One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson discussed finding light in his darkest moments, and how the passing of his mother and sister has prepared him for challenging times such as the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite his heartache, the singer, 28, admitted on Tuesday that people feeling sorry for him is ‘the last thing he wants’ as he focuses on the positives in his life including his career as a solo artist.
Louis lost his midwife mother, Johannah Deakin, in 2016 following a battle with cancer and his 18-year-old sister, Félicité passed away in 2018 due to an accidental drug overdose.
‘I don’t like people feeling sorry for me’: Louis Tomlinson has refused to receive pity following the death of mother’s and sister as he candidly discussed finding light in his darkest moments on Tuesday
He spoke to The Telegraph about how he overcomes suffering: ‘You know what, maybe because I’ve had real dark moments in my life, they’ve given me scope for optimism. In the grand scheme of things, of what I’ve experienced, these everyday problems…they don’t seem so bad.’
Louis dedicated his new single Two of Us, from his album WALLS to his mother Johannah, and it features heartbreaking lyrics such as ‘it’s been a minute since I called you, you’ll never know how much I miss you, the day that they took you.’
He elaborated on his music to the publication: ‘You know, because of my story, my album was a little heavy at times and a little somber and as I’m sure you’re aware, from talking to me, now, that isn’t who I am.’
As he grapples with grief and tragedy through the lens of the media, Louis admitted that he doesn’t want his hardships to frame everything he says.
Double tragedy: The singer, 28, lost his mother, Johannah Deakin, in 2016 (pictured in 2015) following a battle with cancer and his 18-year-old sister, Félicité in 2018 due to an accidental drug overdose
He added: ‘Honestly, it’s part of being from Doncaster as well, I don’t like people feeling sorry for me. That’s the last thing I want.’
The former One Direction star slammed BBC Breakfast for exploiting his heartache in February, and he tweeted: ‘Never going back there again,’ following his interview.
He told The Telegraph that social media is a ‘ruthless, toxic’ place and tries not to engage in negative discourse, although he continues to use it as a resource to maintain a deep connection with his 34.9 million followers.
For Louis, his priority at the moment is rehearsing a one-off gig to be live-streamed from a secret London location on December 12, in addition to recording a second album.
Open and honest: He said during an interview with The Telegraph: ‘Because I’ve had real dark moments in my life, they’ve given me scope for optimism’ (pictured with his sister Félicité)
The recording artist has found a safe haven in a secret location near Los Angeles, where he can spend time with his son Freddie, four, who he shares with his ex-girlfriend and stylist, Briana Jungwirth.
He described spending time there, like ‘going back in time’ and he intends on going there for three days in the future to focus on writing for his new music.
Louis has also been investing time in scouting new talent on Youtube, Reddit, and BBC Introducing, and hopes to nurture emerging bands or artists in the future.
Looking to the future: Louis’ priority at the moment is rehearsing an one-off gig to be live-streamed from a secret London location on December 12 and recording a second album
Family matters: He also plans on spending time in Los Angeles with his son Freddie, four, who he shares with his ex-girlfriend and stylist, Briana Jungwirth
The father-of-one also responded to rumours of a possible reunion with One Direction and said: ‘Look, I f*****g love One Direction. I’m sure we’re going to come back together one day, and I’ll be doing a couple of One Direction songs in my gig.’
There was previous speculation of a simmering conflict with former bandmate, Zayn Malik, following his departure from the band in 2015.
Fellow One Direction stars, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne all unfollowed the star on social media and remained tight-lipped on his exit. However they have recently followed him again.
While Louis failed to confirm or deny any previous tensions with Zayn, he said he is ‘sure one day’ they will all reunite as he happily professed the band were ‘f*****g great’.
Back together? The father-of-one also responded to rumours of a possible reunion with One Direction and said: ‘Look, I f*****g love One Direction. I’m sure we’re going to come back together one day’