American singer-songwriter Role Model, also known as Tucker Pillsbury or Saint Laurent Cowboy, has now adapted to be known as a “Diva.” After huge success from his most recent album release in summer of 2024, Kansas Anymore, and its deluxe edition in February of 2025, his fanbase has erupted in size over the last nine months. After years of genre shifting, it seems that the New England-born singer has landed and pinpointed his unique sound. Tucker is not only talented, but also has a sense of self awareness and humor which comes forward in his lyric writing.
Fans create custom signs for Role Model
Much like his nickname and bratty alter ego, Saint Laurent Cowboy, Role Model is a healthy mix of pop and country; his songs are sassy with folk influences. Tucker’s music feels like summer warmth, embracing Americana themes, yet is mixed with emotions from the highest highs to the lowest lows. Songs like “Compromise” feature light and soft guitar plucking with a deep lyrical meaning about sacrificing yourself for others happiness. While his hit single “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out,” delivers a catchy drum beat perfect for jumping and dancing. Another new song, “The Dinner,” off of Kansas Anymore, makes a reference to The Wizard of Oz when the lyrics drop the album name. Leaning into its overarching themes of homesickness and feeling lost in love.
“I click my heels three times, oh / We’re not in Kansas Anymore / Take me Home”
On March 25, 2025, Role Model took the stage in Madison, Wisconsin at the Sylvee for a sold out show. This night was one of the final shows on his world tour, No Place Like Tour, with this night’s support from Debbii Dawson. The fans drew quite the impressive crowd for VIP access to the barricade and a long general admission line hours before the doors opened. Filling this line were custom outfits with hand stitched letters, red cowboy boots, hand drawn signs and digital cameras. All of these details have become like tradition for fans of Role Model, who love to create memories of being together for an iconic performance.
To start the night off and get the crowd excited, Debbii Dawson’s opening act wow’d this crowd. Her voice and style is reminiscent of 1980s synth pop, like Kate Bush and Solange combined. In combination with her vintage aesthetics and captivating vocals, her stage presence had received a great reaction from the crowd. Playing guitar and the keyboard, she's very multifaceted within a short 30 minute performance. Her newest single, “You Killed The Music”, is out now, encapturing her dramatic and glittery texture alongside her playful presence.
With extremely high energy, and vocal strength, Role Model entered the stage with confidence and composure. Waiting just a moment to soak up the energy from the crowd, holding for applause before kicking off the first song on his setlist, “Writings On The Wall.” At the front and center of stage, he plays acoustic guitar as the lead, while the room and stage erupt in beautiful orange hues. The lighting design and production is beautifully executed on this tour, a nod to the expertise of the engineers behind the scenes. “Look At That Woman,” was another stunning moment for the fans, showing their love for this track as they embraced one another and the friends that came to the show with them. Another ongoing bit on his tours is for Role Model to introduce himself as different artists, in Madison, he was Ed Sheeran, Clairo, and Charli xcx, this playfulness was felt throughout the entire venue and earned him lots of laughs.
At Role Model concerts, Tucker’s high level of crowd engagement is similar to that of a stand up comedian; constantly bantering between songs and interacting with fans. No Place Like Tour kicked off in Europe and Tucker noted the difference in the rowdiness of the crowds. Compared to the respectful nature of international fans; US fans do not hold back. At times, the fans begin barking during the pause between songs after they finish cheering.
Tucker admitted to the crowd that he “feels at home in Madison.”
During one of the more emotional songs of the night, “Frances,” the room and stage lit up with white lights like a disco ball. All the phones in the room were held up with their flashlights on as Tucker sat against his set. A white lifted platform, with a single spotlight behind him, backlighting him like a silhouette. But, the setlist kept everyone on the thin line of tears and absolute excitement. Following this with another newer song “Slut Era,” acted as a transition for the second half of this show. Role Model also has been performing a cover song each night of tour he performed “Somebody Else” by The 1975, which is also fully recorded and released as a one take with Spotify Sessions.
Tucker also took a long moment to thank everyone for coming to the show, filled with major sincerity. “Whatever you missed out on to be here, thank you. And I mean that, I love you," he said. It's clear he has a special bond and connection with his audience, they truly respect him and his art for the serious and emotional nature of it, but at the same time he is witty and carefree. Making him extremely endearing for this audience.
One of the most iconic and unforgettable moments of this series of live concerts comes during “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out,” when Role Model brings a fan on stage with him for the bridge and final chorus. This part of the performance is one of the peaks, making the whole crowd excited to see who their team had chosen to be “Sally” in this performance. Tucker seems to really enjoy this ongoing bit as it brings the fans so much joy, a special experience on stage like that is really striking. As the show came to a close, fans at the front row stuck around to secure setlists and another special piece of memorabilia. Role Model makes a special postcard for each city, here’s what Tucker had to say in his postcard to Madison, Wisconsin.
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