Michael Stipe performed the song “I Played the Fool” live on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday night, June 2, 2026 [2].
The appearance marks a high-profile promotion for the new HBO series “Rooster,” for which the song serves as the official theme. By bringing the track to a national television audience, Stipe is bridging the gap between the series' narrative and its musical identity.
Stipe was joined during the performance by producer Andrew Watt [1]. According to reports from NME, the ensemble also included musicians Chad Smith and Josh Klinghoffer [1]. The collaboration brought together a variety of seasoned performers to execute the live version of the track in the studio setting.
“I Played the Fool” first became available to the public in March 2026 [1]. The song was specifically created to accompany the HBO series “Rooster,” which stars Steve Carell. The track's release earlier this year established the sonic tone for the production before the televised performance provided a visual and live auditory experience for viewers.
The performance on the late-night show served as a primary promotional tool for the series. By utilizing the platform of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the production team aimed to generate interest in the show's premiere and the accompanying soundtrack. The live arrangement highlighted the synergy between Stipe's vocals and Watt's production, mirroring the atmospheric quality of the series itself.
“Michael Stipe performed the song “I Played the Fool” live on Jimmy Kimmel Live”
This performance signals a strategic cross-promotion between HBO's prestige television branding and Stipe's established musical influence. By debuting the theme song in a live format on a major network, the creators are leveraging celebrity star power to build anticipation for 'Rooster' beyond traditional trailer releases.
