Michael Stipe Breaks Solo Hiatus with ‘I Played the Fool,’ HBO’s ‘Rooster’ Theme
Michael Stipe, the iconic frontman of R.E.M., has returned with a latest song, “I Played the Fool,” marking his first release in three years. The track serves as the main title theme for the new HBO Original series, Rooster, starring Steve Carell. The collaboration features a stellar lineup of musicians including Andrew Watt, Josh Klinghoffer, and Travis Barker.
A Stellar Collaboration
Stipe co-wrote and produced “I Played the Fool” with Andrew Watt, who likewise performs on the track. Klinghoffer, known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam, contributes guitar and piano, while Blink-182’s Travis Barker provides the percussion. The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of change and self-awareness, with Stipe singing, “A sea change came / It knocked me down / I’m setting up the punchline now / Look who tried too hard to play it cool.”
Enthusiasm for the Project
“I’m thrilled to lend my voice to Rooster — as a giant fan of everyone involved, it’s a real honor to be included with ‘I Played the Fool,’” Stipe said in a press statement according to Consequence. Watt echoed the sentiment, calling Stipe a “hero” and describing the collaboration as a dream come true. He praised Stipe’s songwriting ability, stating that he “sets Rooster off to the moon by making you laugh and cry at the same time with the best clapping TV theme song since Friends.”
A Long-Held Vision
Matt Tarses, co-creator of Rooster, revealed that he had always envisioned R.E.M.’s music being part of the series, drawing inspiration from his college days in the 1980s. “Our plan had always been to use music from our own time in college in the ’80s. No band was more important to me then than R.E.M.,” Tarses stated in a press release. He expressed his surprise and delight when Watt suggested Stipe might contribute a new song, admitting, “Cool, good luck with that.” Tarses described being moved to tears upon hearing the demo of “I Played the Fool.”
Availability
“I Played The Fool (Main Title Theme)” is available now on all major digital streaming platforms via WaterTower Music as reported by Newsbreak.