their abuses including the imposition of enforced closeting, "fatherhood". and the reformulation of certain "relationships" in the band. Just look at the sensational words being used about this upcoming interview now being marketed as an "event". 

• World Exclusive
• Cinematic Scope
• Global Exclusive Screening
• A New International Precedent For Content Distribution
• One Night Only Premiere
• Transforming a Digital Connection Into a Shared Cultural Experience

What a stark contrast from Louis' ostracism by the music industry for the last eight years, 2016-2024. The man portrayed in headlines, through 2022, as "Eleanor's boyfriend." That's right, "Eleanor's boyfriend". Not to mention how Louis' fandom had to wait to even get the official totals for his incredibly successful Livestream on December 12, 2020. And even then the accomplishment was buried under other stunt coverage about his mini-me "offspring" or his laddy-lad persona. A Guinness Book of World Records musical feat that would have received massive coverage for any other well-known artist. Especially, someone who had sold over 70 million records worldwide in less than five years, and was a vital part of the biggest boyband in the world. Instead, Louis was reduced to self-promotion.

November 16, 2021

Then there was the lack of publicity and airplay for his #1 UK Album, Faith in the Future, released in 2022. Where was the BBC then? Rolling Stone? Billboard? Simon Jones? Matt Vines? Crickets. 🔇 

Persona non grata until a gradual narrative turnaround in 2024

Louis has informed us in so many ways and explicitly in his music video, "Just Like You" that what we are fed regarding his public narrative is all planned. Not somewhat planned. Not mostly planned. But "25, and it's all planned". Miraculously, Louis is now on the cover of the Rolling Stone in 2025 seemingly from out of nowhere. [Well-deserved we might add and long overdue.]  

Just Like You, music video released 10.17.17

Interestingly enough, all this is happening after Louis told his fans last year that something was coming, but that he knew we (his fans) would be by his side. And we most definitely will be there, like always. However, that kind of seismic public image shift only occurs after something has been given in exchange - some kind of significant "concession(s)".  After all, the music world consists of mountains of corrupt business practices, hidden behind image clauses, NDAs, industry connections and gatekeepers (waves at Steven Bartlett), market concentration which reduces professional/artistic options and freedom of movement, and good old-fashioned threats. A protection racket, grounded in unlimited demands (deliverables) and media collusion.  While outsiders might simply use the words, captivity, extortion and/or shakedown. 

 

Since 2016, Narnia has written about how this Hiatus from Hell™ has been used for many purposes (besides the image and monetary exploitation of Harry Styles), but key among them has been to wipe TPTB's fingerprints off of their demoralizing and abusive stunts, homophobic lies, corrupt business practices, and public narrative deceptions regarding One Direction as a group and as solo artists. The biggest cover-up of all being that of Larrie. But certainly other plot points need to be cleaned up as well. After all, TPTB must be absolved of all responsibility for the torrent of rumors and evidence that has accumulated over the last fifteen years. Especially, Sony and Simon Cowell operatives from Simon Jones to Mike Navarra to Steven Finan O'Conner to Ben Winston to Kid Harpoon, and to Chris Frewin. It takes a village as they say because the list is vast and never ending. In other words, even someone with a passing understanding of history, understands that conspiracies not only exist, but that power elites thrive on them. And, true to form, now it will be Louis target-on-his-back Tomlinson, who will be the one to step forward and take the hit. 

A real beauty and incredible artist

So this brings the fandom back to what was announced on Tuesday and although Narnia did not know exactly how the charade would play out, we do now. This is not just an interview by some random podcaster suddenly interested in an intimate chat with a recording artist who has new music to share with his fandom and music lovers in general. This is an orchestrated, high profile moment, a large scale cultural event, designed to bring together a "global community" (viral trend) with as many "like-minded" individuals as possible to "take notes" while "witnessing" irrefutable evidence once and for all. Straight from the horse's mouth as it were. Just like Sony/Syco did with Liam. Bartlett is a classic example of the quintessential flimflam man. A perfect mouthpiece/frontman for those who wish to remain behind the curtains. 

"I'm so happy that we're able to offer this experience to our community. Increasingly, people consume content alone and we think there's a much better, richer, more valuable way to consume a podcast," said Steven Bartlett, host of The Diary Of A CEO. "Since our last screening, I have wanted to create a way for more people to watch it together, on the big screen, with friends, family and likeminded strangers, to learn, take notes, laugh together, network, and discuss. Cineworld has created an opportunity for fans to do that on both sides of the Atlantic and this is just the start of our journey to turn our podcast audience into a connected, in-real-life global community."  

Steven Bartlett

BREAKING NEWS!  As suspected there is a Netflix tie-in with Cowell's sudden Boyband documentary in December and Liam's Building the Band participation in 2024, (the series that began to air a few months ago in July, but was filmed last summer). Now we are learning that Zayn and Louis will be working on a three-part Netflix "documentary" about their boyband past. Father narratives will be incoming for both, (another loose end needing to be tied up) as well as the reinforcement of all the significant public Liam narratives that critical thinking fans are still justly questioning, nearly a year later.

Thanks Harry, for the Sted Sarandos alias to let the public know that even though you are still relegated to the love that dares not speak its name in this shifting narrative, that you are most definitely, very much a part of One Direction, but being silenced/separated from the rest of the group, just like always. [For those unaware, Ted Sarandos is the CEO of Netflix.]

No doubt this is all part of the same mega deal that is now allowing Louis and Zayn to move forward. Unfortunately, the bittersweet 🍋 aspect of this hard won image shift is that trade-offs must be made. Let's not lose sight of the fact that power almost never relinquishes power without something being given back in return. 

The key to remember now is that regardless of how much coercion or dirty dealing the guys have had to cope with to get to where they are today, that we are still the greatest team the world has ever seen. This means we must move forward into this new era together. We know what we know and no judgmental Tik Tokers are going to "exterminate" or eradicate what we've seen, heard and celebrated for 15 years. Even Niall cryptically "spoke up" recently, reminding us to never forget to take care of ourselves. So something big is coming.

Louis has always reminded us that we are interdependent. We need him. He needs us. All of us. Separate the truth from the lies and question the rest. Never forget that life is bitter and sweet. Take a sip of that iced-chilled glass of Lemonade and don't let go of what is most meaningful. Like immutable love.

Harry and Stomper looking up at the sky from his "Satellite" music video, May 3, 2023, 

As next week draws near, Narnia suspects that Louis is going to be made to lie about many topics, but especially about that one irreplaceable person in the world who means the most to him. (See above.)  So be prepared for massive trolling and bots to be unleashed across the social media ecosystem. Just like they were against Liam on Oscar night, 2022.  Amid the chaos, expect tabloid headlines and Larrie fandom mockery. Throughout the mayhem, dig in, and remember to stay grounded in reality, supported by fifteen years of evidence. Ignore those false conspiracies that Sony/Cowell continue to disseminate so that they can be left off the hook and walk between the raindrops. How convenient that TPTB never seem to be blamed for any abuses in these prearranged interviews. Just think about that. Like with most abusive relationships where there is a power imbalance, the victim is exploited again and again until something changes.  

After all these years, if any two people deserve the benefit of the doubt and to be embraced and accepted for who they really are and the compromises they have had to make along the way simply to chase their dreams, those individuals would be Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles. Take a calming deep breath, smile softly, then gaze up at the sky. 

Cue the music:

🎶We'll be alright.

🎶We'll be alright.

🎶We'll be alright.

                                   Looks like certain folks don't appreciate critical thinking. Sad!

Oh, and look who just happened to 'like' this surely "spur-of-the-moment" point of view with an obvious vested interest in safeguarding Steven Bartlett's reputation. Self-serving much, Steven.

Just remember, when all is said and done, that Louis is trying to navigate through some perilous shark infested waters and a large part of his remarkable strength and resiliency comes from us. Same goes for all of the guys.

'Cause we made it

Underestimated

And always underrated

Now we're saying goodbye

Waving to the hard times

Yeah, it's going to be alright - "We Made It"

Away From Home Festival, Crystal Palace 8.30.21 

Pic sources:  PR Newswire, The Mirror, Twitter, Tumblr, Tik Tok, Diary of a CEO, Rolling Stone

Playlist:  Lemonade - Louis Tomlinson

               Music From a Sushi Restaurant - Harry Styles