R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe performed his new solo song 'The Rest of Ever' for the first time on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday. The track comes from his long-awaited debut solo album, due out later this year. Stipe joined house band leader Louis Cato and The Great Big Joy Machine for the soulful rendition.
Michael Stipe took the stage on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on April 23, delivering the live premiere of 'The Rest of Ever,' a mature and contemplative track reminiscent of a slower R.E.M. 'Monster' outtake. Stipe's husky vocals addressed a loved one, backed by Louis Cato and The Great Big Joy Machine, collaborators from his 2020 single 'No Time for Love Like Now' with Big Red Machine's Aaron Dessner. Before the performance, Stipe announced to Colbert and the audience that his first full solo album would arrive at the end of 2026, calling the song a gift to the show as its first-ever live outing. He shared details on the album's creation, noting it had taken longer than expected due to Covid delays and his need for a break after R.E.M.'s 2011 split. Stipe described one track as 'the sound of a tree hearing itself for the first time,' from a recording in his Georgia backyard that evoked Daft Punk, layered with the sea shanty 'Drunken Sailor.' 'The tree has not responded yet,' he joked. Stipe reflected on recent R.E.M. moments, including a full-band reunion at the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction where they played 'Losing My Religion,' and guest spots at Michael Shannon and Jason Narducy's 'Lifes Rich Pageant' anniversary shows. Previous solo efforts include 2019's 'Your Capricious Soul' and 2020's 'Drive to the Ocean.' When asked about a biopic role, Stipe quipped, 'Someone really hot. Maybe Billie Eilish can do it.'