Michael Stipe releases new song after years of silence: listen to “I Played The Fool”, co-written with Andrew Watt

Over the weekend, Michael Stipe returned to the stage in Brooklyn alongside the R.E.M. cover project led by Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy. During the show, he performed “These Days” and “The Great Beyond” live for the first time in eighteen years.

Now, though, new music is on the way too. Stipe has teamed up with producer Andrew Watt on "I Played The Fool", the track chosen as the theme song for "Rooster", a new college dramedy produced by Steve Carell for Hbo: you can listen to it below.

For some time now, Stipe has been working, very discreetly, on his debut solo album. The project has been in progress for years and whether it will ever actually be released remains uncertain. A couple of years ago its status was the subject of an extensive report by The New York Times. Until today, his last release under his own name dated back to 2023, when he put out "Give Me A Hand" together with violinist Gaelynn Lea for an Earth Day charity initiative.

"I Played The Fool" marks the first collaboration between Stipe and Watt, both credited as writers and performers. The recording also features Travis Barker of Blink-182 on drums and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, formerly of Red Hot Chili Peppers. The effect is curious: Stipe's voice moves over a very polished sonic backdrop, far removed from the atmospheres he's usually associated with. Still, it's a pleasure to hear him again on a new recording.

In the press release accompanying the release, Stipe stated: "I'm thrilled to lend my voice to 'Rooster'. I'm a huge fan of everyone involved in the project, and it's a true honor to be part of it with 'I Played The Fool'." Watt added: "Michael Stipe is a hero of mine. Writing a song with him was like living out a dream. He's one of the great songwriters of his generation, and on this track he did exactly what only he can do. With this theme song he sends 'Rooster' to the moon, making you laugh and cry at the same time, with the best TV theme to clap along to since 'Friends'."

"I Played The Fool" is available today via WaterTower Music. "Rooster" is already streaming on HBO's platform.

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