I Used to Be Famous 2022

The once-celebrated Vince (Ed Skrein) has seen better days. His Stereo Dreams days are now a distant memory, replaced by the harsh reality of being an out-of-work musician scrapping for survival on the streets. Despite his valiant efforts to revive his career, Vince’s pleas for gigs at local bars and music shops fall on deaf ears, leaving him to scrape together a meager existence.

Meanwhile, his former bandmate Austin (Eoin Macken) has become a household name in the music industry, poised to launch his final album and embark on a farewell tour. The disparity between their fortunes serves as a constant reminder of Vince’s faded glory.

One fateful day, while busking on the streets, Vince strikes up an impromptu jam session with a talented young drummer named Stevie (Leo Long), who becomes enamored with Vince’s music. As they bond over their shared passion for music, the seeds of a new musical partnership are sown.

Vince also finds himself smitten with Mel (Racheal Ofori), the charming bartender at Peckham’s Finest, and sets his sights on winning her heart – and securing a gig at the pub. However, owner Dave (Joplin Sibtain) remains unmoved by Vince’s charms, rejecting his proposals despite Mel’s enthusiastic endorsement.

Undeterred, Vince leverages the viral success of his impromptu busking session with Stevie to secure a gig at Peckham’s Finest, earning a nod from the pub’s owner. With Stevie on board and a newfound sense of purpose, the two musicians begin their practice sessions, laying the groundwork for their fledgling band.

As Vince navigates his new musical ventures, he crosses paths with Austin at Firestarter studios, extending an invitation to join him for a gig at Peckham’s Finest. However, Austin remains noncommittal, leaving Vince to ponder their complicated past and uncertain future.

In the midst of these developments, Vince struggles to find the perfect moniker for his new band, settling on “The Denham” – only to have it brutally dismissed by Dave as a terrible choice. Instead, he’s forced to rebrand himself under the unflattering handle of “The Tin Men,” a moniker that will forever be linked to his journey back from rock bottom.

As Vince’s music career reaches new heights, a series of unfortunate events unfolds. His impromptu performance at the pub goes awry when he overplays his hand, prompting a heated confrontation with an audience member and subsequently earning himself a lifetime ban alongside Stevie. The aftermath is palpable as Vince’s world begins to crumble, culminating in Amber’s stern ultimatum: no more contact with her son. This crushing blow sends Vince reeling back to the comfort of his childhood home videos, where he’s forced to confront the pain of losing his younger brother during the peak of his own musical success.

As Vince wrestles with these demons, Stevie takes a bold step towards rediscovering his passion for music by secretly attending music school and booking gigs under the name “Tin Men.” His determination to revive the group is palpable, and when he finally secures a booking, he reaches out to Vince, inviting him to rejoin the fold. To everyone’s surprise, Vince not only accepts but also starts attending Stevie’s autism support group, where his natural talent as a teacher earns him a coveted spot as the group leader.

Meanwhile, Vince receives an offer that has been years in the making – Austin, his former bandmate and now a successful musician, invites Vince to be the opening act on his new tour. However, this tantalizing opportunity comes with a catch: Stevie is not included in the lineup, leaving Vince torn between pursuing his career aspirations and reconnecting with his old friend.

As Vince deliberates, he’s forced to confront the echoes of his past, when he chose to prioritize his world tour over visiting his dying brother. The parallels are unmistakable – has Vince once again prioritized his fame over his relationships? Amber’s words continue to resonate, reminding him that Stevie was the one person who brought out something special in him, a connection that seems poised to be severed once more.

As Vince’s encounter with Amber unfolds, it precipitates a profound introspection within him, prompting an existential inquiry into what truly matters. This soul-searching culminates in a pivotal moment at the studio, where he is faced with a critical decision: sign on the dotted line and conform to the commercial demands of his record label or take a stand against the very fame he’s been pursuing for years.

The prospect of altering the mix to enhance his music’s mass appeal serves as a stark reminder that time is of the essence. If Vince hesitates, the opportunity might slip away, leaving him questioning the authenticity of his artistic expression. In this moment of truth, he is forced to confront the reality that the fame he once coveted no longer resonates with his inner self.

With Stevie by his side, serving as a trusted confidant and surrogate brother figure, Vince’s newfound introspection ultimately leads him to abandon the trappings of stardom and instead celebrate the genuine connections he has formed. The film concludes on a poignant note, as Vince and Stevie share in the joy of their friendship, solidified through the shared experience of attending a concert Stevie has organized for his birthday, a testament to the power of true camaraderie.