The former One Direction star has opened up about separating his private identity from his onstage persona as he prepares for a mammoth New York residency.
Harry Styles has revealed how he “washes off” his superstar stage persona after performing.
The 32-year-old singer opened up about separating the global pop star seen by thousands of fans from his private self in a new interview with W magazine, accompanied by a fashion shoot by photographer David Sims.
His interview comes as Harry prepares to begin a sold-out 30-night residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden on August 26 as part of his Together, Together tour supporting his fourth solo album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally.
Speaking about how he deals with other people’s opinions, Harry said: “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.”
Harry, who first found fame at 16 as a member of One Direction, added his perspective on performing has changed as he has grown older.
He said: “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.
“But I’m not guiding you to me. I’m not asking you to follow me. I’m saying that I believe in the same thing that you believe in, and we’re all here for that reason, which is beyond me.”
Harry also explained showering immediately after performing has become an important way of leaving the experience of being onstage behind.
He said: “When I come offstage, the first thing I do is shower, because it’s better for me to feel like I washed it off.
“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!’”
He added: “Over the years, I’ve tried to acknowledge that is that, and I can wash it off. 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.
“It couldn’t be more different from what you were doing 10 minutes ago.”
Harry said taking time away from touring after his hugely successful Love On Tour helped him develop a life outside performing.
His previous album, Harry’s House, won the Grammy for album of the year, while his latest record, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally, arrived in March after a lengthy break between albums.
He also told W the impact of fame left him not knowing “what to do with myself sometimes”.
Harry added he now feels more comfortable with the possibility of not always being on the road and appreciates touring because he knows “it’s not forever”.
His return to touring has already included 12 sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium in London, while the upcoming Madison Square Garden residency will comprise 30 shows through October 31 – his only US concerts of 2026. More than 500,000 people are expected to see him across the New York run.
Harry’s latest album marks another chapter in a career that began with One Direction alongside Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and the late Liam Payne.
After the group went on hiatus, Harry established a solo career with hits including Sign of the Times, Watermelon Sugar, Adore You and As It Was.
The singer has also acted in films including Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman.
Harry Styles reveals shower ritual helping him wash away ‘godlike’ stage status
