Stipe and Watt's 'I Played the Fool' Premieres on Kimmel
Michael Stipe and Andrew Watt captivated audiences with a live rendition of their latest single, “I Played the Fool,” during a recent appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." This dynamic collaboration serves as the vibrant main title theme for the new HBO comedy series, "Rooster," starring Steve Carell, and is prominently featured on the show’s inaugural season soundtrack.
Watt, fresh from his production work on Paul McCartney’s latest album, “The Boys of Dungeon Lane,” skillfully handled the guitar, while Stipe commanded the stage with his distinctive vocals. The performance showcased the song’s emotional range, with Stipe delivering lines like “Laugh at me/ I’m trying, trying” and “Falling sometimes/ Sometimes flying,” encapsulating a mix of vulnerability and resilience. This track holds particular significance as it represents Stipe’s first new musical offering in three years, brought to fruition by Watt’s vision and effort.
The creation of “I Played the Fool” was a deliberate effort for "Rooster," conceived by Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses. Tarses expressed profound emotion upon hearing the demo, noting R.E.M.'s historical impact on his college years and acknowledging the unlikelihood of securing Stipe for the project. The recorded version further enriches the soundscape with contributions from Josh Klinghoffer, formerly of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, on piano and guitar, and Travis Barker of Blink-182 on drums. Watt lauded Stipe as a musical icon, emphasizing his ability to infuse humor and pathos into the song, creating a theme that resonates with the best television openers. The series "Rooster," which premiered on HBO in March, also features Charly Clive, Danielle Deadwyler, Phil Dunster, John C. McGinley, and Lauren Tsai.
This collaboration not only highlights the enduring talent of seasoned artists but also demonstrates how creative partnerships can bridge different artistic domains to produce something truly memorable. The song’s ability to evoke both laughter and tears, while being a catchy theme, speaks to the power of music to connect and uplift audiences, reminding us of the joy and depth that artistic expression brings to our lives.