Role Model Says ‘Sally’ Celebrity Guest Trend Was a ‘Happy Accident.’ He Doesn’t Want to ‘Be Defined’ by the Viral Bit

**Role Model Signals End of Celebrity Feature Trend with ‘Sally’ Performance**

Role Model, the stage name of singer-songwriter Tucker Pillsbury, has announced that he will be retiring the trend of featuring celebrity guests during his performances of the hit song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, the 29-year-old artist explained that he feels the viral phenomenon has reached its conclusion and that he is ready to move forward with his music career without this additional gimmick.

Since early 2025, Role Model has welcomed a variety of well-known guests, including Charli XCX, Hilary Duff, Olivia Rodrigo, Kate Hudson, and Natalie Portman, to join him on stage during live performances of “Sally.” However, in a reflective and candid discussion, Role Model indicated that he now prefers to focus solely on his own artistry. “I think I’m done,” he stated, highlighting his upcoming performance at the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona, where he intends to present “Sally” without a guest.

The decision to conclude the celebrity guest appearances appears to stem from Role Model’s confidence in his upcoming album, “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass,” set to be released on August 7. “If this album wasn’t good, I’d be like, ‘Yeah, we should probably keep the Sally bit going, I gotta sell tickets,'” he remarked. However, he conveys a sense of reassurance about his new work, suggesting that he does not need to rely on celebrity appearances to attract an audience.

Role Model’s previous performances in Australia in February featured special guests such as Robert Irwin and Lucy Dacus, reigniting the excitement around the “Sally” phenomenon. Nevertheless, he told Rolling Stone that during a conversation with his team, he realised that the time had come to abandon the practice. “I think we don’t need to do this anymore,” he quoted himself saying in that moment of realisation.

The artist believes that knowing when to stop a trend is crucial to maintaining its integrity. “I know in my heart when a bit needs to end,” he stated. The sentiment illustrates his commitment to avoiding the risk of overexposure and ensuring that the fun aspect of these performances remains intact. He expressed concerns that continued celebrity features might lead to the trend becoming stale and losing its charm.

Reflecting on the essence of his music, Role Model emphasised his desire to return to the fundamental aspect of performing: “I want to go back to when you can just play songs.” His comments suggest a shift from placing an emphasis on fanfare and celebrity spectacles to focusing on the artistry of live music itself, which has always been central to his identity as a musician.

Role Model acknowledges that the trend of bringing out surprise guests was never a calculated marketing strategy. “It was just a happy accident, and I’m really grateful for it, but I’m not gonna be defined by being the dude who brings out Sallys at his shows,” he concluded. This statement encapsulates his transition towards an artistic evolution, one that encourages personal authenticity and musical integrity.

With the anticipation building for the release of “Chuck Timely & The Hourglass,” fans can look forward to new music, including the recently released single “High Hopes 3000.” As he steps into this exciting new chapter, it will be intriguing to see how Role Model continues to evolve as an artist, free from the distractions of novelty acts.

The decision to cease the “Sally” guest trend is not just an end but also a new beginning for Role Model, who seems eager to embrace the next phase of his career. As he heads into Primavera Sound and beyond, all eyes will be on him to see what he will bring to the stage, stripped back and focused purely on his musical talents.