GALLERY & REVIEW: Role Model sells out The Ritz Ybor, bringing an energetic, funny, and unforgettable show to Tampa, Florida.

Renee Robbins
Mar 8
3 min read

Updated: Mar 21

On Wednesday, March 5th pop artist Role Model brought the No Place Like Tour to Tampa, FL, selling out The Ritz Ybor. The show came after another sold out show the night before in Orlando,FL which fans shared was just as lively and energetic as The Ritz got that night. Even before doors opened at 7 PM, fans were wrapped around the building eager to come in. When the floor started to fill, you could feel the energy building in the room as fans became excited to see Role Model take the stage. Even well before music started at 8, the building was packed all the back to the double doors.

Before Role Model took the stage, opened Debbii Dawson came out to get the crowd ready for the rest of the night. With a blended-pop sound, Dawson came out swinging with gorgeous vocals that filled the room. Fans in the front row jumped and sang along with songs they knew, danced with songs they didn’t, and it wouldn’t be shocking if many Role Model fans turned into Debbii Dawson fans as she stunned on stage, if they weren’t already. Once the set ended, fans cheered and grew even more excited for what, or rather who, was coming next; Role model.

As fans waited, they sang loudly to some hits like I Love You, I’m Sorry that played on the pre-show playlist making sure their voices were warmed up and primed for their main act. Once nine-o-clock hit, you could sense the buzz in the air as fans waited for the lights to dim. Finally, the lights slide off and the crowd erupts in cheers, an addictive energy poured into the room before Role Model even hit the stage. The pop singer walked on stage, beginning the opening song of the set; Writing’s on the Wall. Accompanied by a band and the acoustic guitar around his body, Role Model moved around the stage with ease, the crowd immediately jumping, screaming, singing, and dancing along.

The night continued and the energy of the room only grew. After a few songs, the singer stopped to read a few fan signs which were all funny in their own nature. After a minute or two of coming through crowd signs, including a few a shoutout to a few fans from Maine (the singers hometown), the set continued with hits like a little more time and Superglue. Fans continued to sing and dance along, the artist smiling away as the massive crowd enjoyed every second of the show.

The rest of the set continued with a cover of Somebody Else by The 1975, Slipfast, and several more songs that had the room filled with the noise of loud and excited fans. As the last song before the encore, Role Model sang hit Sally, When the Wine Runs Out and brought a fan up on stage with him to be his Sally; a known act of the artist for this particular song. Finally, the night finished up with Deeply Still in Love; though it was obvious fans could've handled even more songs from Role Model.

Overall, the show as exciting, fun, and kept the energy throughout the night bringing joy and fun to Role Model fans on a Wednesday night. The No Place Like Tour continues through March and into April if you have a chance to catch it.