When Ed Sheeran stepped forward on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! stage on January 14, 2026, to perform “Drive,” the atmosphere shifted in an instant. There was no dramatic announcement, no elaborate build-up designed to hype the moment. Instead, a quiet, almost understated change in energy swept through the studio as the house band stepped aside and a once-in-a-lifetime supergroup assembled behind him. This wasn’t just another TV performance—it felt like history unfolding in real time.
The lineup alone was enough to make even the most jaded music fans sit up straighter: Dave Grohl on drums, John Mayer on guitar, Pino Palladino on bass, Rami Jaffee on keys, and Blake Slatkin anchoring production and additional guitar. Together with Sheeran at the center, this collection of rock and session legends delivered the first-ever live rendition of “Drive,” the high-octane rock track Sheeran co-wrote for the soundtrack of the Brad Pitt Formula 1 film F1. The song, originally released in June 2025, had already become a standout on the movie’s album, blending driving rhythms with anthemic energy perfect for a high-speed racing drama. But seeing it performed live with this particular group elevated it to something extraordinary.
Sheeran opened the performance with calm confidence, his voice steady and intimate, as if singing directly to the room rather than projecting for the cameras. “I love when a song gets to breathe like this,” he said softly before the band kicked in—a comment that, in retrospect, felt like a mission statement for the entire set. The arrangement stayed true to the studio version but gained new life in the live setting. Grohl didn’t overpower the track with his signature Foo Fighters thunder; instead, he played with restraint and precision, laying down a heartbeat groove that propelled the song forward without ever dominating it. His drumming felt like the engine under the hood—powerful yet controlled, giving the performance a pulse that mirrored the racing theme.
Pino Palladino’s bass provided warmth and gravity, sliding underneath the mix with effortless musicality. Known for his work with artists from John Mayer to The Who, Palladino added depth and soul, locking in with Grohl to create a foundation that was both rock-solid and surprisingly subtle. Rami Jaffee, another Foo Fighters mainstay, layered atmospheric keys and textures that expanded the sound without crowding it, bringing a cinematic sweep that complemented the F1 footage playing on dual screens behind the band. Blake Slatkin, the producer and co-writer who helped shape the original track, added guitar and programming, bridging the studio origins with the live energy.
John Mayer, sharing guitar duties with Slatkin, brought his signature blend of bluesy flair and melodic invention. His playing danced around Sheeran’s vocals, adding tasteful fills and soaring leads that elevated the chorus without stealing focus. The chemistry between Mayer and Sheeran was palpable—two guitar-obsessed songwriters feeding off each other, trading licks with the ease of longtime collaborators. Mayer’s presence added a layer of rock authenticity to the performance, turning what could have been a straightforward TV spot into a genuine supergroup showcase.
The song itself, co-written by Sheeran, Mayer, and Slatkin, captures the adrenaline and focus of high-stakes racing. Lyrics like “Four wheels, you and I got to get out of here” evoke the thrill of escape and forward momentum, perfectly suited to F1’s narrative of speed, risk, and redemption. The track’s rock edge—driving guitars, pounding drums, and an anthemic chorus—stands in contrast to Sheeran’s usual acoustic-leaning style, showing his versatility and willingness to step outside his comfort zone. The live version leaned even harder into its rock roots, with extended instrumental sections and a shred-heavy breakdown that had the studio audience on their feet.
Fans and critics alike hailed the performance as a defining moment. Social media erupted with reactions: “This feels like one of those moments where you know you’re watching history while it’s happening,” one viewer posted. Others praised the restraint and tastefulness of the playing—“Grohl didn’t overpower, Mayer didn’t overplay, and Sheeran let the song breathe.” The visual of these icons together—Grohl’s relentless energy behind the kit, Mayer’s effortless cool, Palladino’s understated mastery—created a sense of occasion that transcended a typical late-night appearance.
The performance came more than six months after “Drive” first appeared on the F1 soundtrack in June 2025. Sheeran had described wanting “a proper rock song, something you’d wanna turn up to the fullest amount whilst driving,” and the collaboration with Mayer and Slatkin delivered exactly that. Bringing the full studio band to Kimmel—including Grohl and Jaffee from Foo Fighters, Palladino on bass, and Slatkin doubling on guitar—ensured the live rendition matched the record’s intensity while adding the raw excitement of real-time interaction.
For Sheeran, the appearance was a chance to showcase a side of his artistry that fans don’t always see. Known for intimate acoustic sets and massive pop hits, he embraced the rock vibe with confidence, trading guitar lines with Mayer and feeding off Grohl’s rhythm. The song’s placement in F1—closing out the film and playing over the end credits—gave it added weight, and the live debut reinforced its status as a standout track from the soundtrack.
As clips spread across platforms, the performance became one of the most talked-about TV moments of early 2026. Fans celebrated the rare supergroup assembly, with many calling it a dream lineup they never expected. The restraint and musicality—rather than over-the-top showmanship—made it feel authentic and special. Sheeran later shared his gratitude online, thanking the band and crew for bringing the song to life in such a powerful way.
In a landscape of fleeting viral moments, this one stood out for its substance. A quiet shift in energy, a legendary lineup, and a song that breathed with purpose—it wasn’t just a performance. It was a reminder of what happens when world-class musicians come together with respect, restraint, and pure musical joy. History wasn’t announced; it simply happened, and everyone watching felt privileged to witness it.
