House of Blues in Houston, TX — February 28, 2025

ROLE MODEL brought his signature humor and heartfelt lyrics to a sold-out House of Blues in Houston on the No Place Like Tour, supporting his sophomore album Kansas Anymore. The New England-born singer, Tucker Pillsbury delivered a performance that perfectly balanced high-energy moments with emotional depth. While his folk-pop record touches on themes of homesickness and heartbreak, ROLE MODEL infused the night with his light-hearted personality and optimistic spirit, making for an unforgettable show.

The show kicked off with “Writings On The Wall,” immediately energizing the crowd with its toe-tapping chorus. Fans eagerly sang along, waved ‘Hey, Diva’ signs with their iPhones and danced while sporting cowboy hats, boots, leather jackets, and blue jeans— a nod to the folk-inspired themes of the album and perfectly fitting for a Texas show. The room was a mix of die-hard fans and newcomers, but everyone was there for the music, the buzz and the laughter.

Seamlessly transitioning from chart-topping songs like “Look At That Woman” to more vulnerable tracks like “Oh, Gemini” and “Frances,” ROLE MODEL showcased his unique ability to blend emotional depth with joy. During “The Dinner,” he led the crowd in repeating the cathartic line “take me home,” reinforcing the power of live music and the sense of community it creates.

Despite the album’s more melancholic undertones, the show was filled with humor and witty banter. Continuing a running joke in his shows, ROLE MODEL kept the mood playful as he introduced himself as other artists, like Ed Sheeran, Clairo, Ross Lynch and “The 1965.”

After a successful European leg, ROLE MODEL included new tracks from the deluxe version of his album to the setlist— and his Houston fans learned all the lyrics just in time. One of the night’s most electric moments came when the crowd erupted and danced to the bridge of “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” He also included “The Longest Goodbye,” featuring a special reference to Houston that fans passionately shouted along to.

During his “Compromise” monologue, ROLE MODEL shifted to a more sincere tone, expressing gratitude for his fans after putting out the album amidst internet drama: “I want you to know that I feel more love now than I ever have. I get all this from family and friends, and the band and tour, and half of it is you guys. You’ve changed my life. I love you.” With the singer baring his heart out on stage each night, the emotional intensity of the album reveals itself in a different light— and on ROLE MODEL’s own terms.

These sentimental moments were balanced with high-energy performances like blind and a cover of The 1975’s “Somebody Else,” where the crowd’s enthusiasm for the hits fueled his performance.

Closing the night with “Deeply Still In Love,” the singer’s confessional lyrics were juxtaposed with infectious energy and dancing. In true ROLE MODEL fashion, he paused dramatically after the final line, “I’m sorry, but I’m deeply still in love…” before chugging a can of beer. The crowd exploded in cheers and whistles before he ended with “…in love with you, Houston.” The night closed with a reminder of the album’s themes—home, growth, and moving on from the past. ROLE MODEL was right: there truly is No Place Like Tour.

Words & Photography: Katherine Hui