diff --git a/bumblebee_status/modules/contrib/playerctl.py b/bumblebee_status/modules/contrib/playerctl.py
index 7fef412..bd8876c 100755
--- a/bumblebee_status/modules/contrib/playerctl.py
+++ b/bumblebee_status/modules/contrib/playerctl.py
@@ -100,6 +100,7 @@ class Module(core.module.Module):
             return None
 
     def update(self):
+        playback_status = self.status()
         for widget in self.widgets():
             if playback_status:
                 if widget.name == "playerctl.pause":