After an incredible run in Europe and Australia, Tucker Pillsbury- known more famously as Role Model- returned stateside to launch the latest leg of his No Place Like Tour at The Van Buren in downtown Phoenix on Monday night. If there were any doubts about how American fans would welcome him home, they were erased the moment he stepped on stage—the energy was electric, the crowd was deafening and the night felt like a long-awaited reunion between artist and audience.
Opening the show was Debbii Dawson, who took the stage in a sparkling red dress and knee-high boots and effortlessly captivated the crowd with her soulful vocals. As fans eagerly waited for Role Model, Dawson’s performance set a perfect tone—her warm, melodic presence drawing everyone in while the anticipation for the main act grew stronger.
When Role Model finally emerged, the entire venue erupted. Right from the start, it was clear this wouldn’t be just another concert; it was a full-fledged sing-along.
One of the night’s biggest moments came when he launched into “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”, the standout track from the deluxe release that quickly became a fan favorite. The crowd’s response was nothing short of euphoric as the fans shouted every lyric. Watching Pillsbury perform this track live, it was easy to see why it shot to the top of his Spotify charts; its infectious energy was magnified tenfold on stage.
But it wasn’t just the new music that made an impact. Role Model seamlessly blended songs from his latest album with past favorites, creating a setlist that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Tracks like “Look At That Woman” and “Scumbag” embodied that signature blend of melancholy and warmth, while deeper, more introspective songs like “Oh, Gemini” allowed for quieter, more emotional moments.
The real magic of the night was the connection between Role Model and his fans. The entire venue felt alive—not just because of the high-energy performance, but because of the unshakable bond between artist and audience. Every lyric was shouted with passion, every silence filled with cheers and every song felt like a moment shared between Pillsbury and the people who have grown alongside his music.
For an artist whose journey has been defined by both musical and personal evolution, this show felt like a celebration of that growth. After months of performing overseas, Pillsbury’s return to the States was nothing short of triumphant. If last night was any indication, the No Place Like Tour is shaping up to be one of his most memorable tours yet, proving that no matter where he travels, there’s truly no place like home.
