Michael Stipe and Andrew Watt Collaborate on 'Rooster' Theme Song

The creative partnership behind the theme song for the new HBO dramedy "Rooster" began with an uncharacteristic gesture from music legend Elton John. After decades of maintaining strict privacy regarding his contacts, John broke his own rule by sharing Michael Stipe’s personal phone number with producer Andrew Watt. This rare introduction paved the way for a collaboration that resulted in the series' opening track, "I Played the Fool."

Although the production team initially requested only a brief 30 to 45-second musical bridge for the show, Stipe and Watt opted to compose a full-length song. The series, which features Steve Carell as a writer-in-residence grappling with his past, required a tone that captured the protagonist's sense of mid-life restlessness. The resulting track serves as a foundational element of the show’s atmosphere, highlighting the creative synergy between the former R.E.M. frontman and the prolific producer.

This collaboration underscores the enduring influence of industry veterans in shaping modern television soundtracks. By leveraging personal networks to foster unexpected creative pairings, artists like Elton John continue to play a pivotal role in behind-the-scenes development. For "Rooster," the involvement of high-profile musicians like Stipe and Watt adds a layer of prestige and artistic depth, signaling the importance of original music in establishing a series' identity in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape.