In a new interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, the 32-year-old singer shared rare insight into what it felt like after One Direction went on hiatus in 2015.
Feeling “Very Alone” After One Direction
Styles admitted that performing without his former bandmates — Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne — felt overwhelming at first.
“When you’re in a band with four other people, there’s so much room to hide,” Styles said. “The first couple of times on stage [alone], I’d think, ‘What do I do with my hands?’”
While he felt lucky that fans were interested in his solo work, he also put intense pressure on himself to succeed. Reflecting on his 2017 debut solo album, Harry Styles, he said he worried about disappointing the people who believed in him.
“I didn’t want to let them down,” he explained.
Taking His First Real Break in Over a Decade
After wrapping his massive Love on Tour in July 2023, Styles did something he hadn’t done in more than 10 years — he stopped.
The tour lasted 22 months and became one of the biggest global tours in recent years. But after turning 30 in February 2024, he realized it was time to focus on life outside of music.
“At first, it felt insane,” he admitted. “I didn’t know if I could do it.”
Instead of jumping into another project, Styles went to Italy — a country that became meaningful to him during the pandemic.
How Rome Changed His Perspective
Rome helped Styles learn how to slow down.
He described sitting at a café and realizing he couldn’t remember the last time he simply enjoyed a coffee without rushing. That moment changed him.
“I realized the pleasure in just being in the moment,” he said, praising the Roman lifestyle for embracing a slower pace.
The break forced him to face a fear he’d long had — that he might depend on the constant “dopamine hits” of fame and performing. But stepping away proved something important.
“Living my life in a way where I could really like who I am away from this world has been so powerful,” Styles said.
He added that the time off deeply influenced the music he’s creating now.
New Album: ‘All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.’
Now, Styles is officially back.
The three-time Grammy winner recently announced his fourth studio album, All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., which will be released on March 6, 2026.
Speaking about the title in a separate interview, Styles described it as a life mantra.
“You can’t be at the disco all the time,” he said. “Loving and moving through your life with love and taking a break every now and then to have some fun is a really good way to approach your life.”
The album reflects the balance he found during his time away from the spotlight.
2026 Global Residency Announced
Along with the album news, Styles revealed plans for a 50-show global residency across seven cities, including Amsterdam, London, São Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne and Sydney. The shows will run from May through December 2026.
After more than two years away from the stage, Styles says he’s ready to return — but this time, with a healthier mindset.
His break may have slowed him down, but it also appears to have reignited his creativity.
All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. arrives March 6.
Tags:
News
