LIAM PAYNE TALKS DUBAI HOLIDAY
The former One Direction member talks about his New Year’s Eve plans in the city
Liam Payne was one of five boys who broke millions of hearts around the world when One Direction called it quits in 2016.
The hiatus gave time and space for each of the 1D boys (Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Payne) to forge their own paths in their respective careers in music, film and whatever life threw at them.
Yet, even as each of his former band members went on to drop solo albums in the aftermath of the break-up, Payne appeared content releasing hit singles, such as Strip That
Down, Bedroom Floor, Get Low and the 2018 collaboration with Rita Ora,
For You, which featured on the soundtrack of the film Fifty Shades Freed.
It would take Payne another year before he released his debut album LP1, which released on Decemer 6 and drew mixed reviews from critics.
Fans in the UAE were one of the first to get a glimpse of him performing tracks from his new album during Friday’s Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) concert at Burj Park, where he performed live with British songstress, Jorja Smith.
As Payne continues his holiday in the emirate, he takes time out of playing tourist to give tabloid! a peek into his Dubai diary.
You and Jorja Smith shared great chemistry at the DSF opening concert at Burj Park. This isn’t a first meeting we take it?
Jorja and I know each other from Wolverhampton. We haven’t played together before; she’s an amazing performer and her band is incredible, so it made me a little nervous!
Considering you are here for DSF, are you planning to take time out to hit the mall and what’s your favourite thing to shop here?
I always hit the Hugo
store first thing; it’s interesting to see the different collections in each region and it’s great to get feedback from the area. After that, I am an avid shopper for glasses and trainers. I don’t know why, but it seems that I never have the right amount. My mum asked me how many pairs of trainers I need — I told her two more pairs than I already have.
Are there plans to play tourist in Dubai as well, ride a camel or head out on a desert safari?
I have a full itinerary while I am here. I am going to La Perle for sure. We have a desert safari booked and will be partying with Jonas Blue at Zero Gravity for New Year’s Eve. [I] would love to see the fireworks too.
Getting back to your music, your new album LP1 dropped earlier this month. What was the inspiration for this album and if you had to choose a favourite track, which would it be?
The album was made over a long period so there are many moments of my life from that time. My current favourite is Live Forever.
How happy are you with the album’s progression and the response from fans?
I’m extremely happy we hit 2.5 million album sales globally really quickly, so it is something I dreamt of as a young man and I am happy that the dream
came true.
You have hinted in the past that a One Direction reunion should happen. In fact, you even made it a point to congratulate Harry when his album Fine Line topped the UK charts this month. What would you say to One Direction fans who are holding out for a reunion someday?
We have been talking a lot more recently and I can’t imagine we wouldn’t finish the story where we did. However, the guys are doing so well individually and they are experiencing new things like film and TV, so it will probably be a little while if it ever happens.
So, what are the plans for NYE? Are you planning to party in Dubai or at home with Bear?
My friend Jonas Blue is playing in Dubai and we are going to go celebrate with him. I had a lovely Christmas with Bear and I will be taking him back some trainers from Dubai.
What is a New Year’s resolution for 2020?
My New Year’s resolution is to try and not make any more funny remarks. Every time I say something in tongue in cheek, it usually ends up getting me in trouble.