One Direction's Louis Explains Pre-Show Haribo Tradition

23 December 2011, 08:12 | Updated: 23 December 2011, 20:56

The 'What Makes You Beautiful' singer says the band all "cheers" a sweet before the start of every gig.

One Direction have explained why they each have one Haribo sweet before heading out on stage, and claim it is their version of doing a shot.

The 'Gotta Be You' stars kicked off their first headlining tour across the UK on Wednesday (23rd December) and revealed the unusual tradition this week.

"We do the sweets like they're drink. We 'cheers them'," Louis Tomlinson explained. "It's very strange but it's for good luck."

However, 18 year-old Niall Horan is worried he won't be able to take part in group indulgence after being fitted with track-track style braces on Tuesday.

"I've just had a brace on the week so I won't be eating sweets," Niall told The Sun. "It's a bit sore so I can only eat soup. Maybe I could swallow it in one?"

One Direction will perform their second consecutive concert at Manchester's O2 Apollo tonight.