Role Model & The Wiggles: A New Era of Festival Guest Spots?
Role Model’s recent Laneway Festival performance in Sydney took an unexpected, and delightful, turn. The US singer-songwriter invited not one, but three members of the iconic Australian children’s group The Wiggles – Tsehay Hawkins, Lucia Field, and original Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt – onstage to participate in his song “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” This surprising collaboration has sparked conversation about the evolving nature of festival guest appearances and the blurring lines between musical genres.
The ‘Sally’ Tradition & Rising Trend
Role Model has established a tradition of bringing out special guests to play the part of “Sally” during performances of his hit song. This isn’t a new phenomenon; he previously featured BENEE in Auckland for the Laneway festival and Charli XCX during his SNL debut. Still, the choice of The Wiggles represents a significant shift. It’s a move away from fellow musicians and towards broader cultural icons, demonstrating a willingness to embrace unexpected pairings.
This trend reflects a broader desire for novelty and surprise at live events. Audiences are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond a standard concert, and unexpected collaborations are a key component of that. The appeal lies in the juxtaposition of different worlds – in this case, indie-pop and children’s entertainment – creating a memorable moment for attendees.
Laneway Festival: A Hot Ticket
The buzz surrounding Role Model’s performance contributed to the overall success of the Laneway Festival. Organisers announced that both the Gold Coast and Sydney legs of the festival were completely sold out. This demonstrates the festival’s continued popularity and its ability to attract large crowds, even in a competitive event landscape.
This year’s Laneway lineup also includes Chappell Roan, PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, and BENEE, who is also playing sideshows in Sydney, Torquay, and Melbourne.
Beyond Music: The Power of Nostalgia
The inclusion of The Wiggles taps into a powerful force: nostalgia. For many Australians, The Wiggles are a beloved part of their childhood. Bringing them onstage evokes a sense of joy and familiarity, adding an emotional layer to the performance. This strategy isn’t limited to The Wiggles; artists are increasingly leveraging nostalgia to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Did you know? The Wiggles have been entertaining children for over 30 years, becoming a cultural institution in Australia and beyond.
What’s Next for Festival Guest Spots?
The Role Model/Wiggles collaboration raises the question: what other unexpected pairings might we see at future festivals? The possibilities are endless. We could see actors, comedians, athletes, or even internet personalities joining musicians onstage. The key is to find collaborations that are both surprising and meaningful, creating a unique and memorable experience for the audience.
The success of this approach hinges on authenticity. The collaboration needs to sense organic and genuine, rather than forced or contrived. When done right, it can elevate a performance from good to unforgettable.
FAQ
Q: Who played Sally with Role Model at Laneway Auckland?
A: BENEE played Sally at the Auckland leg of Laneway 2026.
Q: Which Wiggles members joined Role Model onstage?
A: Tsehay Hawkins (Yellow Wiggle), Lucia Field (Blue Wiggle), and Jeff Fatt (original Purple Wiggle) performed with Role Model.
Q: Are tickets still available for all Laneway 2026 dates?
A: The Gold Coast and Sydney legs are sold out. Limited tickets remain for the Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth dates.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on artist social media for hints about potential guest appearances at upcoming shows!
What unexpected collaboration would you like to see at a festival? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
