What's Happening?
During the Sydney leg of the Laneway Festival, U.S. singer-songwriter Role Model surprised fans by bringing out members of The Wiggles during his performance of 'Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.' The unexpected
collaboration featured Tsehay Hawkins, Lucia Field, and Jeff Fatt dancing onstage, delighting the audience. This moment was part of Role Model's tradition of turning 'Sally' into a live collaboration, following a similar performance with New Zealand artist BENEE at the Auckland launch of Laneway 2026. The festival, celebrating its 21st anniversary, has seen sold-out shows and features a lineup including Chappell Roan, PinkPantheress, and others.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration highlights the growing trend of artists creating unique live experiences to engage audiences, especially in festival settings. By incorporating beloved children's entertainers like The Wiggles, Role Model not only broadens his appeal but also taps into a sense of nostalgia and fun. This approach can enhance fan engagement and create memorable moments that resonate beyond the performance itself. The success of the Laneway Festival, with its sold-out shows, underscores the demand for live music experiences and the importance of innovative performances in maintaining audience interest.
What's Next?
The Laneway Festival continues its tour with upcoming stops in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. As Role Model's 'Sally' tradition continues, fans are speculating about future surprise collaborations. The festival's ability to sell out shows and generate buzz suggests a strong future for live music events, with potential for more artists to adopt similar strategies to captivate audiences.
