Brad Paisley’s New Pre-Show Ritual Is a Stretch

Some artists' pre-show rituals include a having a drink or taking a couple deep breaths, but Brad Paisley's must-do activity before a concert involves a few stretching exercises. It's something he's learned the hard way, thanks to his painful fall from the stage last year during the final show of his American Saturday Night tour. The 38-year old tried to ignore the persistent dull ache in his lower back while beginning his H20 World tour, but soon realized he needed medical intervention.

"When we did that stadium show in Boston, I ran and went nuts up and down the catwalk like I do, and the next day we tried to go see a movie and I had to take a break from walking from the car into the theater," he tells Nashville's Tennessean newspaper. "I had to sit on the benches outside the theater because I couldn't go any further."

The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year says one visit with his doctor made him aware of why he was still suffering months after the accident. "I realized, here I am going out cold for a two-hour show where I run around like an idiot in a pair of cowboy boots, without warming up or anything, carrying around a 10-pound guitar," he explains. "It's not good for you."

Thankfully, his physician gave him a few movements he can do before his rigorous show, that will not only ease the pain, but also ensure him several more years of high-energy shows. "My doctor says I'm young enough that this shouldn't happen again, especially if I take the time to make sure I'm getting my muscles in shape and not just going out there and abusing myself," he says.

Brad only has a couple more dates to do his stretching exercises, before enjoying some time off. He wraps up his tour Saturday night (February 26) in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. See his summer tour schedule here.