Not Fade Away 2012

In the sun-kissed suburbs of New Jersey during the vibrant 1960s, a group of friends with shared passions and dreams form a rock band, driven by the fervent desire to make it big. Against this backdrop of youthful exuberance, Doug Damiano (character name) finds himself navigating the complexities of family dynamics. His father, Pat, struggles with psoriasis, his mother, Antoinette, is plagued by fits of hysteria and suicidal ideations, while his sister, Evelyn, remains a constant presence.

As Doug enters his late teens, he becomes fascinated with Gene Gaunt’s (character name) charismatic lead guitar performances in high school. This sparks a resolve within Doug to join the band, not only to prove himself but also to win the affections of the enchanting Grace Dietz. The opportunity arises when Schindewulf, the band’s drummer, receives his draft notice and is sent to Vietnam.

In the aftermath of the “British Invasion,” Gene becomes obsessed with rebranding the band in the image of the Beatles and Rolling Stones. He sees Doug as the perfect fit for this new direction, capitalizing on Doug’s natural talent. Following an awkward bassist’s departure, the core trio of Doug, Gene, and their friend Wells takes shape. Wells handles rhythm guitar duties, while Doug assumes drumming responsibilities and provides backup vocals.

A pivotal moment arrives when Gene accidentally ingests a joint at a party, rendering him unable to sing. In his stead, Doug steps forward to take on lead vocals, earning the unanimous approval of the band members. This sudden turn of events leaves Gene feeling threatened by Doug’s ascendance, prompting him to desperately cling to the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Doug confides in his father that he intends to enlist and secure an ROTC scholarship, only to abandon these plans as the Vietnam War escalates. He ultimately decides to forgo college and dedicate himself full-time to music, straining his relationship with Pat.

As the band’s popularity grows, so does Doug’s involvement with Grace. However, their relationship hits a snag when Wells reveals that she had a history of performing oral sex on multiple partners. This revelation sparks an argument between Doug and Grace, who mistakenly accuses him of being intimate with her sister, Joy.

In a separate development, Gene responds to the war by attempting to juggle firecrackers during a concert, but his attempt ends in humiliation as he accidentally sets his scalp ablaze. Doug visits Gene’s residence to formally expel him from the band, only for Gene to unleash a brutal beating until their father intervenes.

Following Joy’s institutionalization, Doug and the grief-stricken Grace rekindle their romance. As Pat learns that his psoriasis is actually mycosis fungoides cancer, he begins to display a newfound sense of compassion, taking Doug out to dinner and sharing long-held family secrets with him.

By 1967, Doug and Wells seize the chance to audition for the illustrious Jerry Ragovoy, with Gene rejoining the band on condition that he receives a prominent credit for their original song, “The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre”. Ragovoy recognizes potential in the group, but emphasizes the need for intense practice and dedication before signing them to a contract. His mantra of “ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration” resonates with Pat’s earlier words to Doug, yet the band is hesitant to commit to his rigorous demands.

However, fate intervenes when Wells suffers a motorcycle accident, forcing the record deal to be put on hold for another year. As a result, Doug loses interest in the rock ‘n roll lifestyle and decides to pursue film school in California. In Hollywood, he attends a party where he catches a glimpse of Charlie Watts departing, and is later informed by rumors that Mick Jagger is hiding in the bathroom with a bevy of women - although no one actually confirms the legendary rocker’s presence.

As Doug attempts to hitchhike his way back home, he’s offered a ride by an eccentric woman who claims he looks lonely. He declines, instead taking in the vibrant cityscape and finding solace in the illuminated clouds that once inspired him. A sense of contentment washes over him as he walks down the street.

Meanwhile, Evelyn strolls down the same boulevard, lost in thought as she contemplates her essay on America’s two most significant innovations: nuclear weapons and rock ‘n roll. She wonders aloud which one will ultimately prevail, before breaking into a dance to the Sex Pistols’ cover of “Roadrunner” in the midst of the bustling street.