Banter, barking, and a genuine venue-shaking performance, Role Model (Tucker Pillsbury) captivated crowds with two electrifying, sold-out shows at The Wiltern.
Self-releasing his debut EP in 2017 after recording it in his closet, the 27 year old artist quickly gained a dedicated online following. Combining honest storytelling with catchy melodies, his infectious energy and laid back persona has made him a standout in the indie pop scene.
A couple of tunes into his 19 song set, Pillsbury paused to connect with the buzzing crowd, admitting that while he cherished his time on the international leg of his “No Place Like Tour,” he missed the unmatched energy of US audiences. Rising to the occasion, the crowd erupted into cheers, barking, and nonstop noise between every song, ensuring the atmosphere remained rowdy from start to finish.
That energy wasn’t just heard—it was felt. If it hadn’t been for the sheer intensity of the moment and the lack of concern from fellow attendees, I legitimately would’ve thought there was an earthquake as the balcony shook beneath the weight of the crowd’s movement. My brief concern quickly faded as the singer-songwriter danced across the stage, grinning from ear to ear as the crowd’s excitement only continued to reach new heights.
A signature part of his tour, Pillsbury’s performance of the hit song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out” is paired with a brief dance session featuring a surprise celebrity guest. At Tuesday night’s show, Wallows’ lead singer Dylan Minnette skipped into view, sparking a wave of excitement as fans shared the star-studded moment across social media, with many simply declaring, “LA won.” The following night, actress and singer Reneé Rapp took to the stage, further solidifying this belief with yet another high-profile appearance.
If you’re not already familiar with Role Model’s sound, I have a sneaking suspicion that’s about to change. Continuing to make appearances at festivals throughout summer—including Lollapalooza and Hinterland Music Festival—as well as opening for Gracie Abrams’ stadium tour, his packed schedule and sheer talent has solidified his rise in the music scene and beyond.
