On Friday, Oct. 3, Tucker Harrington Pillsbury, famously known as Role Model, took to the T-Mobile stage at Austin City Limits Festival for the first time, delivering a high-energy, crowd-pleasing set filled with songs from his second studio album, Kansas Anymore. Replacing his usual baseball cap with a cowboy hat, Role Model strummed, jumped and grooved along with a crowd of screaming fans. Whether flashing an occasional smirk or playful middle finger, Role Model maintained the whimsical, endearing energy that is gaining him traction on social media.
Opening with the first track on the album, “Writing’s on the Wall,” immediately followed by “Scumbag,” Role Model set spirits high. The singer made what would become a long string of self-deprecating jokes throughout the set, referring to himself as various A-list artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Ed Sheeran as part of an ongoing joke he has with his fan base.
“Like I said, we are Maroon 5, and we are so happy to be here tonight,” Role Model joked.
While Role Model’s North American Leg of his “No Place Like Tour” concluded in April 2025, he’s performing at various festivals, as well as Saturday Night Live on Oct. 11, before traveling to Europe and the UK for his second leg of the tour in November 2025. Role Model gave a moving performance of “The Dinner,” the song highlighting the album and tour’s theme surrounding “The Wizard of Oz.”
“I clicked my heels three times, we’re not in Kansas anymore / Take me home,” festival-goers sang as Role Model mouthed. “I’m home, I’m home.”
Addressing his fans, whom he often calls “divas,” a reference to his popular song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” Role Model continued to charm the audience.
“Feels like home, divas, feels like home in Austin, Texas,” Role Model said.
Taking a break from performing tracks from Kansas Anymore, Role Model sang a cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else,” which he originally covered in September 2024 as a Spotify single. Although originally a somewhat mellow song, Role Model brought his own energy to the cover, jumping around, grinning and belting the lyrics. Of course, the cover would not have been complete without a joke to tie it up.
“We are The 1965, thank you,” Role Model said.
As his set progressed, fans anxiously awaited to see who Role Model would bring out as his “Sally” during “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” a tradition from his tour where he features a celebrity guest on stage. Some notable appearances include Natalie Portman, Kate Hudson and Olivia Rodrigo.
Swinging his microphone carelessly through the air and hollering to the crowd, the energy shifted, golden lights rising and smoke filling the air. As the song neared its bridge, Houston-born actor Hilary Duff danced her way to the stage. The two embraced and danced, marking a high point in the set.
Concluding his performance with “Deeply Still In Love,” Role Model closed with a perfect blend of heartfelt energy. The final song epitomized an evening characterized by humor, intimacy and impressive showmanship.
