Along with collaborator Andrew Watt, Michael has written a new song called “I Played The Fool,” the official theme for the HBO Original series Rooster (starring Steve Carrell). The song is available now on all major digital streaming platforms.
“I Played The Fool” marks Michael’s first new song in three years. The haunting and emotionally charged theme captures the spirit of Rooster, blending Michael’s unmistakable voice with Watt’s powerful contemporary production.
“I’m thrilled to lend my voice to ‘Rooster,’” Michael says. “As a giant fan of everyone involved, it’s a real honor to be included with ‘I Played The Fool.’” And Watt shares, “Michael Stipe is a hero of mine. A chance to write a song with him was that of a dream… He is one of the true great songwriters of this lifetime, and he did what only he could do on this song.”
The song also features Travis Barker on drums and Josh Klinghoffer on guitar and piano. Anchored by Barker’s driving percussion and Klinghoffer’s atmospheric instrumentation, the track delivers a striking and cinematic opening to Rooster, establishing the tone for the HBO series with a blend of raw emotion, modern rock energy, and timeless songwriting.
Listen & download here.