Role Model at Hammersmith Apollo
Last night, Hammersmith was full of cowboy boots and wine jokes as the Apollo bubbled with excited fans. Tucker Pillsbury, the artist known as Role Model, seems to attract anyone and everyone, and it’s clear to see why. His No Place Like tour shows bring energy, emotion and humour; he is a star onstage that you cannot tear your eyes away from.
Role Model sets the tone immediately. Writing on the Wall opens a acapella, lights out, lyrics flying – the room goes wild. It’s as though a switch is flipped and an eruption begins, shouts of every line loud and confident. Smiles crack open wide as the floor starts to shake, and it’s already obvious that this is going to be good. Look at that Woman is smooth where Scumbag is jumpy; either way, every word is known and chanted by all. The chorus to Oh, Gemini is crooned like a prayer — like much of the setlist, the lyrics crack with painful honesty, full of longing.
Probably most of all, Something, Somehow, Someday brims with that heartbreaking longing. Role Model explains how it’s one of his favourite songs that he’s ever written and brings out a brown leather-bound notebook with the lyrics written in. “I’m going to read this song like a story,” he tells us as he sits, a spotlight on only him. It is a bright moment of vulnerability.
The highlights are neverending: the subtly beautiful bridge in Oh, Gemini, the cathartic build-up in Some Protector, the sultry Slut Era Interlude with its red lights and wall of smoke, sniffles and phone lights by the end of Frances. Good music lends itself to a good live showing, and Kansas Anymore is taken to another level. His vocals are identical to the studio recordings, faultless and full of character, but it’s his aura on stage that catapults him. Role Model has gained a name for himself on social media for his humour, sincerity, and the ability to take life unseriously. In front of thousands, he is just as genuine, just as funny.
Each night, during Sally, When the Wine Runs Out, he brings out a special guest to dance with him and be that night’s “Sally”. Just when it felt like the crowd couldn’t get any louder, he brings a member of One Direction out: Niall Horan boogies up front, and everyone goes absolutely crazy.
He ends with Deeply Still in Love and the Apollo all but sings it for him. His easy charisma and charm make him easy to enjoy, and his music is foot-tapping, hip-shaking joy. A Role Model gig is a night to remember.
Talitha Stowell
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit Role Model’s website here.
Watch the video for Sally When the Wine Runs Out here:
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