Sarah Oliver is an author from Widnes in Cheshire. She was the author of the first ever book on Harry, Niall, Liam, Louis and Zayn, entitled One Direction A-Z, which was a Sunday Times bestseller. She also wrote the double biography of Harry Styles and Niall Horan, and appeared in the documentary One Direction All For One.
Why not follow Sarah – @SarahOliverAtoZ – on Twitter?
As you read this book, you will hear stories of when fans met Harry, Niall, Liam, Louis and Zayn (and when they met their bodyguards too!). You’ll find out what the boys think of the different countries they visit and the flash mobs that fans do for them. The boys have spent lots of time in America, but they have been to lots of other countries too – after all, they are the world’s biggest boyband! They want to visit every single country so they can thank Directioners everywhere for their support. It might take them a few years but they’ll do it one day.
The boys’ tour manager and head of security is Paul Higgins from Ireland and all the boys are very close to him. Paul used to work with former X Factor winner Shayne Ward, Girls Aloud, Boyzone and Westlife. He keeps the boys safe in the different countries they visit. One of their bodyguards (until late 2012) was Andy Davies and many fans were gutted when he changed jobs. He had looked after the boys for nine months as they travelled around the world. The boys used to call him ‘Baldy’ and he would stand guard outside their hotel rooms to make sure that no fans disturbed the boys through the night.
You’ll also find out what the boys’ families are like from fans who’ve met them at concerts, signings and the hotels that the boys stay in while they’re away from home. Some fans queue up for days to get wristbands so they can attend signings; others send their dads to stand in line for them. You’ll read all about the challenges fans had to do to win Go1Den Tickets to meet the boys in New York, and you’ll also find out what happens when fans wait for the boys outside recording studios. Harry, Niall, Liam, Louis and Zayn love all their fans, but there are some fans that are more like friends to the boys, as they have met them so many times and they know they can have a laugh with them. The boys love messing around and play fighting, and are so grateful when they receive artwork and unique gifts from the different countries they visit.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s go around the world and follow in One Direction’s footsteps!