Michael Stipe Revives R.E.M. Magic at Brooklyn Steel After 18 Years

Michael Stipe stepped back into the spotlight Saturday night at Brooklyn Steel, delivering goosebump-inducing performances of R.E.M. deep cut "These Days" and fan favorite "The Great Beyond" — neither of which he'd performed live in 18 years.

The moment came during Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy's ongoing R.E.M. covers project, which is currently on a Lifes Rich Pageant 40th anniversary tribute tour. Stipe walked onstage to join a stacked band that includes guitarist Dag Juhlin, keyboardist Vijay Tellis-Nayak, Wilco's John Stirratt on bass, and Superchunk's Jon Wurster behind the kit.

It wasn't Stipe's first appearance with the project, but it was his most significant. He previously joined Shannon and Narducy for "Pretty Persuasion" in both Athens and Brooklyn last year, and all four original R.E.M. members shared the stage at Athens' 40 Watt Club back in February 2024 — though Stipe didn't sing on that occasion. The band's formal reunion performance followed months later at their Songwriters Hall of Fame induction.

But Stipe isn't just revisiting old material. Days after the Brooklyn Steel appearance, he surfaced on "I Played the Fool," the theme song to HBO's upcoming Steve Carell-led college dramedy Rooster. The track was co-written and produced with Andrew Watt, with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam guitarist Josh Klinghoffer contributing guitar and piano and Travis Barker holding down drums.

“members shared the stage at Athens' 40 Watt Club back in February 2024 — though Stipe didn't sing on that occasion.”

Watt didn't hold back his enthusiasm. "Michael Stipe is a hero of mine," the super-producer said. "He sets Rooster off to the moon by making you laugh and cry at the same time with the best clapping TV theme song since Friends."

Stipe, for his part, called the collaboration "a real honor."

The new track marks his first released recording since 2023's Earth Day benefit single "Give Me A Hand" with Gaelynn Lea. His long-rumored debut solo album — the subject of a deep-dive New York Times feature a couple of years ago — remains in limbo with no confirmed release date.

Still, between surprise live appearances and a high-profile TV placement, Stipe seems to be inching closer to a full creative return. Whether that means the solo record finally materializes or more one-off moments like Saturday night's Brooklyn Steel magic, fans are clearly hungry for whatever he's willing to give.