Original subtitles

"I am," I said.

"I am," I cried.

I am...

...an entertainer.

When I'm not doing engine work or oil changes,

I, uh... I'm the lead guitar

with the Dog Night Specials at the Red Dragon Lounge.

The band ain't great, but they serve free hot dogs

on Wednesday nights, so there's that.

I am the only honky

in an all-Black band called The Esquires.

Yeah, I hold my own.

So far, they haven't given me the hook like at the Apollo.

I, uh...

I got a karaoke machine I, uh, use for solo gigs.

I sing all types.

I got Mellencamp, Elvis, Bon Jovi.

And, oh, for these occasions,

I have created a persona.

It's like a... it's like a superhero of rock and roll.

I mean, I got no cape or nothing, I got no mask,

but I got...

a bolt.

You know why I got a lightning bolt?

'Cause they call me Lightning.

Oh, yeah.

Lightning's a star.

Lightning is a rockin' god.

He's like Chuck Berry, Barry Manilow

and The Beatles all rolled into one.

Oh, yeah.

He's singing the songs people love to hear.

The songs that people need.

The songs that I need.

Yeah.

The songs that I need...

to keep going.

When the, uh...

when the song's over and the applause stops,

I'm not... I'm not Lightning anymore.

I'm just another drunk.

Hello. My name is Mike, and I'm an alcoholic.

Hi, Mike.

And, uh, I'm happy to be here

because, uh, today's a special day.

It's, uh... it's my sober birthday.

Uh, 20 years off the bottle and counting.

Thank you.

-Ooh. -All right.

But I got a... I got a tradition on my sober birthday.

Uh, I sing the same song by a great man.

A man whose songs have got me through some sad times,

some rock bottoms, and...

today I get to sing one of his songs for you.

You know the words. Come on.

"Me and you are subject to..."

Who are you supposed to be?

Oh, hey, Earl.

I thought you were in Florida on a cruise or something.

Uh, yeah, well, I thought you were gonna be, uh, Don Ho, singing "Tiny Bubbles."

Yeah, I'm not gonna do that. I'm gonna go on as Lightning.

You can't go out there like that.

You look too much like Elvis.

I mean, you're head-to-toe in denim

like he wore in '68 Comeback.

He wore black leather in '68 Comeback, not denim.

Not during the "Guitar Man" medley.

-Ah. -He wore denim.

Uh... Oh, and you even got a lightning bolt.

I'm Lightning. I can't wear a bolt?

That's Elvis's logo.

"Taking care of business in a flash."

That's me. That's my handle.

-Oh, you own that, do you?

All right.

I am the one and only Elvis impersonator in all Milwaukee.

-Thank you very much.

Comin' right back.

One thing's for sure, we got too many Elvis impersonators

and not one Little Richard.

Say it loud.

Where's the Hawaiian shirt?

You're singing "Tiny Bubbles."

I don't want to sing "Tiny Bubbles."

I'm gonna sing "Eye of the Tiger,"

and then I'll close out with "Suspicious Minds."

Over my dead body does he sing "Suspicious Minds."

Earl, Earl, Earl, calm down. Mike.

-What? -We're impersonators here.

That's why the state fair booked us

-for the blue-haired crowd.

I don't look like Don Ho.

I'm not Hawaiian. It's dumb.

That's why Carl Kahananui was doing it,

but his gallbladder ruptured.

You agreed to fill in and do me a favor.

So you're saying no Lightning? It's Don Ho or a no-go?

Yeah, Mike. That's what I'm saying.

Then it's a no-go.

Claire, you're up next.

Uh, Babs, uh, instead of "Don't Rain on My Parade,"

do "People Who Need People."

The blue-hairs are losing their slow dance song

since "Tiny Bubbles" is out.

I'll manage...

I guess.

Thanks, Mike.

Sex Machine, you close it out.

-I'll go tell the band. -All right.

You supposed to be Loretta Lynn?

Oh, oh, Patsy Cline.

I sing her songs all the time.

I don't usually dress like this,

but any chance to sing, you know?

Yeah, I just can't be Don Ho on my birthday.

Oh, happy birthday.

It's not really my birthday.

Oh, o... okay.

You know, you could be Frank Sinatra.

Maybe sing "Luck Be a Lady."

Yeah, I like Frank, but the whole crooner vibe?

I don't know, I like to move.

-I like to rock. -Yeah.

Elvis has left the building.

Oh, you know who you'd be perfect for?

Neil Diamond.

Oh, no. Never.

No, I hold that man in such high regard.

-No, no, no, no. -"Sweet Caroline."

No, no, no, listen. He's got other songs, too, okay?

And if it ever got back to him that I was

goofing on his music or...

like Earl over there, I'd kill myself.

Not Neil. I...

You know how much he got paid for that cruise?

20,000 bucks.

That poseur pulled in 20 Gs?

-Wa-ha!

Nostalgia pays.

: Oh, God, I'm burning up in this wig.

If my boobs were just a bit bigger, I could be Dolly.

You're a blonde?

Oh, boy, am I.

All right, put your hands together

for Ms. Patsy and The Greatest Hits.

I hope you sing as good as you look.

Claire Stengl.

She sing country, rock,

classical like that "Ave Maria" joint.

Hmm.

She look all kind of good, don't she?

-Huh! Yeah!

My man Lightning.

-Okay, Mike.

Open wide.

Geez.

You could park a car in that gap.

I'll take a Cadillac.

I got something much better for you.

Take a look...

at this.

Is that a lightning bolt?

Lightning for Lightning.

So when I smile, it'll be like I'm advertising.

That is smart, Dr. Dave.

See, that is why you're my manager, Dr. Dave.

Always thinking.

I got a call from Walter over at First National.

First thing,

he still wants you to perform at his Christmas party.

-Great. -Second thing,

you're three months behind on your mortgage.

Can't he just take it out of my performance fee?

Mike, it's not something you can just sing away.

Maybe you should think about downsizing.

No, I got to keep my house.

When my daughter comes up,

that's the one consistent thing that she's got.

Anyway, we shouldn't be talking about downsizing.

We should be talking about getting higher-paid gigs,

like a residency, something steady.

Why don't you talk to your Buddy Holly friend?

You know, he's got that gig over at the Shawano Casino.

Eh, Mark's pissed at me.

I quit the Legends gig the other night.

What? Why'd you quit?

'Cause he wouldn't let me be Lightning.

You were supposed to be Don Ho.

Why I got to be anybody other than me?

I should be enough.

Shit. Well...

I guess there goes my ten-dollar commission.

Do you need an oil change?

Come on, give me your car keys.

Oh! Ow! Ow!

Geez... Ow!

Everybody!

Come on!

Thank you.

So...

you just go by Claire Stengl?

Well, I used to be Claire Cartwright,

but then after the divorce,

I switched it back to my maiden name,

which is Stengl, so Claire Stengl.

It's not the most exciting stage name...

I know, but it's not like I'm Cher or Madonna.

Oh. You're better than them broads.

-Stop. You're so sweet. -You are.

I'm a hairdresser part-time.

I wash. I trim. No dye jobs.

By the way, I did change my hair up a little bit.

-I noticed. -Did you notice?

You also got a new tooth.

Oh, yeah. Look.

-Huh? -Is that a lightning bolt?

-Oh, my God. -Yes, yes, 'cause...

-'Cause you're Lightning. -Right.

I know, I know. I know all about you.

My girlfriends and I, we used to go to Hegarty's

-on Friday nights. -Hegarty's. Come on.

And I remember you sang ZZ Top, "Sharp Dressed Man,"

and at the chorus you'd, like, push your pelvis out like Elvis

and we'd scream like schoolgirls.

You're really good.

You know the other day when I said it was my birthday?

Oh, yeah, the birthday that wasn't your birthday.

What was that?

I'm an alcoholic.

-Okay. -Not anymore.

I mean, I'm always gonna be an alcoholic,

but I've been sober 20 years, and the other day was...

well, they call it a sober birthday.

Happy belated sober birthday.

Here's the thing.

With sobriety, you-you got to face up to certain truths.

Way to go, Lightning. 20 years.

All right, I'm not a songwriter,

I'm not a sex symbol, but I just want to entertain people

-and I want to make a living. -I know. Me, too.

I don't want to be a hairdresser.

I want to sing. I want to dance.

I want a house. I want a garden.

-I want a cat. -So here's what I'm thinking.

I need a hook.

I need something big. I need something new.

And as you put it, nostalgia pays.

Us, me, you-- it's not going to happen.

Miss Fine, you're old enough to be my...

-Watch it. -Sister.

-Hey. -Hey, Mom.

Was the guy a wacko?

Dana, this is Mike.

Mike Sardina.

As you were.

Hi.

So, feel free to make yourself a...

any nonalcoholic beverage you like.

All right.

I'm gonna make a pot of coffee.

-You like it black or sweet? -I don't drink coffee.

-Want to start?

Hi. Is Grandma down?

-Like, hours ago. -Oh, good.

You didn't bring him home, did you?

-Am I shiny? -He-he's here?

'Cause I am sweating like a whore in church.

Oh, my... The building manager came by.

You know, we got a two-week extension,

-but it's another $50... -Rachel, Rachel.

Don't worry about it, okay? I'm gonna take care of that.

-Wait... -I'm gonna wear these.

-Those are my shoes, Mom. -Honey, he was so cute.

-What are you... -He was so cute on that stage

with The Esquires, and he was smiling at me.

-Okay. -And then we went for a walk,

and it was just magic.

And I know you see magic all the time

'cause you're young, but I don't.

And so it was just beautiful.

Magic doesn't happen for me all the time.

Rachel, I want you to go introduce yourself to him.

-Okay? I want you to do that. -Uh, um, I'm not doing...

Rachel, don't be a sourpuss. You're gonna go outside,

and I want you to say hello to him.

-No, I'm not. -No, no, no.

-We're not doing that. No, no. -I... Mom!

I'm not doing this right now.

I have to deal with your boyfriends all the time.

-They come into this house... -All the time?

Yeah, the last one smelled like a skunk.

-He was clearly a dope dealer. -He just liked...

-No, he was not. -He was. Yes.

-We're gonna go outside... -He's a Zen guy, Mom.

One second. Let's go.

-Mom. -Yeah, come on. Let's go.

-Mike? Mike. -Hey.

Yeah?

Mike, this is my daughter Rachel.

Oh, hey. How's it going?

Rachel, say something.

Don't make a mess on the couch.

-Rachel! -What?

Hey, what do you think?

: oh.

It's good.

-Right? -You know, we just got to work your hair

a little differently, and I got a guy for that.

All right. Oh, and look at these outfits. Come on.

Look at that. It's, like, shimmering, you know?

Oh. You know, my hair guy does clothes, too.

Awesome. You know, Neil...

is special, and I just want everyone

to get that feeling I get when I listen

to "America" and "Forever in Blue Jeans"...

-Or "Sweet Caroline." -And "Sweet Caroline," yeah,

but I-I'm never gonna be the real McCoy.

I mean, I-I don't really look like Neil.

I don't even really sound like Neil.

And I... I got to be Neil, but I just got to be me, too.

Yeah, you don't want to be a Neil Diamond... impersonator.

You want to be a Neil Diamond interpreter.

I was looking for the right way to say it,

and you just came right out and said it.

A Neil Diamond interpreter.

-Mm, yeah. -Yeah. Oh.

And you can sing some Patsy Cline songs,

-like-like one or two. -Oh.

I mean, maybe while you're doing a costume change, but...

no, I don't want to confuse people.

I will back you up in keyboards and vocals,

but this is about Neil.

And this is about his fans, you know?

Yeah. Yeah.

I can sing the Barbra Streisand part on

-"You Don't Bring Me Flowers." -"You Don't Bring Me Flowers."

Right, but we got to get 'em on their feet

and get 'em clapping.

-Look up "Cherry, Cherry." -Mm.

All right, ready?

-Two, three, and...

Uh, you see where I underlined there?

I was thinking maybe at the top...

Oh, yeah, I double up. I got it, I got it, I got it.

Good.

Nice.

Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

-Oh.

Much too late for anyone to be singing that loud.

Ma, this is the man I was telling you about.

Mike Sardina.

-This is Lightning. -How you doing tonight?

Not good.

Sing softer.

She's going to a retirement home.

I'd like to say that she's less grumpy in the day,

-but I'd be lying.

What's that? That's very pretty.

Well, she said, "Sing softer."

I'm going softer.

Nice.

My ex-husband?

He's a good guy.

And he really liked my singing and all,

but when I started trying to book gigs,

he just started making fun of it,

like it was a threat or something.

I don't know why he...

wanted to make me feel so small, but he sure did.

-Hmm.

I got to say, with me and my ex...

...I was the one making her feel small.

I was selfish. I was angry.

I was... wrong.

But I'm here, you know, trying to be better.

I mean, aren't we all?

That's great.

And, uh, hey, I was thinking, uh...

Yeah?

I was thinking we should call ourselves something.

-Oh, like a tribute band name? -Yeah.

So I'm thinking Lightning & Thunder:

A Neil Diamond Experience.

-Lightning & Thunder? -Yeah.

So you'd be Lightning and...

I'd be Thunder?

Uh, yeah.

You...

Mm. That is not very professional of me,

but I've been wanting to do it for, like, a whole...

Mm.

-Okay. I'm... -Okay. Yeah.

I know I let you down.

But just know that I am very...

Oh, what's the word you said? "Contrary"?

-"Contrite." -Contrite.

He's very contrite.

There's always that one friend you can't say no to

even though they repeatedly crap on you.

I hope I'm that friend.

-Hey, Tom.

Okay, now, Tom is a good guy.

Okay? He's got all the connections

to all the casinos and venues from Chicago to Branson.

-Mike, meet Tom D'Amato.

How are you, Mr. Sardina?

I'm huge.

Uh, uh, you may not remember this,

but-but I would sit at the bar at the Chubby Bear...

-Oh, yeah. -Yeah.

Every Thursday night,

and watch you play with your first band,

-Positive Traction. Yeah. -Positive Traction.

Yeah, we made some noise, but it was in tune.

You were really good, Mike.

-Thank you. Thank you. -Really good band.

Well, I was, uh, talking to your manager,

and he said that you're gonna do a Neil Diamond show?

Mm-mm. Mm-mm.

A Neil Diamond Experience.

My partner Claire and I, we start rehearsing

with costumes and everything next week.

Oh. Costumes? Really?

-Wow, wow, wow. -Right, but one day, I see us

being backed by a big orchestra, maybe even a choir.

And I tell you, I tell you, it's gon...

I mean, I know we got to start small, right,

if I want to play someplace like this, but one day...

But you got to make sure you play "Sweet Caroline."

Oh, we close with "Sweet Caroline."

-Oh, great. -But we open...

with "Soolaimon."

: A bit louder.

A little bit of smoke.

-Come on, now.

"Soola-mond"?

-"Soolaimon." "Soolaimon." -Uh, okay.

Is that an African word?

Like, Swahili?

I think it might be Hebrew, like Solomon.

No, no, it's Arabic.

It's a call to celebration.

The audience are our flock,

-and we are the shepherd. -Oh.

-I-I just got some chills. Wow. -You feel that? You feel it?

We're gonna get that casino gig for you.

But it's gonna take building a lot of momentum.

Right.

But, Mike, you have passion.

And all I ask-- if you'll allow me

to work in service of that passion.

-We'd love to have you on the team. -Oh!

Music to my ears.

-Mike, thank you.

-Welcome aboard. -Thank you so much.

I have to roll right now. Sorry.

-But we will be in touch.

Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you had a great time

at the Shawano Casino.

The Badger Bus will be leaving in ten minutes

for the Potawatomi Hotel and Casino.

See you, Mike.

All aboard!

I don't know how long this rehearsal's gonna take.

I don't want anyone asking me that.

We really have to call him Lightning?

-It's kind of weird.

Every time he comes to pick me up,

he tries to connect with you,

and you do not make it easy, Rach.

He's very nervous about you coming.

-Okay. -So to make you more comfortable,

he invited his daughter.

-What? -And she's your age.

-This is a playdate? -Yeah, she's only a year older.

-Oh, Jesus Christ. -God, why does everything

-have to be so hard? -What am I, six?

I just want to sing and be happy and feel loved, and I...

and I don't want everything to be such a big deal!

Come on. Come on out.

Hey.

Wave. Wave to him.

Hi!

Smile and wave at him.

Goddamn it.

Be nice.

When my dad bought this place, the runway wasn't finished.

Now you get like... ten planes a day.

-Oh. -Except Sundays.

So...

do you split your time between your...

your mom and your dad?

Um...

not really.

No, I mean, my dad's cool, but it's just...

No, I get it.

It's better for me to be full-time with my mom

in Florida, but...

Don't get me wrong, my dad's great.

He's just, uh...

He's... he's artistic.

-Mm. Artistic.

Yeah, I...

I know all about that.

Hey, Mike, can you open the garage?

It's getting really hot in here.

I would. The lady across the street

was giving me the evil eye

as we was unpacking the drums, so maybe not.

Bomar.

We still good with that barter situation we discussed

with me, uh, playing with The Esquires?

You'd be playing four free gigs

just for all of us to do one show.

Yeah, I understand. It's just I, you know,

can't pay you anything right now. That's all.

We came here for you, brother.

But your lady ain't wrong.

It's hot as Satan's balls. Open the door.

Yeah.

All right, maybe just for a little bit.

Mark.

What are you doing here?

Buddy Holly died at 22.

I'm 52, and I've been keeping that guy alive

30 years past his prime.

I don't even need these.

What I'm saying is...

I'm here if you need me.

Thanks.

I didn't bring an amp.

Yeah. We got you.

All right, guys...

My dad, he was a tunnel rat in Vietnam.

They would send him into the tunnels underground

where the enemy was hiding,

and they had it booby-trapped, so...

sometimes he'd have to...

like, crawl over dead bodies.

So, yeah, he...

he used to drink.

My mom, she can get, um, depressed,

so she's, like, on meds.

I try to keep up with it for her, 'cause she can get...

...scattered, you know?

Well, you know, most recovering alcoholics

just trade one addiction for another,

and music's that for Dad.

Without music, he can get, um...

What'd you call it?

Scattered.

: Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah. I think we covered all our fucked-up family history.

-Most of it.

-Might be a little more. -Oh, there's more?

Maybe a little. Just a little.

Hey, listen, I know we just met, too, but, um...

I have a joint.

You know, I thought I smelled it on you.

I wouldn't go any shorter than this, though.

No, I want it to ripple and wave

when the wind blows my shirt, like...

-Wind in a bar? How? -Yeah.

Like a leaf blower.

-Do you have one? -Sure.

: Okay.

I used to do this as a kid. Come on.

Am I getting... getting on here?

-Okay. -Here.

Lay back.

Whoo!

-Yeah!

Oh, I was scared you were gonna hit your head.

If you live long enough...

you can see your dreams die a slow death.

Young people don't know how good they have it.

Not 'cause they can, uh, touch their toes

and screw all night.

They haven't learned that most things just don't work out.

Most times, you just mess it up, so it's easier not to try.

We're all just looking for some hope.

But at my age, hope is hard.

Hope's not enough.

God, grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can,

and the wisdom to know the difference.

There seems to be a bit of a miscommunication.

When I booked this gig a month ago,

it was my understanding that there was

a motor home convention in town,

being that that's what I was told.

No, I didn't. I did not say that.

You said the Emerald Motor Home Convention!

I said Emerald Lion Motor Club Reunion.

And you said you had a classic rock band

like ZZ Top or CCR.

-Neil Diamond? Not classic? -All right, Tom, Tom,

Tom, Tom, Tom.

: Tom, I still don't see the problem.

You see, Mike, with these motor home types,

uh, I figured we're in the pocket, you know?

-But these bikers... -They love Neil Diamond.

I-I don't know. Look at 'em.

They got leather, chains. I-I...

Neil Diamond doesn't have chains.

That's a lot of leather.

We ain't got nothing these hog-squashers can dig.

Mike, why don't we put Claire up first?

I mean, look at her. She's pretty. She's nice.

Have her sing "Crazy" or one of those Lynyrd Skynyrd songs.

-They'd love Lynyrd Skynyrd. -You know, I can fake

my way through "Sweet Home Alabama."

No, no, no, we're not changing our show, all right? No.

At least start with "Sweet Caroline."

Nobody here is gonna appreciate

the Arabic incantations of "Solomon."

-"Soolaimon"! -"Soolaimon."

We could move up "Kentucky Woman."

And open with "America."

-"America" is great. -'Cause bikers love...

I'm in charge of this band, and I'm telling you

we open with "Soolaimon"!

Have you got the fans?

Yeah.

I got the fans.

Travelers of our nation's Emerald highway,

This vision of beauty is Thunder.

-Oh, come on.

We bring greetings to the great city of Chicago

with the songs of the incomparable,

leather-jacket-wearing entertainer Neil Diamond.

We are Lightning & Thunder.

I'm blinded by that shirt!

Play "Free Bird"!

You're ruining my night!

What does bumblebee think he's doing?

Play some rock and roll!

-Hey, hey, hey, hey.

Come on.

-Hey, come on. -All right, that's enough.

-Get rid of the guy. -Just, we're up here.

We're just trying to entertain you. That's all.

Neil Diamond sucks!

What did you say?

You heard me, nelly.

Oh, Mike! Oh, my God!

-Jimmy, get over there! -Oh, my God, Mike!

-Mike! -Mike! Oh, my God.

-Come on, say it again! -Come on, nelly!

You're the worst manager in the history of the world.

Don't talk to me. Don't talk!

What did you say? Say it again!

Mike!

Oh, Tom. Here.

Ah, it's okay. I-I'm a bleeder.

Oh, God.

-It's really... -I mean, it's just a nosebleed.

It's not bad.

Hey, Tom, can you drive?

Because if you can't, one of us could.

No, I-I have to, Ricky.

It's a liability insurance issue.

You know, it's a requirement.

Tom, put this in your nose.

-This? -Yeah, to...

Hold it in there so the blood doesn't come out.

Yeah, let it all down the side.

Tell Mike I'm sorry.

-You be safe.

Okay.

Had a whole plan for how tonight would go, and I just...

it all went south.

Well, you made it very clear

that you are in charge of this band and make the decisions,

so I guess if it was a Donna Summer tribute band,

I'd be calling the shots, but...

now I know.

It's your show.

I mean, would it have killed you

-to open with "Sweet Caroline"?

There's more to Neil Diamond than "Sweet Caroline."

He's got hundreds of songs, and all anybody wants to hear

is "Sweet Caroline"-- "bom, bom, bom."

That's right. That's what they want to hear.

After the show, I was gonna take you to this fancy hotel

with a big suite and an all-you-can-eat buffet,

and I was gonna propose and...

What?

Yeah, I got you a ring and everything.

But if you're not into it,

maybe we could still hit that buffet.

They got a guy there that does omelets and crepes and...

Mmm!

: Oh, yes!

-Oh, yes! -: What?

To you, to this, to everything.

-Okay.

Oh.

Okay, wait, one thing.

Anything.

We open with "Sweet Caroline."

-Agree? -I do.

I would like to welcome you

to this celebration of marriage.

Marriage is the promise between two people

-who love each other...

...who trust that love,

honor each other as individuals in that togetherness,

and who wish to spend the rest of their lives together.

...keeping yourself solely unto him

as for as long as you may live?

I do.

I do.

...and the power entrusted in me,

I pronounce you husband and wife.

Now, jump back and kiss yourself.

We need to hit two venues in under four hours.

We got a 7:00 p.m. show at Good Time Charlie's...

All right, here we go.

All aboard!

Are you ready to rock out to some Neil Diamond?

Oh, my heart throbs.

He's such a good-looking man.

Claire Sardina sang Patsy Cline songs.

Mike Sardina sang rock and roll medleys.

But together, they are Lightning & Thunder,

a Neil Diamond tribute band

the people of Milwaukee can't seem to get enough of.

I just love Lightning & Thunder.

They are my fave.

You know, you're gonna see

Lightning & Thunder in Las Vegas.

Oh, "Sweet Caroline"? I-I think that's my new favorite song.

Here's the question: Tell me something

that people are struck by.

-Lightning. -Oh! Lightning!

-Yeah. -Lightning.

Lightning!

-Oh, no.

Rachel, can you please make me spaghetti?

Mom wants fish sticks again. I'm dying.

-Mike? -Yeah!

-Eddie on the phone for you. -My show, baby.

Uh, auto shop Eddie or another Eddie?

-No clue. -As you were.

-Number one: lightning. -Really?

-Yeah. -What?

-: Hey. Hey.

Another person.

Uh, you mean like a commercial or...

I mean, we've done car shows before, but never a...

Like a concert for jelly?

Hold on. What's a Pearl Jam?

-What about Pearl Jam? -That's what I'm asking.

This guy says he's with Pearl Jam.

Give me the phone.

Who the hell is this?

What's Pearl Jam?

It's a band, Mike.

You don't know who Pearl Jam is?

Oh, Pearl Jam's a "who"?

C-Could you hold, please?

Yeah, so...

um... I think I'm gonna throw up right now.

: This is Eddie Vedder.

Eddie Vedder's on the phone right now.

Say something and not stupid.

Yeah, Lightning speaking.

Uh, all right, let me check.

Are we doing anything on Friday?

No!

Um... no, it sounds great.

Okay. See ya.

Wow.

I guess we're opening for Pearl Jam.

-Oh, my God!

-Oh, my God! -Oh, my God, I'm gonna meet Eddie Vedder!

How did this happen?

Hey, uh, we're Lightning & Thunder.

Yeah, we're opening for Pearl Jam.

Uh, okay. I'll check.

Whoa, I always wanted one of those Everly Brother Gibsons

with the wraparound pick guard.

-Yeah. -It's a beaut.

Yeah, uh, Neil plays one of these, right?

Mostly uses the Ovation acoustics, but, uh...

-Yeah. -You, uh... you on the tour?

Uh, me and my wife here, we're, uh...

You're the Pearl Jam guy.

We-we talked on the phone. I'm-I'm Eddie.

Eddie. That's right. Hey.

Thanks for this.

Um, Eddie, I'm, uh...

just a little worried

your crowd may not dig my kind of show.

I-I don't get a lot of mosh pits, you know?

There are no rules, man.

Tony Bennett's opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Tony Bennett?

Besides, who doesn't like Neil Diamond, right?

Are you, uh... are you playing "Holly Holy" tonight?

Uh, no, not for this crowd, but, uh...

Hey.

You mind if I ask you a favor,

you know, one musician to another?

-This is exciting.

It's happening.

-It's happening. -Okay, okay. All good.

They're ready.

Come on!

Holy shit.

If you've ever had a shot, pal, this is it.

Eddie, I love you!

Please welcome to the stage

Milwaukee's own Lightning & Thunder.

Hello, Milwaukee!

-That's great. The costumes look great. -Yeah, yeah.

Come on, kids!

Yeah.

Very big for them.

You know the words. Come on.

Give it up for Eddie Vedder!

-Come on, Milwaukee!

Eddie Vedder!

Lightning & Thunder, baby!

-It was like... -Oh, my God.

-...he wanted to keep going. -He was so cute, too.

But that audience, they were just, like...

they were just, like...

-You look so good.

Oh!

Zoo... ming in.

Zoo... ming out.

Hasn't hit our house yet.

And Rachel's fixing her boyfriend's car.

-We were just changing the oil. -She's not fixing it.

I know how to do it. She just wanted to show me.

Everybody on the block has flowers and bushes,

and then you look at this, and we have nothing,

so I want flowers and color and beauty.

Look at that.

Four shows a week at the Shawano Casino,

two shows on Saturday.

Two shows on Saturday!

"As seen with Pearl Jam."

We're in the big time.

Hey, Papa, how you doing?

How am I doing? I'm huge!

All right. Which way are you facing?

Over here? Where do you want me?

In the corner? Over here?

That-that... I think that's good.

All right.

Are you gonna put on some pants?

Nah. Shoot me from the waist up.

All right. Tell me when you're ready.

I'm ready when you are.

All right, this is a prerecorded message

to be played on July 28th.

Hello. My name is Mike, and I'm an alcoholic.

That's the part where you all say, "Hello, Mike."

-Hello, Mike. -Hello.

Very good.

Uh, today is, uh, my 21st...

sober birthday,

and, uh, I won't be able to be there with you today

because I'll be playing my new gig at the Shawano Casino,

but, uh, I thought maybe, even though I can't be there,

I would sing you my song just to...

well, just to let you all know

how important you all are to me.

Oh, no.

Mom!

-Dana! -Excuse me.

-Uh, where is Claire Sardina? -Rachel!

-That's her daughter. -What's going on?

-What happened? -A car rode on top...

-What?

She was... she was gardening, and a car rode on top of her.

Need to increase the pressure.

Mom!

-What's going... -It's okay. It's okay.

What's going on?

Come here. Johnny, Johnny.

-Take Dana to the waiting room. Take him. Take him. -Okay.

-Come on.

-Gonna be all right. -Is she gonna die?

-She's gonna make it. -Is she... You have to tell me.

-But we got to talk. -Is she gonna die?

-We got to talk. Come here. -What's going on?

Okay, listen to me.

Who's that guy on the show you like?

Uh, the guy with the eyebrows.

-Uh... -What are you...

-George, George. -What are you talking about?

-Uh, the guy from ER. -What does this h-have to do...

Uh, Clooney, Clooney. Listen to me. Listen to me.

Okay, something's about to go down,

and you and I are gonna take care of it...

-No, I need to... -...while they work on your ma.

Now, listen to me. I got a jacked-up heart...

I got a jacked-up heart,

I've had it for a long time,

and I think I'm having a heart attack.

What? You-you need to get a doctor.

No, no, no, no, no. We're gonna do my plan.

It's gonna be okay. Now, you listen.

Listen to me, Rachel, okay?

-So...

I am gonna pass out, and when I do,

you're gonna jolt me back just like George does.

-No. -Now, remember how I showed you

how to jump a car?

This is just like that. I've done it before.

You can do this.

You see that? You're gonna hold that,

and you're gonna put that one up here.

In your right hand, you're gonna put that down here.

All right? You can do this, Rachel.

-I can't do this, Mike. -Now, after you hear the...

-I can't do this. No... -After you hear the...

After I... after I hear the what?

Mike!

Lightning! Lightning!

Papa!

-Claire!

-Baby, baby, hey. -Oh, I think I'm okay.

Oh, God. Claire, what happened?

I just... I...

I just... I just forgot.

Oh.

God.

-Come on, baby.

Hold tight.

It's only been three weeks since your accident.

It's gonna take time to adjust.

Those motor skills can take control.

-I know. -Especially in the middle of the night

-when you're not completely awake. -I know.

I just don't want to dwell on it and get stuck.

If I have to make adjustments,

I just want to make them and move on.

And that day will come,

but you need to allow yourself some time.

Please understand, Mr. Sardina,

this isn't something that needs to be paid in full today.

The old guy that lost control and hit my wife with the car,

his family isn't able to provide the settlement money

for another six months.

What am I supposed to do in the meantime?

There's dismemberment insurance that your wife can qualify for.

That should cover a sizable portion of the cost.

That's a different department,

but I'd be happy to put you in touch with them.

-Mm-hmm. -And we still need to bill

your insurance company.

Insurance?

Miss, do you know any musicians?

We're broke as a joke.

Me and Mike, we started singing.

We were really cooking.

And I could see it, like-like a way to pay my bills

and-and be able to say I...

"Look at me. I made it."

Take one every three to four hours

for the phantom pains.

I was so close.

Yeah, thanks, Doc. Thanks.

-Mom?

-It's Wednesday. -Mm.

Your prosthetic therapy is in half an hour.

-Okay? -Yeah, hon, no.

I-I don't think I can do that.

Okay, fine. If-if you're gonna cancel again,

how about you make the call?

'Cause they don't buy my lies,

-and I'm sick of doing it. -You know what?

-Can you just give me a minute? -Mom, we got to go.

We got to drive there

-and-and get you in the car. -Rachel.

-And it's gonna take a second. -Rach.

Rach, please, just give me a minute.

All right, fine. Just hurry up.

Give me a minute.

-I said give me a minute!

Rachel.

Goddamn it, I...

Dinner's ready.

It's geometry, and I told him...

Oh, I'm good at geometry.

I hate it. There's no point.

I don't understand when I'm gonna use any of it.

And I told that to him. I was like, "I don't..."

Oh, you don't use it ever.

The thing about it is...

Why do I want to learn that if I'm not gonna use it?

-It's, like, problem solving. -Hey.

What happened to therapy?

Are you serious?

I mean, that was... that was four hours ago, and you...

You know what, I'm-I'm not...

-I'm done. -Oh, honey, grab a seat.

-Come here. Come on.

Come on, babe.

We, uh, got screwed on the mashed potatoes.

We got gravy, just no potatoes.

Anyway...

So, uh, I don't know, maybe we take

a little road trip down to Six Flags.

Get some, uh... get some sunshine, you know?

A little adventure?

I'm gonna have a little extra money,

seeing as I, uh, may have got a job.

Yeah.

You guys remember Cliff?

You know, Sex Machine? Does James Brown?

He says he might have some work for me down at this Thai joint.

Uh, they just need a host for karaoke,

but, uh, he thought I could fill in for him.

So, you're gonna play Neil Diamond songs?

Uh, no.

I mean, maybe a few, but it's more of a hosting thing.

Getting other people singing, you know?

-Yeah. -Karaoke.

You know, it's only temporary. It's, uh...

you know, until your mother and me can, uh...

Get back on our feet?

How are things going at home?

Not.

Hmm.

I know the band has other gigs, but, uh,

maybe you and Claire can still use that karaoke machine.

It's not about the instrumentation.

It's just, she won't get up out of bed.

It's these drugs she's on, and...

her mind, it...

Now, what does a duo do

if one doesn't want to do what the other's doing?

I believe in you, Mike.

I always have.

Now, open up here.

Do you sing anything current?

Anything contemporary pop or just dad rock stuff?

Dad rock? Like...

She means like, you know, Skynyrd, Creedence, Steely Dan.

-That type of thing. -Oh, yeah.

I rock with those guys. Yeah, I mean...

Sorry, are you saying you don't want me

-to sing those songs or... -I'm not saying not to.

I just want to hear Aaliyah and Alanis every once in a while.

Yeah, Monica, Mariah.

See, the thing is, uh,

I got more of a specified act, like Sex Machine here.

I mean, past year, I'm known for singing Neil Diamond music.

But he can sing any music.

Luther Vandross, Usher, Jodeci.

...Neil Diamond?

Ah. "Soolaimon"?

"Soolaimon"? You know "Soolaimon"?

Nobody knows "Soolaimon."

They only know "Sweet Caroline."

"America," "Cracklin' Rosie."

You sing "Play Me"?

Anytime.

Ah. Ah.

Ah.

...Neil Diamond.

You do know who Jodeci is, right?

Hmm.

You can do your Neil Diamond thing on Wednesday nights,

host karaoke Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Yeah.

Boom.

Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown, Brown.

Head of family.

Yeah, yeah.

All right.

Name something that people shake before they use it.

-Yes, sir?

Oh, oh, oh, oh.

Claire?

-Claire? Claire?

Tell me something that men do

better than women.

As you were.

Oh, hey, Sister Anne.

Uh, no, this is Lightning, her husband.

I mean Mike.

Uh...

Okay, yeah. No, sure. Tomorrow?

We... No, we can be there.

Uh, all right.

You have a good day, too.

Uh...

Why didn't you pick up the phone?

Uh, that was Sister Anne.

She, uh... she wants us to come in

for some kind of parent-teacher thing tomorrow for Dana.

All right, I got to get ready to go out.

Where are you going?

Uh, I got my night gig at the Thai joint.

Been doing it for weeks now, you space cadet.

Yeah.

I, uh...

I see the way you look at those girls in the crowd, you know?

How they look back at you. I'm not a fool.

Oh, yeah? You think I got a little piece on the side

'cause I'm so young and wealthy? Huh?

I used to think it was so cute the way you'd take the scarf

and put it around all those hussies and kiss 'em.

The scarf was a bit. You know that.

Yeah, for Elvis, not for Neil Diamond.

You just wanted to kiss them, Mike.

You know, I really wish

these medications would make up their mind.

Are you gonna be, like, loopy and not give a shit,

or are you gonna be angry and paranoid?

You know what? My mom was right about you.

You're just a selfish son of a bitch.

So why don't you go find yourself a new girlfriend

and give her a new nickname!

You think you're the only one that's hurting?

-Every day, I think about the big adios. -Oh.

Every day!

-But I'm here trying! I'm here!

You want to throw shit at me?

You ought to throw something else!

-Goddamn it!

Oh, sorry. We're closed.

Oh. That's my-my dad.

Ah, Lightning?

It's my mother's birthday.

She died of lung cancer.

Sad songs all night.

Right.

You know, I...

I talk to Rachel a lot.

Hmm.

Rachel says that you and Claire have been fighting a lot more.

So...

-Are you drinking or... -No.

I'm wondering if, uh, the ride would be a little less bumpy

if I fell off the wagon.

-When was your last meeting? -Angie, what are you doing?

You're my daughter. You're not my sponsor.

Look, everybody tells me to move on.

I'm the guy that looks like Neil.

"Why do you need Claire?"

But they-they just don't get it.

I love her, and I'm... I'm losing her.

Listen, just...

Dad...

would you just please go to a meeting?

Please?

Mm.

Mike?

: Ladies and gentlemen.

Claire. Honey.

Claire.

Claire, come on. Come on down.

-Mike. -Come on, let's go.

-Claire. -Mike, don't do this.

-Mike, you're embarrassing me. -No, no.

-I am not stopping. -This is not your show.

-No. -This is... You're confused.

-This is embarrassing. -Come on. Come on, baby.

Mike, I would never do this to you.

-You're scaring everybody. -No, no.

And you're gonna get yourself hurt. Let's go.

-Mike, no. -Let's go. Go.

-I am not going any... Mike. -Come on. Come on!

No.

-No, no. -Mom?

What are you doing? What are you all doing up here?

-It's okay. It's okay. -What about the show?

-She's just tired. It's okay. -Okay, we just...

Mom, we just are trying to help you, Mom.

-No, no. -Okay? We just...

No, this is my show. I'm up here. I'm up here, Mike!

Okay, come on. Let's go.

I'm not going to stop the show!

-Come on, let's go. -Don't touch me.

You're not even supposed to be up here.

-: Stop it, Mike! -Baby, come here.

-Stop it. This is my show. -Baby, come here. Come here.

-This is my show! -It's okay. It's okay.

Mike's got it, okay?

-: Help me. -He'll figure it out.

-It's all right. It's okay. -Mom.

There's a 72-hour observation period

for all voluntary patients.

A mental health professional will assess her condition

and determine the course of treatment and length of stay.

And if you could just fill out the medication

she's currently taking or anything she'll need

over the next three weeks.

I know I'm a... I'm a stranger to you,

but what I could really use...

...right now is...

is for you to just tell me I'm doing the right thing for...

...for her.

We're gonna take really good care of her,

make sure she gets what she needs, okay?

You okay?

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah.

: Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

Oh, Mike.

I don't think we've been apart more than a day

since we've been married.

It's okay.

-: Okay. Okay. -It's okay.

Okay.

Thank you.

Right through there.

Hey. Um...

I was wondering if I could speak to the manager

or the guy who, um... who does the hiring.

My radiator is hissing.

I'm trying to get a job here.

Yeah, well, I'm trying to get to my job.

Being that I'm the only one that has one here.

Uh, listen, I-I'm sorry. I'm sorry. God.

-All right.

Here you go.

Here you go. Hold this.

Just pour it in.

-But there's a leak. -Yeah.

It'll fix it. Just do it.

It's got, uh, like, little metal particles in it

that, uh, heat up while the car is running.

And then it melts into the leak, welds it closed.

-Slow, slow, slow. -Yeah.

I get it.

There's people in this world that get new shit,

and then there's people like us

just patching up broken shit.

I... I know this has been hard for you.

Somewhere along the way,

I got put in charge of everyone's problems.

I worry about my mother. I worry about Dana.

Every time you touch your chest, I worry about you.

I don't want you worrying, and trust me,

this thing with your mother is gonna get better.

I'm pregnant.

Oh. Okay.

Uh... uh, when?

Like...

four months ago.

Four months?

Oh, my God. How did we miss this?

Because you're all crazy.

I mean, I'm-I'm huge. How can you not see?

We all put on some pounds.

I just thought it was a family phase. It's...

Uh, here. Give me that.

Uh, is it the guy you were...

No, that's over.

He can't be counted on.

And...

: I guess neither can I.

-Aw, baby. Baby, baby.

Okay.

So we got this thing in the Marines.

It's called a SMEAC, all right?

Stands for "situation," "mission," "execution,"

"administration" and "command."

It's a way to break down a problem real simple.

Okay.

So, what's the situation?

-I'm knocked up. -Okay. Okay.

So, what's the mission?

What do you want to do about it?

I want to give it to a couple that wants to have a baby.

Okay, so that's the mission.

Okay. Now you got to execute. You got to have the kid.

I already called the Adoption Information Center,

and there's a potential couple

that could assist in medical bills and all that.

Okay, so you already took care of the "A" for administration.

That just leaves command.

So, who do you want to be in charge of all this,

you know, helping you?

: My mom.

Whenever Mike would run off to his AA meetings, I...

I was always pretty ugly about it.

Like, why can't you just deal with your problems

without all the talking?

Mike can talk.

And I can talk, too, and I talk a lot.

Sometimes I talk so much I don't even know

what I'm saying half the time.

Yeah, and the thoughts, they just, like,

go around in my head.

Spin around all the time.

That's where the singing helped.

And something happened when I...

would sing Patsy Cline songs, like...

Like, I'd...

just disappear, you know?

In the music.

Yeah.

Yeah, I'd just...

disappear.

Yeah.

I mean, the accident took my leg,

but I shouldn't have let it take my singing away.

That's mine.

All mine.

Good night, Mom.

Mm, good night, sweetheart.

-Love you. -Okay. Love you, too.

Good night, kiddo.

-Love you. -Love you.

-Good night. -Night.

I made a pot of coffee. You want some?

No, thank you.

You want to watch a show?

I don't know.

Unless you do.

When do you go back to work?

I start back at the shop tomorrow.

Well, what about karaoke?

Claire, we-we just got home. I'm tired.

I-I'm just asking a question, Mike.

No, no, you're getting ready to argue.

And, you know, I just don't know what's okay to say

and not to say since you went to that place.

Well, if you have any questions,

I can answer them for you.

I didn't get a lobotomy.

Not yet.

Well...

Well, I'm not doing the karaoke thing

'cause, uh, I'm, uh...

well, I'm not doing Lightning anymore.

That's o... that's over.

: Lightning is, uh...

It's just nothing without you. It's...

If you're not gonna be there with me, I got no...

I got...

I got no song to sing. I got...

I got nothing.

: Honey. Oh, Mike.

-It's okay.

Oh, honey. Breathe, honey.

I've been doing a lot of talking, you know,

-like you do at your meetings. -Yeah.

And I've been figuring things out in my head.

I think that the struggle with my prosthetic...

I think it was more in my head than my leg.

I felt hurt and-and-and ugly.

And, like, I had all this anger inside of me and fear,

and it just cracked.

Now, look, the folks at the hospital,

they talk about having an emotional catharsis.

It's like where you let everything go

and just move forward.

I don't think I've had that yet,

'cause everything still feels very scary for me.

You know, walking and standing.

Singing.

But maybe if you're there with me...

...I can have that catharsis.

Okay.

Thank y'all for coming out here tonight to Charm Thai.

Uh, we got a great night here for you,

and don't forget, we, uh... we do karaoke night

on Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday night.

I've seen you here. It's a lot of fun.

And, uh, well, there's also

the all-you-can-eat buffet Monday to Friday.

But, uh, tonight I got something, uh...

Wow, we got something special.

My name is Lightning.

This is my lovely wife Thunder.

And tonight, we're gonna sing for you.

He's good.

Nice. Nice, baby.

You're doing great. You're doing great.

-Does it hurt? -Yeah.

Okay.

-Why don't we stop? -Okay.

-We stop? -No, let's keep going.

-You sure? -One more block. Yep.

bid you to make a beautiful noise, Charm Thai.

-Are you ready to sing?

Are you ready to sing?

-Are you ready to sing? -Yes!

Come on!

Somechai, take the mic.

Claire. Babe, baby, you all right?

I... I-I don't know what happened.

I just... I lost control.

I-I hope you're ok...

I-I mean, don't you see?

: Lightning can strike the same place twice.

: oh. Oh.

It's-it's okay. I just...

Look. All this music.

All this life.

And here's my accident.

-Mm-hmm. -And then...

-nothing. -I see. I see.

What-what are you getting at?

I want these boxes filled up again.

Bad things happen over and over.

And I just want to sing, and I want to shine

before another car runs into me.

: The car's not gonna run in...

Oh, God, it's like they're aiming for me, Mike.

Come on.

I am not afraid anymore.

I want to be Thunder again.

I know, I know...

I've been a little out of it and I'm a little rusty,

but I'm here to be mom again and a wife and a partner.

So, you know, what have I missed these last few months?

What do I need to know?

You want to tell her or me?

And then slight stretch...

-Hi. -Morning, Claire.

-One, two, three, four, five.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God, he's coming.

-Hi. Aw. -hi.

-Hey!

We're here today joined by two local legends

staging the comeback of their careers.

The universe sent two cars to kill me,

uh, but I'm still standing, even if it's on one leg.

Yes!

I am a believer!

Mike, Claire,

I want you to meet my friend Buddy Holmes.

-Hey. -He's event coordinator here at the Ritz.

-Hi. -Buddy.

-Thank you both for coming. -Claire.

You've been getting a lot of press with your comeback.

Yeah, we never really left.

That's why I wanted to talk to you about playing here.

Uh...

Oh, are we gonna open for Pearl Jam again?

No, you'd be the headliner.

It'd be on a Wednesday night three weeks from now.

That'll give us just enough time

to get the word out, sell some tickets.

Uh, sorry, you expect us to fill this place on a Wednesday?

Oh, we'll make it work, Mike. We'll make it work.

We know what you mean to Milwaukee.

Hey, dreaming it is one thing,

but, you know, we're not fools, Buddy.

Mike, don't you know

what's happening in three weeks on a Wednesday night?

-What? What? What's happening? -Neil Diamond.

Neil Diamond.

He's playing a sold-out show at the Wisconsin Center Arena.

We want to be the counterprogramming

to that event.

Those who can't see Neil Diamond

see the next best thing.

Could we just take a second? One moment.

Babe, I don't know if we're ready for this.

-Oh. -I mean...

I think you are.

I know I am.

We're gonna need a choir.

Sex Machine is the choir director at his church.

Great, and timpani. You know, the big drums?

What would you need timpani for?

I'll get the timpani, Mike.

I'll get the timpani.

Especially because we're opening with "Soolaimon."

"Solomon"?

"Soolaimon."

Okay, so remember Rachel's gonna pick us up,

but I think I want to go with Johnny to get

-a head start on my hair. -Are you nervous?

No, actually, I'm not.

But maybe I will right before the show. What about you?

I just hope people come, babe.

-Hey. -Mike!

-Oh, hey. -Go ahead. You talk.

Okay, okay, okay.

I know the event coordinator at the Wisconsin Center.

He was at your wedding.

You know, big guy.

-He had a big red beard. -Good Lord.

Mike, you are going to meet Neil Diamond tonight.

-I-I was gonna get to that.

Oh, my God.

-What do you mean? -What?

He's gonna meet the two of you

at Lake Front Frozen Custard after the show.

He's gonna drop in with his bus.

He loves their frozen custard.

What are you gonna say to him, Dad?

Hopefully nothing dumb.

Oh, no, don't be silly.

It's just two musicians after their show.

Uh, both sold-out shows.

We're sold out?

-It sold out? Sold out? -Sold out.

Yeah, we sold out.

Now I'm nervous.

This is a huge win for you.

You earned this, Mike. You earned it.

: He did. I'm so happy.

-Are you crying? -I'm just so happy.

Are you crying? I love you.

-I'm so happy for you. -Come here.

I'm so happy, too.

All right, get out of here. Go, go, go.

-We'll see you over there. -I'll-I'll see you there.

-I'm going with Rachel. -Congratulations.

-Okay. Okay. -This is gonna be great.

Come on, we've got things to do.

-Why do you do that? -Oh, my...

Mr. Diamond...

Or Neil. Can I... Can I call you Neil?

You know, there's a certain way that you sing "touching."

I mean, you must know what I mean.

Of course you know what I mean. It's you.

It's so good. I mean, it's just a small thing, but, like...

Oh!

: Okay.

Papa?

I'm getting dressed.

Uh, Angelina had some friends she wanted to bring tonight,

but I guess it's sold out.

Uh, yeah, no, no. We, uh...

We've got that handled.

Hey, I'm going to, uh...

I'm gonna meet Neil Diamond tonight.

-Are you serious? -Yeah.

Wow.

First, Eddie Vedder, and now Neil Diamond.

You think you could hook me up with Christian Slater?

Papa?

Papa, you all right?

I'm huge, baby.

Hey, Dad.

Hey, darling.

Oh, I'm so glad you're here.

Oh, I wouldn't miss this.

Grandma. Hey, uh, just to warn you,

the seats we got reserved are right up front.

-It may get loud. -I'm half deaf anyway,

so I'll be fine.

Have a great show tonight, Mike.

-Thanks. -Okay, Lightning, five minutes. Five minutes!

-Places, everybody, places! -Ooh, five minutes. Okay.

-All right. -Hey. Wait, give me a kiss.

-Give me a kiss. -Oh, all right.

So, any last-minute words of advice

or encouragement from my two girls?

Yeah. Play "Sweet Caroline," okay?

You two always know what to do.

You're not afraid of the lift at all?

Oh, no, I just got to stand there.

-Okay. -Okay.

Mm.

Hey, Claire.

I can't thank Neil

'cause every thank-you I got belongs to you, doll.

You're my August Night,

you're my "September Morn," you're my "Heartlight,"

and you're my "Cracklin' Rosie," you got me?

I'll see you onstage.

Huh!

-Whoo! -Yeah!

-Yes! -Cue back light.

Cue back light. Reel it in.

There you go. Bring it up.

Good evening, Milwaukee!

Go, Mom!

Welcome to those who yearn

to dance in the glow of glory.

Our friends, our fans, family,

those who could not get Neil Diamond tickets.

Stand by.

Because tonight, we make

our own beautiful noise.

Cue the lift.

Yes, Dad!

Cue the fans.

I love you, Milwaukee!

You know the words! Let me hear you!

: Help me. Help me.

Help me, brothers and sisters,

and the itty-bitty children, Black and white,

rich and poor, great and small.

All God's children, sing, "Hallelujah!"

And the good Lord gave us two hands.

One hand for the giving, one hand for the taking.

And when your brother is hungry and he ain't got what to eat,

and when he is tired and he ain't got no place to sleep,

and when his heart is aching and it is full of pain,

who's gonna cry with him, brothers?

Who's gonna cry with him?

You take your hand, you put it out to him

and you say to him, "That's what it's there for."

Yeah!

-They're back. They're back. -Yeah.

Do you remember when we saw Springsteen in-in East Troy?

Oh, my God, you saw Bruce?

-I love him so much. -Where was that?

-Where was that? -Uh,

Alpine Valley Music Theater.

You were a kid in grade school.

But he played for like two extra hours

and everyone was freaking out and dancing on the lawn.

That was this. That was this.

Me and Bruce.

You know, I got to say-- and I don't mean any disrespect

to Mr. Eddie Vedder...

Uh-oh. Be careful, Mom.

I think tonight we were just as big as Pearl Jam.

Well, it's a whole nother crowd.

No, I got to say, our fans are just as big and just as loud.

-Oh.

Word must have got out, Papa.

Oh, my God!

Aw. Are you good? Are you ready?

I'm huge, baby.

Hi.

-Hi.

Claire. Claire.

Neil just finished his show. He's on the bus.

-Oh, great. -He's on his way.

Come on, Mike. Come on.

Come on.

Mike, come on.

Mike?

Mike.

Mike. Mike.

Mike. Mike. Mike.

Mike!

This is hard.

I'm not good at writing speeches.

But...

I guess I've never written one.

So it'll be perfect.

"You two always know what to do."

Why did he say that? It's like...

I feel like I don't know how to do anything.

Except patch a leaky car radiator.

Come here.

Maybe he wasn't wrong about us.

He wasn't.

You look nice.

Aw, thank you.

Sometimes I forget about your leg.

Yeah.

Me, too, and then I take a step.

You don't have to sing today.

Somebody else can do it if it's too much for you.

I know.

But it's something I have to do.

Not just for Mike.

Hi.

: This is gonna be hard.

Every time, um, we would play a gig,

everyone wants to hear "Sweet Caroline," and...

: Mike would get so mad.

He believed there was so much more

to Neil Diamond's music.

So many more songs.

And there was more to Mike than being Lightning.

Uh, he was a soldier...

...a father...

...a friend.

He was the love of my life.

And really, I'm standing here because of him.

So...

...in his honor,

I'm gonna get myself together...

...and I'm gonna sing a song.

A Neil Diamond song that's not as well-known

as "Sweet Caroline."

But Mike...

It's beautiful.

-All right.

Dana, you all right? You got it?

-I got you. -You sure?

-Are you sure?

-Positive. -Are you positive?

- I'm positive. -Have you got me?

-Have you got me, Dana?

-We got you. -I can see you.

-I can see you, too. -I got my eye on you.

All right, we're rolling.

All right. Hey, everybody.

My name is Mike, and I'm an alcoholic.

-Uh... -Hello, Mike.

Today is my 22nd sober birthday,

but I can't be with you here today

-because, uh...

...well, we're getting ready for our big comeback,

uh, Thunder and me,

and it's, uh... it's real exciting and, uh...

You know what? Before I sing,

I just want to tell you something.

We're all here doing the best we can, right?

Very, very best.

And if we can just look out for each other

and be strong and above all be grateful,

maybe we can just...

I don't know, we can turn things around,

we can make the world a better place.

What do you say?

All right?

Anyway...

No, no.

Come on. Sing along. I know it's early.

"Every garden grows one."

All right. I'm ready.

All clear.

I can hear you.

Sounds real good. Come on, now.

"Sleeping on my pillow."

It's a funny thing.

Right?

Beauty and color.

Thank you, and good night.

Come on!