Ed Sheeran Rocks Jimmy Kimmel Live! with 'Drive' Performance Featuring Dave Grohl and John Mayer
Ed Sheeran recently performed his song 'Drive' on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a star-studded band that included Dave Grohl and John Mayer. The performance marked the live debut of the track from the F1 film soundtrack. Sheeran, along with Grohl on drums and Mayer on guitar, delivered a rock-infused rendition of the song, which he described as a proper rock track. The band also featured Rami Jaffee on keys, Blake Slatkin on guitar, and Pino Palladino on bass, with backing singers adding to the performance.
The song 'Drive' was recently shortlisted for the Oscars 2026's Best Original Song category, competing against tracks by artists like Nick Cave, Nine Inch Nails, and Miley Cyrus. Sheeran expressed his excitement about creating a driving rock song for the F1 soundtrack, highlighting the collaboration with Grohl and Palladino as crucial to the song's success. He emphasized the fit of the track in the movie and praised his collaborators as a dream team for the rock genre.
Following the release of his album 'Play' last September, Sheeran continues to make waves in the music industry with his latest projects. In November, he premiered a Netflix special titled One Shot, directed by Philip Barantini. Despite his success, Sheeran faced criticism when La Blogothèque accused Netflix of imitating their iconic one-take performances in the show. Meanwhile, Foo Fighters recently kicked off their live shows in Mexico without guitarist Pat Smear, who is recovering from a leg injury.
In conclusion, Ed Sheeran's performance of 'Drive' on Jimmy Kimmel Live! showcased his rock sensibilities and musical prowess alongside a talented band of musicians. The song's recognition for the Oscars 2026's Best Original Song category further solidifies Sheeran's position as a versatile artist in the industry. With ongoing projects and collaborations, Sheeran continues to captivate audiences with his music and performances.