Niall Horan reveals how he carefully plans his solo setlists to avoid performing the same 1D songs as his former bandmates during their simultaneous tours.
- March 28, 2026
AceShowbiz - Niall Horan has shared insights on how he approaches his concert setlists when his former One Direction bandmates are also touring simultaneously.
In a recent interview with NME, the Irish pop singer explained that he purposely avoids performing certain One Direction tracks if another member is currently including those songs in their own shows. This careful consideration is part of his effort to respect his fellow bandmates' solo careers and maintain a unique concert experience for fans.
Niall Horan mentioned that when Harry Styles is touring and consistently plays "What Makes You Beautiful," he refrains from performing that song himself during the same period. Similarly, he avoided "Drag Me Down" when Louis Tomlinson featured it on his first solo tour, opting to add it back to his setlist only later.
"I just play me favorites, I suppose," Horan said, highlighting how his choices are influenced by what his bandmates are doing on their tours. This strategy ensures their performances don’t overlap unnecessarily, which he described as potentially "a bit stupid."
Beyond setlist strategy, Horan also reflected on some of the lesser-appreciated songs in One Direction's five-album discography. He singled out "Steal My Girl" as an underrated track that deserved more recognition, calling it a "hot take." He added that "Fool's Gold" is another song he feels did not receive enough attention.
Currently, Louis Tomlinson is actively touring in support of his January album How Did I Get Here?, while Zayn Malik, who left the band in 2015, has released his fifth album, Konnakol, and is also preparing to tour this year. Meanwhile, Harry Styles' album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is topping the Billboard 200 for a second consecutive week, and Horan’s upcoming album Dinner Party is set to release on June 5, with both artists planning tours in 2026.
Niall Horan's thoughtful approach to his solo career shows a respect for the legacy of One Direction while carving out his own artistic path. Fans can look forward to seeing how these dynamics play out when the former bandmates take their tours on the road in the coming years.
