Welsh rock band Stereophonics have revealed a peculiar pre-gig ritual: the entire band and crew gather for a group cuddle before taking the stage. The tradition, which involves hugging each other tightly, is said to help calm nerves and foster a sense of unity before performances.
The band's frontman, Kelly Jones, explained that the ritual began spontaneously during a particularly stressful tour and has since become a staple of their pre-show routine. 'It started as a joke, but we found it really helped us focus and feel connected,' he said.
While the group cuddle might seem unusual, it is not unique in the music industry. Coldplay also share a pre-show hug, with Chris Martin insisting on brushing his teeth beforehand to ensure fresh breath. Other artists have their own quirky rituals, such as Adele creating an alter ego named Sasha Carter to combat stage fright, and Lorde taking a nap and eating berries to settle her stomach.
The Stereophonics' cuddle ritual has become so important that if it is missed, the band reportedly feels off-kilter during the show. 'It's just part of our process now,' Jones added. 'We wouldn't go on stage without it.'
