5 Surprising Facts About Mumford & Sons’ Secret Role In Ted Lasso (Including The Cast’s Wild Concert Crash)

The connection between the acclaimed British folk-rock band Mumford & Sons and the beloved Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso goes far deeper than a casual soundtrack placement. While the band's signature sound seems a perfect fit for the show's uplifting and earnest tone, it is frontman Marcus Mumford who is the true musical architect behind one of television's most recognizable tunes of the modern era: the Emmy-nominated Ted Lasso theme song. This deep dive, based on information current as of December 11, 2025, explores the surprising friendship that sparked the collaboration, the song's rapid creation, and the wild, recent concert moment where the AFC Richmond family reunited on stage.

The theme song, which perfectly encapsulates the show's blend of optimism and folksy charm, was a direct result of a long-standing friendship between Marcus Mumford and series co-creator and star, Jason Sudeikis. This collaboration was not a corporate deal but a personal favor, initiated by a lengthy voicemail from Sudeikis, proving that sometimes the best creative partnerships are born from genuine, decade-long bonds. The resulting music has become a cultural touchstone, forever linking the sound of Mumford & Sons to the spirit of Believe.

Marcus Mumford: A Profile of the Ted Lasso Theme Architect

Marcus Mumford, the driving force behind the Ted Lasso theme, is a musician whose career spans two continents and multiple genres, though he is best known for his work in the folk-rock revival that dominated the early 2010s.

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• Full Name: Marcus Oliver Johnstone Mumford
• Born: January 31, 1987
• Birth Place: Yorba Linda (or Anaheim), California, U.S.
• Nationality: British and American
• Parents: John and Eleanor Mumford, who were national leaders for the Vineyard Churches in the UK and Ireland
• Primary Band: Lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist for Mumford & Sons
• Spouse: Carey Mulligan (married 2012)
• Key Collaborations: Tom Howe (Ted Lasso), and solo album (Self-Titled)
• Signature Sound: Known for blending acoustic instrumentation (banjo, acoustic guitar) with rousing, anthemic choruses.

His deep ties to the folk and rock world, combined with his unique vocal texture, made him the ideal choice for Sudeikis, who wanted a theme song that felt both classic and uniquely modern. The collaboration became a passion project, resulting in a composition that immediately sets the tone for the show's blend of comedy, heart, and British football culture.

The Shocking Friendship and the Two-Day Theme Song Creation

The story of how the Ted Lasso theme came to be is a testament to the power of Hollywood friendships. Jason Sudeikis and Marcus Mumford’s bond dates back over a decade, with the actor being a long-time fan and friend of the band. This personal connection was the key that unlocked the theme song's creation, bypassing the typical studio process.

When Sudeikis first approached Mumford, he left a rambling, two-minute-long voicemail asking him to write the theme. Mumford, alongside composer Tom Howe, took on the challenge. Howe, an award-winning British composer known for his work on numerous films and TV series, was instrumental in shaping the final sound.

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• The Co-Writers: Marcus Mumford (melody, vocals, lyrics) and Tom Howe (composition, orchestration).
• Inspiration: The lyrics were directly inspired by the optimistic, folksy, and encouraging words that the character Ted Lasso himself would say. The song’s message centers on seizing the moment and proving yourself to those you love.
• The Quick Turnaround: In a surprising feat of creative efficiency, the entire theme song was recorded in just two days. Mumford reportedly thought this rapid pace was a major plus, allowing the music to capture a raw, immediate energy.
• Emmy Recognition: The song’s infectious quality and perfect fit for the show earned it a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.

The theme’s success lies in its simplicity and its ability to immediately evoke the feeling of AFC Richmond—a blend of underdog grit and hopeful determination. It is a rare example in modern television of a proper, memorable theme song with lyrics, performed by a major artist, rather than just a quick instrumental cue.

The Viral Concert Crash: When AFC Richmond Joined Mumford & Sons

The most recent and electrifying news confirming the enduring bond between the show and the musician occurred in the summer of 2023, creating a viral moment that delighted fans globally.

During a Mumford & Sons concert in Kansas City, Missouri—the hometown of Jason Sudeikis—the band was joined on stage by a host of the *Ted Lasso* cast. Sudeikis (Ted Lasso), Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton), Juno Temple (Keeley Jones), and Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard) all crashed the performance.

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The cast members joined Marcus Mumford and the band to perform a rousing, full-length rendition of the *Ted Lasso* theme song. The crowd’s reaction, captured in numerous fan videos, was one of pure shock and joy, highlighting how deeply the show and its music resonate with the public.

This surprise performance was not just a fun stunt; it was a powerful display of the genuine camaraderie that exists between the stars and the musician, reinforcing the idea that the entire project was a labor of love among friends. The event served as a perfect capstone to the series' run, bringing the fictional world of AFC Richmond into a real-world concert setting.

Beyond the Theme: Mumford's Deeper Ties to Football and the Soundtrack

While the theme song is the most prominent connection, Marcus Mumford’s musical sensibilities and personal interests align with the broader themes of the show, extending his influence beyond the opening credits. The show's soundtrack, which features an eclectic mix of artists, often captures the same blend of melancholy and hope found in Mumford & Sons’ discography.

The themes of community, struggle, and eventual triumph—core to the *Ted Lasso* narrative—are also central to the folk-rock genre that Mumford helped popularize. Furthermore, Mumford has personal ties to the world of football (soccer). He has performed the iconic football anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone," a song famously associated with Liverpool FC, which echoes the show's themes of unwavering support and resilience. Although not a Mumford & Sons song, this solo performance further connects his personal musical language to the sport at the heart of the series.

The collaboration with Tom Howe also extended to other projects. Howe, who has worked extensively with *Ted Lasso* co-creator Bill Lawrence on shows like *Shrinking*, helped ensure the show’s overall musical score maintained a consistent, warm, and optimistic tone. The synergy between Mumford's title track and Howe's score is a key reason the music feels so integral to the viewing experience. Ultimately, the Mumford & Sons connection to *Ted Lasso* is not a footnote, but a foundational element of the show's identity, rooted in a friendship that produced one of TV’s most enduring earworms.