Harry Styles, in a recent W magazine feature, detailed his method for disconnecting from his larger-than-life stage persona. The singer described a post-performance ritual that involves showering immediately after coming offstage, which he believes helps him shed the "godlike" aspect of his public performance.
"When I come offstage, the first thing I do is shower, because it’s better for me to feel like I washed it off," Styles explained. He contrasted this with an earlier tendency to try and hold onto the heightened feeling of being onstage. "There’s a version where you come offstage and feel like, 'Oh, I’m the guy right now.' I remember that from the really early days, the 'How do I stay in this feeling—this is amazing!'"
Over time, Styles has learned to acknowledge the distinction between his performer self and his private self. "You do the show, you go backstage, you shower, and all of a sudden you’re naked in this most vulnerable, almost infant-like state of yourself," he said. "It couldn’t be more different from what you were doing 10 minutes ago."
Styles also touched on the nature of public perception, noting the difficulty of constantly being aware of how others view him. He shared advice he received: "One of the best things anyone has told me is that comments, the bad and good, neither of them are true. Some people will tell you you’re the best thing in the world, and that’s not true. Some people will tell you you’re terrible, and that’s also not true."
He views the concert environment as a shared experience between performer and audience. "We, as the crew and the band, get to create an environment for people to have this joyous time. But we’re all there for the same thing. If you’re onstage, it’s a very godlike position," Styles stated. He emphasized that his role is not to be followed but to share in a collective belief with the audience.
Reflecting on his career, Styles mentioned that starting touring at a young age made him feel uncomfortable with extended periods at home. However, he has since developed an appreciation for touring, recognizing its impermanence. "These days, he relishes this time and also has an appreciation for touring, knowing that 'it's not forever,'" the notes stated.
Styles's W magazine feature and photoshoot coincide with his "Love On Tour" continuing, with a notable stop at Madison Square Garden.