Justin Hayward discusses his routine before a show
I need to have some time completely on my own before a show, and I know I'm not the best person to be around for the hour before I go on. I feel I need to be absolutely quiet.
It's very rare that I meet guests before a show. Strangely, I could have the best sleep just before a gig (but I rarely do) - maybe it's a just a form of nerves that sends me into a really relaxed state. But even the first few moments on stage are kind of difficult for me, until my mind is engaged properly. I'm sure performance psychologists would have a valid opinion about why I should change my pre stage routine and attitude, but I find need to go deep within myself in that time - my songs must be sung from the heart - if I don't do that it doesn't work - the magic between us (the us being the audience) needs a genuine emotion. The fans, and the whole audience, bring that every night, every bit as much as I do, and that's good enough for me.