Review: Role Model @ The Gov 11/02/25
“From start to finish the crowd was fully engaged, singing, dancing, and laughing without missing a beat – a clear testament to his rising fame. When Role Model returns to Adelaide, expect to see him playing in a venue three times the size.”
Words Dakota Griffiths
Image supplied
Role MOdel w/Medium Build @ The Gov 11/02/25
It was an eventful Tuesday night in Adelaide as fans braved the heat, lining up for hours to secure the perfect spot for the highly anticipated Role Model concert at The Gov. Tucker Pillsbury, better known as Role Model, performed his debut Adelaide show as the final stop of his Australian No Place Like tour, celebrating the release of his pop-country album, Kansas Anymore.
The moment doors opened, the atmosphere inside The Gov was electric. Fans rushed to claim their spots, buzzing with excitement to see Role Model in such an intimate venue. The rapper turned singer-songwriter has built a dedicated and niche fanbase through his quirky personality and charismatic presence on social media and the crowd fully embraced his world. From homemade shirts and cowboy boots to creative signs filled with inside jokes and impressive artwork, the dedication from fans was undeniable. I’ve also never seen The Gov fill up so quickly – within 15 minutes the room was packed with devoted fans eagerly awaiting Role Model’s Adelaide debut.
The night kicked off with Medium Build, the sole support act who brought his Texan wit and powerhouse vocals. Many in the audience were unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster he delivered. His hilarious crowd interactions, which could have doubled as a comedy set, were contrasted by his raw and deeply personal lyrics tackling addiction, suicide and depression. It was a 30-minute whirlwind that left fans in awe. A perfect setup for the main event.
As Role Model exploded on stage, launching into ‘Writing’s On The Wall’, the opening track from his latest album, the crowd erupted into an ear-deafening roar. The energy never wavered throughout the night thanks to a well-curated setlist that seamlessly blended old favourites with new material.
Role Model’s signature humour was in full force as he playfully introduced his band under the names of other famous musicians, keeping the crowd entertained between songs. Apparently, I was lucky enough to see Clairo, Sabrina Carpenter, Maroon 5 and Ross Lynch all in one night!
His crowd interactions were genuine and constant throughout the evening, calling fans by their names, accepting gifts, and even taking a shot of vodka with someone on the barricade. One of my biggest takeaways from the night – Role Model isn’t just a talented musician, he’s an artist who genuinely cares about his fans and loves putting on a great show.
Despite this being the final stop of his Australian tour, Role Model delivered a high-energy and polished performance that showcased his signature vocal style of airy falsettos, expressive tones and effortless vocal flips.
Kansas Anymore marks a new chapter in his sound, shifting from his earlier hip-hop influences to a country-pop style with folk undertones. The album explores themes of identity and change through introspective lyrics and soft, stripped-back acoustic arrangements. It demonstrates a clear evolution in his songwriting as he dives deeper into vulnerable, personal storytelling, allowing fans to connect with him on a whole new level, something that was on display at his sold-out Adelaide gig.
Fans won’t have to wait long for more music as Role Model’s deluxe edition of Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye) drops February 14, featuring four unreleased tracks, including ‘Sally, When The Wine Runs Out’, which got a great response from fans.
From start to finish the crowd was fully engaged, singing, dancing, and laughing without missing a beat – a clear testament to his rising fame. When Role Model returns to Adelaide, expect to see him playing in a venue three times the size.
