( transmission static )
( distorted voices )
( mid-tempo rock intro plays )
Captioning sponsored by PARAMOUNT PICTURES
♪ ♪
( siren wailing )
♪ ♪
( rock music continuing )
( garbled voices )
MAN: I've got blisters!
WOMAN ( over phone ): Randy?
Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
Baby, I know it's 2:00 in the morning.
Well, you know, the concert went late.
Oh, God, here it comes.
( imitates whip cracking )
I'm sorry, okay?
Well, Metallica came out for three encores.
What do you want me to do?
I can't just leave.
It's your fault. It's all your fault.
So, how is that my fault?
What's she ragging about now, man?
What? Nothing.
God.
Uh, nothing, no.
Just, Buck says hi.
Well, his car crapped out.
I can't just leave him out here.
He's my best friend.
Lisa, don't do this.
Come on.
Okay...
( dial tone )
Hello?
Lisa?
( sizzling crackle )
Oh, yeah.
It's alive.
Let's go, Randy.
Coming.
( hard rock song plays )
You know...
Don't say it.
Eh, you're better off without her.
Buck, I swear.
Once a girl knows your name and number
she's got you by the short and curlies, my friend.
When was the last time you had a girlfriend?
I had three of them last weekend.
( laughs )
No, man, Lisa's different.
Yeah, was different.
See, that's where you're wrong, Randy.
We're different.
We're rockers, man.
Yeah.
I mean, who spent five days in line for tickets
to the Who's third farewell tour?
Huh?
Who quit their jobs last summer
to see every Ozz Fest show?
Who slept with Stacy Krebner to get backstage
at The Black Crowes with Jimmy Page?
We did, that's who.
Rock-lock.
And where has this gotten me?
My girlfriend just dumped me.
I don't have a job
and I'm in a beat-up Citation with you.
Yeah, but we still have tunes.
AC/DC always gets the heart pumping.
Oh, oh, oh!
( tires squealing )
( screams )
( groans )
Oh, damn.
Randy?
Randy, you all right?
( groans )
I feel like I took a steel-toed boot between the eyes.
You still got all your parts, right?
I could use another beer.
You're good. ( groans )
Come on.
( music plays in distance )
Check that.
We'll call Slade for a ride, all right?
( quiet sizzle )
( loud disco music plays )
RANDY: Un-freaking-believable.
Man, I couldn't wreck my wheels on metal night?
Don't these morons know that disco sucks?
( music stops abruptly )
( pulsating disco intro begins )
♪ Shake it, shake it ♪
Hey, move your groove thing, Chachi.
♪ Shake it, shake it ♪ You got a phone?
♪ Shake your groove thing, shake your groove thing ♪
Bartender, you got a phone?
♪ Show them how to do it now ♪
I wouldn't make anyone wear polyester.
Ah, disco put a stink on an entire decade.
Hey. ( pounds table )
A little service.
Nothing.
Man, how do you do a '70s night
and forget about Boston and Aerosmith?
Kiss... Thin Lizzy. Yeah.
Hey!
♪ The music gives us a chance ♪
♪ We do more out on the floor ♪
♪ Grooving loose or heart to heart ♪
♪ We put in motion every single part ♪
Hey, Chachi, you got a phone in this place?
First time here?
You figure that out all by yourself?
Where's the phone?
♪ Having us a ball, y'all ♪
Okay.
♪ Shake your groove thing, shake your groove thing ♪
If you can flag him down, buy me a cold one, okay?
What? Oh, right.
This is, this is typical.
Because of you, I lose my girlfriend.
We get into a car wreck.
I'm stuck in an all-night disco,
and now you want me to buy you a beer.
Ease up, ease up.
Ease up.
I'll buy the beer, and on top of it,
I'll find the phone, okay?
Okay.
All right, fine.
A dollar. Hey, bartender!
♪ We got the rhythm tonight ♪
♪ All the rest know we're the best ♪
♪ Our shadows crash in the night ♪
♪ Twisting, turning, we keep burning ♪
♪ Shake it high, shake it low ♪
♪ We take our bodies where they want to go ♪
♪ Feel that heat, never stop ♪
Your first time here?
Uh, yeah.
And I, uh, I hope you'll be gentle.
You look like
you'd want it rough.
Well, actually, I just want a phone that works.
I wrapped my car around a pole out front, so...
Well, maybe I can help?
Well, I don't know, it's, uh...
it's a big pole.
( giggles )
Come on.
It's okay.
Come on.
♪ Then take the floor and dance with me ♪
( "YMCA" intro plays )
Oh, no.
For God's sakes, not again.
♪ Young man ♪
♪ There's no need to feel down ♪
♪ I said young man ♪
♪ Pick yourself off the ground ♪
♪ I said young man ♪
♪ 'Cause you're in a new town ♪
♪ There's no need to be unhappy ♪
♪ Young man ♪
Hey, there.
First time here?
♪ When you're short on your dough ♪
♪ You can stay there ♪
♪ And I'm sure you will find ♪
Back off, joy boy.
"Joy boy."
♪ It's fun to stay at the ♪
♪ YMCA ♪
♪ It's fun to stay at the ♪
♪ YMCA ♪
Sorry. You just looked like you could use a friend.
One's enough, thank you.
Let me buy you a beer.
Yeah, good luck with that.
Bartender. ( taps table )
Two cold ones for my friend and I.
♪ It's fun to stay at the YMCA ♪
♪ You can get yourself clean ♪
♪ You can have a good meal ♪
♪ You can do whatever you feel... ♪
Wow, one hell of a crapper.
( laughs )
I thought you might like it.
With some decent music, this could be a party.
Give disco a chance.
It's like great sex
without the complications.
You're moving to the music.
( ecstatic moaning ) No power trips.
No commitments.
Who are you?
No names.
♪ ...YMCA ♪
♪ They have everything... ♪
Don't get me wrong.
He's a good guy.
"Good"... is a relative term.
He's my best friend,
but he's such a screw-up, you know.
You're changing.
He isn't, dude.
Yeah, something like that.
You're growing.
You're... evolving.
Right.
He's stuck in the same old spot,
doing the same old things.
Concert here, kegger there.
Randy: Exactly.
You know, you...
you need to expand your horizons.
You need to try new things.
Tiffany, Farrah...
this is Randy.
♪ Young man... ♪
Pretty foxy, aren't they?
"Foxy"?
This your first time here?
Come and dance with us.
No, it's okay.
I don't, I don't really dance.
My friend's going to
be right back, so...
Go on.
Join them.
Evolve.
Come on, it'll be fun.
I think he's cute.
♪ ...for young men to enjoy ♪
♪ You can hang out with all the boys ♪
♪ YMCA ♪
♪ It's fun to stay at the YMCA ♪
♪ Young man, young man, there's no need to... ♪
( "Super Freak" plays )
♪ She's a very kinky girl ♪
♪ The kind you don't take home to Mother ♪
♪ She will never let your spirits down ♪
♪ Once you get her off the street, ow, girl ♪
♪ She likes the boys in the band ♪
♪ She says that I'm her all-time favorite ♪
♪ When I make my move to her room ♪
♪ It's the right time ♪
♪ She's never hard to please, ow, no ♪
♪ Yeah. ♪
( heavy breathing )
The Scorpions.
You... like the Scorps?
I used to.
Well, I don't get it.
How can you be
a rocker chick one day and a disco skeeze the next?
Relax.
It's not so bad.
W-Wh-What do you mean, not so bad?
Every song sounds the same.
That beat
"whomp, whomp, whomp,"
like a drill over and over
into your skull.
Don't fight it.
Fight?
It's only worse if you fight it.
Fight what?
( "Super Freak" playing in distance )
What the...?
What?
♪ When I get there, she's got incense, wine and candles ♪
♪ It's such a freaky scene ♪
♪ That girl is pretty kinky ♪
♪ That girl's a super freak ♪
♪ The kind of girl you read about ♪
♪ In new wave magazine ♪
♪ That girl is pretty wild now ♪
♪ The girl's a super freak ♪
♪ I really like to taste her ♪
♪ Every time we meet ♪
♪ She's all right, she's all right ♪
♪ That girl's all right with me, yeah ♪
♪ Hey, hey, hey, hey! ♪
MAN: Dance it. Dance it.
♪ She's a super freak, super freak ♪
Randy, what are you doing?
Come on. We're out of here.
Hey, bud.
FARRAH: Come and dance with us.
Hey, is this your first time, too?
BUCK: Yeah, and our last time.
Come on. Let's go.
Come on. ♪ Super freak, super freak, let's go. ♪
( faint disco music continues )
( thunder rumbling )
BUCK: Man, you're giving me the creeps.
Those chicks were hot.
Yeah, I know they were hot.
That place was not right.
What is your problem?
It's some sort of disco cult.
What is my problem? Look at yourself.
That coat will leave a rash like a mother.
Oh, no.
Buck, we're dead.
Welcome, boys.
( amplified ): Pleased to meet you.
I'm so glad you came.
I can't believe this is hell.
I wasn't that bad.
How many times did you take the Lord's name in vain?
Oh, that's a weak-ass rule.
It's in writing.
One of the top ten.
All right. Then what's with the disco?
Huh?
Where are all the fiery pits
and the torture racks?
Quit poking me!
DANTE: Eternal damnation
at its best is custom-made.
Well, actually, I thought hell was
going to be more like that Black Sabbath album cover.
You know, the one with the...
the demon-bat guys.
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath.
Yeah, that one. Hey!
Rockers forever trapped in a disco nightmare.
Mm-hmm?
Assuming everyone in there is...?
Yep.
What do you think?
You... are evil.
That's why they call me the prince.
So, boys, you might as well
go back inside, put on the polyester
and start practicing The Hustle.
I'm not going back in there.
Not in a million years, my friend.
Sooner or later,
you'll get tired of sitting on the sidewalk,
thinking about what you could have done differently.
And this is the tasty part:
Watching you rockers cave
and become the thing that you hate most.
It warms my heart.
What a prick.
You know...
Don't.
Ah, look at the bright side.
At least we're together, right?
Hmm?
The bright side?
There is no bright side.
If it wasn't for you,
I'd be at home with Lisa right now.
And if it wasn't for you,
I'd still have my job, Buck, my life.
And if it wasn't for you,
I sure as hell wouldn't have slept with Stacey Krebner.
That's it, Buck.
I'm through getting dogged by you.
Aah, Randy.
Where are you going?
See you in a million years.
( disco music playing )
♪ Shake it, shake it ♪
( zapping )
( siren whoops, then stops )
Hey.
Nice response time.
Here's the backboard.
No pulse here.
BUCK: Okay, Stacey Krebner thing is on me.
All right, Randy?
But you did get Jimmy Page's autograph
and you left that part out.
All right.
PARAMEDIC I'll check the driver.
BUCK: Just for the record:
I wouldn't have done half the sick, wild stuff I did without you, man.
PARAMEDIC: No pulse here.
BUCK: Man, at least we still got tunes, right?
( garbled radio dispatches )
( switch clicks; "Tom Sawyer" intro plays )
PARAMEDIC 1: Wait a minute.
I got a pulse on the driver.
♪ A modern-day warrior ♪ All right. Hang a rig.
♪ Mean, mean stride ♪ The music...
♪ Today's Tom Sawyer ♪
♪ Mean, mean pride... ♪
...always gets the heart pumping.
Randy.
Sorry, pal.
Hey, I've got to get in there. No can do.
I was just in there.
You saw me come out. You're not on the list.
That means you're gonna live... idiot.
Okay, I'll...
Hey.
Hot disco chick.
Yeah, let me in.
But i-if you... come in
y-you might not get back out again. Listen, just
let me in, all right?
Uh, my best friend is in there.
Dante's not going to like this. Come on,
you're already in hell.
( faint disco music playing )
Thanks.
What happened?
( beeping ) I'm losing him.
( panting )
Thanks.
Uh...
( disco music continues in other room )
My name's Buck.
Christine.
Let's go find your friend.
( zapping )
We got him.
Ah, that's great.
Uh, easy, kid.
You going to be okay.
( groaning )
He's flatlining!
But you said you had him.
Are you okay?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm coming.
Let's go. Let's go.
( disco music plays )
♪ Shake it ♪
♪ Doo, doo-doo, ah ♪
BUCK: Randy!
CHRISTINE: It's too late. Look at him.
No, Christine, there's still time.
Let's call it.
No, charge it up again.
Listen to the music.
What are you talking about?
It's the music.
It'll bring you back.
( CD player clicks )
( music playing over CD ) ♪ Let's get on out ♪
( zapping )
♪ Show them how to do it now ♪
( zapping )
Nothing.
It's got to work. Pump up the volume.
How loud would you like it?
( bass playing loudly )
Yeah, as loud as you like it.
( "Tom Sawyer" playing loudly )
It won't make any difference.
You're lying.
It's only rock and roll, Buck.
It won't heal Randy's broken neck.
BUCK: But it worked for me.
I mean, I was by the medics,
and-and I played the music and my heart, my heart...
He's right, Buck.
It's too late.
You've got to go. No.
Look at me.
You've got to go...
Come back to us.
Clear!
( grunts )
( groans )
You've got to go back, Buck.
Go back to what?
Who's going to go to concerts with ya?
Who's going to party with ya?
You'll be all alone, Buck.
Don't listen to him.
No, he's right.
He's right. I can't...
I can't leave you here alone.
I mean, you're my best friend.
♪ Today's Tom Sawyer ♪
♪ He gets high on you ♪
♪ And the energy you trade ♪ My only friend.
♪ He gets right on ♪ Let go, Buck.
♪ To the friction of the day ♪ I'm sorry, Randy...
about everything.
Hey, who taught me how to hot-wire cars, huh?
Who always had my back in bar fights?
Who came back into hell for me?
( zapping )
( gasping and panting )
( monitor beeping )
NURSE: I need a doctor.
Now.
NURSE: Mr. Cadler.
CADLER: Yes, what is it?
NURSE: Doctor, here's her chart.
Her vitals are good.
Um, she's been in a coma for nine months
and then she just woke up.
CADLER: Christine? ♪ The world is, the world is ♪
Christine?
♪ Love and life are deep ♪
CADLER: Christine, sweetheart, can you hear me?
♪ Maybe as his eyes are wide... ♪
MAN 1: The kids are ruining rock and roll.
MAN 2: Does "Hope I die before I get old" ring a bell?
My generation refused to bow down.
...Radiohead, Tool...
Music today is meaningless.
( guitar, organ and bass play )
( drums join in )
WOMAN: Ned, RockFest is like...
It's the concert event of the decade, right?
I mean, it's so much better than Lollapalooza.
'Cause they, okay, they got two stages, right?
And there's, like, 30 bands.
And they got all these tents with a bunch of cool stuff.
Oh, sounds like a traveling Woodstock.
Yeah, yeah.
So, you know, uh, at Red Rocks, my girlfriend and I were selling
beersicles in the parking lot. Yeah?
Totally made enough to see both nights. Cool.
Yeah.
But, man, I got to tell you, Lenny Kravitz was just,
he was the best last night.
I mean, he only got to play 45 minutes
because Bob Dylan made a special appearance with him.
That's amazing. I know.
Like, why would they bump Lenny, okay?
Lenny, for some old guy who, like, can't even sing, right?
( giggles )
Infidels.
But, you know,
Lenny came back on an encore.
Thanks.
They sang, "Rock, Rock, Rocking on Heaven's Door."
( screams )
Man, I'm telling you, Lenny, he's just, he's awesome.
( engine sputters )
Oh, no.
What, "Oh, no?"
Hopefully, it's...
I'll pull over up here.
( engine sputters )
( brakes squeak )
Damn carburetor.
What's wrong?
I just got to flush the intake manifold.
Only take a second.
There's a screwdriver in the trunk.
Would you get it for me?
Yeah, sure.
Okay.
( mid-tempo rock beat )
You know, music today...
is meaningless.
It's made up by derivative retreads
who wake up every morning, wishing they were Bob Dylan,
John Lennon or Sly Stone.
Or, in the case of Lenny Kravitz, all three.
That fake.
That fake had no business being on the same stage as Dylan.
None.
Loser.
( brakes squeak )
And it's "Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heaven's Door."
( bluesy guitar song plays )
♪ Been a little off-center ♪
♪ Most of my life ♪
♪ I got a crooked nose ♪
♪ I can't think straight, I'm ahead of my time ♪
So, was everything okay?
Well, Krista,
the food was delicious, and the view was beautiful.
But the music was a little weak.
Too bad there's no Pearl Jam.
Sorry, sugar.
No, thanks. Just the bill, please.
KRISTA: You going to a concert or coming from?
Both, actually.
I need to be in Seattle the day after tomorrow.
Well, you might
get a trucker to take you as far as Portland.
That's a great tip. Thank you.
Actually, getting rides hasn't been a problem so far.
I started following this tour in Missouri.
Wow, that's a long way to ride with complete strangers.
Well, they're only strangers
until you get to know them, Krista.
Enjoy your concert.
♪ You must have learned patience from a saint ♪
♪ You love what I am, and not what I ain't ♪
♪ I don't know what you see in a rebel like me... ♪
( brakes squeak )
Thanks for stopping.
♪ Freewheeling ♪
♪ Tripping right on down the line ♪
( bluesy guitar solo plays )
So, you go to many concerts?
Yeah. 16 shows in seven different states.
Ah, you're a big music lover.
Yeah, Radiohead, Tool, STP.
You know, music that matters.
Well, I recorded this
at Autzen Stadium, August of '89.
My mom used to listen to this hippie crap.
The long, rambling songs are so boring.
Jams. They call them jams.
It sounds like they're making it up as they go along.
♪ Freewheeling ♪
♪ Tripping right on down the line ♪
Excuse me?
Sorry.
♪ Freewheeling ♪
Here, listen to this.
You can get lost in that groove.
Guess you've got to be stoned to really appreciate them.
Maybe so.
What are you doing?
What, you don't smoke?
No.
I thought you guys invented smoking.
All right, I know.
They're killers.
( sighs )
Do you have any other tapes?
Sure.
( guitar solo playing )
At the height of their powers.
Berkeley, 1975.
( similar guitar solo plays )
Now, that's what music of substance sounds like.
You remind me of this lady I got a ride from in Minnesota.
Yeah?
She had this stupid vanity license plate
that said "Flower Power."
She was listening to some old, tired music
and she tells me, "The first time I heard this song,
we marched on the Capitol to protest the war in Vietnam."
Yeah, well, my generation refused
to bow down to the establishment.
Your generation traded peace and love
for corporate raiding and junk bonds.
My generation brought the world
equality and free love.
Free love doubled the divorce rate.
I can't handle this music.
Hey, take it easy.
Your generation raps over classic rock songs
and calls it new.
You take drugs to hide from reality
instead of to expand your mind.
And you'll pay $20,000
for a Volkswagen Beetle just so you can...
What did you do to your hand?
I could use a drink.
♪ That dream truck keeps on rolling ♪
Thirsty?
You, first.
( guitar solo continues )
( grunts )
♪ Wheels rolling, baby, all night long ♪
♪ And keep, keeping on ♪
( guitar solo )
( sighs )
Thank you.
Sure.
♪ ...keep, keeping on ♪
( engine sputters )
Oh, no.
What's wrong?
Oh, it's probably nothing.
I'm going to pull over right over here.
Good spot.
( song continues )
( music stops, engine shuts off )
What's wrong?
Damn carburetor.
Look, there's a screwdriver in the trunk.
I'll pop it open.
Wh-Why don't you get the screwdriver?
'Cause I'm popping the trunk.
But why don't I pop the trunk and you get the screwdriver?
'Cause it's already popped.
( trunk pops up )
( hood pops up )
And look, I popped the hood, too.
Now, do you want to help,
or do you want to walk?
All right.
( crickets chirping )
Hey, Bob.
You're my first New Hampshire.
Quite a collection, Bob.
You, too.
You know, your music and your time have come and gone.
Does "Hope I die before I get old" ring a bell?
You kids...
you kids are ruining rock 'n roll
with your hip-hop beats
and your insipid boy bands.
Dinosaur.
Poseur.
Deadwood.
Parasite!
( grunting )
Damn.
Should have got the Tru Coat, Bob.
The oak-handled clawhammer?
Don't you find that a bit pedestrian?
Some consider it clumsy... even old-fashioned.
But when you feel that first blow
to the back of the head resonate through the wood,
it's like a stand-up double.
What the hell is that?
It's a compass.
What else you packing?
A protractor?
Excuse me.
Sorry for trying to show a little creativity.
Well, at least you learned something in school,
besides how to download porn off the internet.
We'll see how sanctimonious you are
with this sticking out of your jugular.
You know, I've registered 40-foot spurts with this baby.
40 feet?
I'm skeptical.
I wouldn't lie to you, Bob.
Professional courtesy.
"Professional courtesy"?
Get off the roof, you idiot!
It's a 1960 classic Cadillac!
BOB: Ow. Ow. Oh. Ow.
Oh. Oh.
BOB: Oh. Ow.
Bob, come out and play.
Bob?
Look what you did to my roof.
( horn honks )
Good evening, gentlemen.
The old dog won't hunt, eh?
Uh, yeah.
( chuckles )
Well, have no fear, Sam is here.
( chuckling )
Sometimes, you know,
I can get a car to turn over
by just staring at the plug wires.
( cackling )
We'll have a little look-see.
( hood opens )
Oh, yeah, th-the fuel system on these beauties...
damned finicky.
But then nothing ever seems to be as good as it used to be
does it?
Where you boys headed?
To the RockFest concert in Seattle.
That's sure nice...
see a father and son spend time together like that.
Yeah, Dad's great about that kind of stuff.
Consider yourself lucky.
My son and I fought like cats and dogs.
For him, rock 'n roll was the be all and the end all.
And I liked that big band sound, you know?
Music with swing.
( chuckles )
You fellas got a flashlight?
In the trunk.
Son, would you give Dad a hand?
Sure, Dad.
( whispers ): He's mine.
He's yours?
My car.
I'm company.
Ah. Two out of three.
Wait.
If you're going to do it...
do it right.
Oh, my God, you really are a pro.
36 kills in 24 states.
16 in seven.
Ah, your best years are ahead of you.
A gun, Bob?
Tacky.
Shh. It's for self-defense.
A puncture hole to the ear?
I did an ear hole yesterday.
Any twitching?
Surprisingly little.
I like the twitching.
You know...
you ought to use piano wire on old turkey neck here.
Piano wire it is.
But watch your grip.
Or this can happen.
You don't want to live with that. It hurts.
Thanks.
( engine starts )
( chuckling )
Cancel the flashlight, boys.
It was just a loose distributor cap.
Distributor cap?
And there's no need to thank me.
I'm a member of the Highway Saviors Auto Club.
Helping strangers is what we do.
( chuckling )
( door shuts )
( engine starts )
♪ ...need somebody to love ♪
♪ Wouldn't you love somebody to love? ♪
♪ You better find somebody to love ♪
That was weird.
♪ Your eyes, I say your eyes look like his ♪ The moment did not seem right.
I feel, uh...
♪ But in your head, baby ♪ I don't know... dirty.
♪ I'm afraid you don't ♪ Degraded.
Used.
♪ Don't you want somebody to love? ♪ Yeah.
You ever let one live before?
♪ Don't you need somebody to love? ♪ Never.
♪ Wouldn't you love somebody to love? ♪
Well, I'm still alive.
♪ You better find somebody to love ♪
For now.
Dinosaur.
( chuckles )
Poseur.
Deadwood.
Parasite.
( laughing )
♪ Tears are running ♪
We will never let that happen again.
No, we won't.
♪ And your friends, baby ♪
♪ They treat you like a guest ♪
Don't even think about it.
♪ Don't you want somebody to love? ♪
♪ Don't you need somebody to love? ♪
( stomping on brake pedal )
Come on, Bob.
You're going to have to retire the old "my car's
breaking down" routine if we're to be working together.
( tires screeching )
Who are you trying to kid?
( tires screeching )
( crash )
What do you got?
DISPATCHER: 1-19. Go ahead.
It's not pretty.
What the hell?
Oh, man. Clint!
You're not going to believe this.
The power steering and the brake line are both razor-clean
just like the others.
Good day, Officer.
( swing music plays )
Can I be of any assistance?
Sir, nothing to see here.
Very good, Officer.
Have a good day.
( big band music plays )
Huh. Kids today.
They really ought to be more careful.
( music continuing )
MAN: Who the hell are you?!
WOMAN: Housekeeping, sir.
Not all guests are like Mr. Blitz.
MAN 2: Enough, Jimmy. Too much is never enough.
Oh, I hope everything is to your liking.
( bell dings )
MAN: Thanks for being flexible, Tom.
I guess Jimmy forgot about the interview.
Y-You don't have to convince me.
Um, my paper wants a cover story.
Just so you know, he was on a plane all night.
Miles, I'd have been disappointed
if he'd showed up on time.
Oh, now, that was the Blitz of the '80s
Believe me, he has learned to channel
all that reckless energy.
( loud rock music plays )
( hooting and yelling )
Coming through.
Watch out, watch out.
Robby!
( Robby howls )
TV racing!
( grunts )
( glass breaking )
( tires screech, crash )
Ooh!
Sorry.
( horn honking )
Damn, it's good to be back on the road again.
Ain't it, though?
( chuckles )
Hey, don't put the Buddha next to the Kali.
You'll throw off my chakras.
Jimmy!
Excuse me, darling. Jimmy! Jimmy!
Look who I have here-- Tom West
from the Times.
Welcome to the psycho ward--
my home away from rehab.
It's really great to meet you, yeah.
Jimmy, it's been a long time since your last tour.
Have you missed it?
Uh, hell, yeah, man!
It's the best job in the world.
The hours are great.
Sex isn't bad either.
Is it a bit of a disappointment
to be playing small clubs?
Doing the clubs is my way
of giving something back to the fans.
Can you really call it "giving something back"
when you're charging 50 bucks a head?
Hey, you're talking about a legend here-- Jimmy Blitz!
They pay to see a Jimmy Blitz show.
That's what I give them, you know?
Does the Jimmy Blitz show still involve
you getting blitzed before each show?
Jimmy!
Where'd you get this hack?!
I can see you've come a long way, Jimmy.
Yeah.
Get out of my sight.
Do you know something?
I went out on a limb to get that interview!
Always the last man standing.
( glass breaking )
( snickering )
( bell dings )
( easy-listening music plays )
( wheels squeaking )
( door opens )
( zipper unzips )
( trickling )
How do you d...?
( muttering )
Oh, for goodness sake.
( easy-listening music continuing )
Oh...
( humming softly )
( bell dings )
Apologize to him?
I had to offer him an exclusive
just to get him to come back.
I never apologized to anyone in my life.
That punk reporter can kiss the tattoo on my ass.
Look, Jimmy, we need this publicity, right?
We need good publicity.
I hope everything is to your...
BLITZ: Who needs the press anyway?
...liking.
They never write about my music.
Okay, so, a good write-up puts buns in seats, yeah?
Wait a minute, where...?
What happened here?
Yeah. It's... clean.
Where's my Buddha?
Where's my Kali?
( crashes )
Where the hell are my idols?
Look, if you don't take this seriously
this comeback tour isn't going to get
off the ground.
( bottles rattling )
I've asked him to come back after tonight's rehearsal, okay?
Look, it's not going to kill you
to answer a few questions, is it?
Might kill him.
I ask the questions.
I ask...
( sighs )
Stay focus. Brave, Tommy.
Focus.
Tommy!
Thanks for coming.
Yeah, yeah.
( gasps )
Look, uh, Miles assured me that the lighters and fluids...
Oh, I'm sorry.
I have to apologize about before.
I can get a little carried away.
Well, let's-let's get it over with, all right?
I'm happy to give you an exclusive. Yeah.
I've just got one condition.
( crowd cheering )
( slurring ): Do you have a problem with drugs?
Drink.
♪ Ooh, I guess you'll never know ♪
♪ The way I feel tonight... ♪
CROWD: Ooh...
( hooting and applause )
I don't have a problem with drugs.
The police have a problem with drugs.
( chuckling )
You were intoxicated for most of the '80s, eh?
Do you have any re... do you have any regrets?
Drink.
CROWD: Ooh!
( whistling )
( crowd cheering )
Yeah.
I missed out on a lot of orgies.
( laughter )
♪ ...way it feels tonight... ♪
Do you have a...
Do you have a bathroom?
CROWD: Oh!
Always the last man standing.
Yeah!
( bell dings )
( easy-listening music plays )
( wheels squeaking )
BLITZ: She loves us.
We're her job security.
( sighs )
( groans )
For the love of Pete.
( wheels squeaking )
( sighs )
Oh... oh.
Hey.
Oh, God, my head!
( groans )
Are you all right?
( retching )
Here.
You can use this...
if you have to.
Oh.
Thanks.
I'm sorry about the mess.
Not all guests are like Mr. Blitz.
Some respect my hospitality
and understand that they are guests.
Yeah.
Mr. Vedder was a perfect gentleman.
Vedd... Vedder?
Eddie Vedder?
Mr. Vedder.
Mr. Jagger picked up after himself
though Mr. Moon did not, nor did Mr. Hendrix.
Mr. Presley...
Mr. Presley was the absolute worst.
Elv... Elvis stayed here, in this room?
Yes.
How long have you worked here?
Long enough to know that Mr. Blitz has nothing
on Mr. Sinatra
and don't get me started on Mr. Little Richard.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Listen to me prattle on.
No, no. No, no.
Please, prattle.
Prattle, by all means.
What's this, then?
Man, that old lady can clean.
( wheels squeaking )
Oh, I hope everything is to your liking.
So, you want to play?
♪ Are you ready, Robby? ♪
♪ Well, all right ♪
♪ Let's go ♪
( "Ballroom Blitz" guitar riff )
♪ Yeah ♪
♪ It's been getting so hard ♪
♪ Living with the things you do to me ♪
♪ Now ♪
♪ I think we're getting so strange ♪
♪ I'd like to tell you everything I see ♪
♪ Aha ♪
♪ Heehee ♪
♪ Oh, I see a man at the back, as a matter of fact ♪
♪ His eyes are as red as the sun ♪
♪ And the girl in the corner let no one ignore her ♪
♪ She thinks she's the passionate one ♪
♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ It was electric ♪
♪ Everybody was frightenin' ♪
♪ And the music was soothing ♪
♪ And they all started grooving ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah ♪
♪ And the man at the back said everyone attack ♪
♪ And it turned into a ballroom blitz ♪
♪ And the girl in the corner said ♪
♪ Boy, I wanna warn you ♪
♪ It'll turn into a ballroom blitz ♪
♪ Ballroom blitz now ♪
♪ Ballroom blitz ♪
♪ It's, it's a ballroom blitz ♪
♪ Oh, yeah ♪
♪ It was electric ♪
♪ So frightfully hectic ♪
♪ And they all started leaving ♪
♪ 'Cause they all started screaming ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah ♪
♪ And the man at the back said everyone attack ♪
♪ And it turned into a ballroom blitz ♪
♪ And the girl in the corner said ♪
♪ Boy, I wanna warn you ♪
♪ It'll turn into a ballroom blitz ♪
♪ Ballroom blitz now ♪
♪ Ballroom blitz ♪
♪ Ballroom blitz now ♪
♪ It's, it's a ballroom blitz ♪
♪ All right... ♪
This is a mistake.
( elevator bell dings )
This is a joke, right?
Where's my article?
It's not that bad.
This is my headline.
Well, at least they didn't trash the show.
She took my story!
Oh, Jimmy, settle down.
She's a maid, for God's sake.
I want my headline!
( door slams open )
( easy-listening music playing )
Who the hell are you?!
Housekeeping, sir.
I hope everything is to your lik...
No!
Everything is not to my liking.
Was this your idea?
Jimmy, stop it.
( easy-listening music continuing )
( radio shattering )
Now, that's to my liking.
And that's to my liking.
No, please...
And that's really to my liking.
That's enough, Jimmy.
I've sold 40 million records.
Jimmy, stop it.
I've performed for kings and queens,
and nobody steals my thunder!
I hope this is to your liking!
Jimmy.
Jimmy, Jimmy...
Jimmy!
Cart's dead, man.
I'll tell you something, Jimmy.
I'm out of here.
I quit.
You can clean up your own messes from now on.
Excuse me.
MAN: I'm out of here.
What are you looking at?
You went too far, man.
There's no such thing as too far.
Who needs you, anyway?
I can replace all of you in two phone calls.
Yes, I can.
( squeaking )
( thunder crashing )
Who needs them?
I'm the one the fans want to see.
Ah. Too much is never enough!
Whoo!
( wheel squeaking )
( glass tinkling )
What the hell?
MAN: Hotel operator.
Hello. This is Jimmy Blitz in the VIP suite.
Hotel operator.
Hello? Uh, hello, can you hear me?
( clicking button )
Hotel operator.
Hello, this is Jimmy...
( voices chanting ): Scrub, scrub, scrub, let's clean out the tub.
( hangs up phone )
VOICE ON TV: ...cleaner than a brilliant shine on tub or sinks.
( voices chanting ): Scrub, scrub, scrub, let's clean out the tub.
Scrub, scrub, scrub, let's clean out...
WOMAN 1: Germs are killed and washed away leaving only the fresh scent...
WOMAN 2: ♪ It's an easy day when you clean with an Easy Day... ♪
( chanting ): Scrub, scrub, scrub, let's clean out the tub.
( laughing )
( pulls plug )
( easy-listening music plays )
I can hear you!
I know you're out there, you little witch!
Open this door!
Let's see you stop metal on wood.
Is that all you've got?!
Oh!
Ooh!
You're going to have to do better than that, you old hag.
WOMAN: I hope everything is to your liking.
( TV static )
♪ ...day when you clean with an Easy Day mop... ♪
MAN: Yes, with the Easy Day vacuum action dry mop
you can dust...
WOMAN 1: Cleaner than a...
WOMAN 2: Germs are killed and...
( chanting ): Scrub, scrub...
...clean out the tub.
Scrub, scrub... Germs are...
Clean... Or... ...killed.
VOICES: ...clean out the tub.
WOMAN: Nothing could be cleaner than a brilliant shine...
( chuckling )
Once again, the last man standing.
Ahh!
( metallic scraping )
( wheels squeaking )
( screaming )
( elevator bell dings )
( women squealing )
( laughter )
( hooting )
Come on, come on.
Whoo!
Let's kick this out.
Right.
( laughing )
Yeah, baby!
Party!
( yelling )
MAN 1: How do you always find the next big thing?
MAN 2: Overdose.
MAN 3: I just go with my gut.
WOMAN: He's going to kill me.
MAN 4: Suicide isn't your fault.
MAN 5: Why does this keep happening?
♪ It's just not a part of the sound ♪
♪ It's just the way that she moves ♪
♪ That's got me so... damn mystified... ♪
( scatting )
Wasn't this guy in Menudo?
You know, when they call it a "talent showcase"
I assume maybe we're going to see some talent.
I ain't drunk enough for this, man.
Another round?
You know, he has nice hair.
Yeah. When we signed Poison, they went triple platinum
and all they had was nice hair.
( chuckles )
Hey, yo, check it out.
We're in the presence of royalty.
God, hasn't he bought his own island yet?
Oh, you didn't hear about his golden boy, Tyson Cruger?
Mmm. Canceled the tour-- exhaustion.
Nervous breakdown.
Hey, Mike Carter.
How you doing? Jack Schulman.
I sent you Darcy King's demo.
I get a lot of demos.
You know, I'm her manager.
She's up next.
She's going to explode onto the scene.
I swear it, man. You're going to hear it
and you're going to kill to sign her.
I'm sorry, man. My label's full up on girl acts, but, uh...
Foley's label's looking.
She writes her own stuff, man.
It's insightful. It's brilliant.
I'll see you later, eh, Carter?
She's going to be a spokesperson for her generation.
How you doing, Marty?
How's the ulcer?
I'm fine.
Look, man, I'm, uh, sorry
to hear what happened to Tyson Cruger.
Oh, he just needed a little rest.
Right.
I heard he's finger-painting with his own feces.
Look, I work very closely with my acts...
but I'm not a baby-sitter.
There's a million things that can go wrong.
( crowd cheering )
So, what do you think?
He the next Latin crossover?
Not tonight, Carter.
I just thought that King Midas
might want to share a little of the touch
with a mere mortal, that's all.
Come on, Marty, how do you do it?
I mean, how do you always find the next big thing?
Well, I just go with my gut.
MAN: Right about now, I want y'all
to give a big Mondo Club welcome
to the young, talented, and the beautiful
Miss Darcy King.
Give it up, y'all.
( applause )
( electrical buzz )
( clearing throat )
( strikes minor chord )
( feedback squeal )
Sorry about that.
Hey, what'd you expect with no cover charge?
So sad.
See you at South By Southwest, man.
Yeah.
( ballad intro plays )
♪ This pace you're movin' ♪
♪ Explains your next bad day ♪
♪ It's all too slow ♪
♪ Will it ever go away? ♪
( agonized groan )
♪ You have no right ♪
( song continues in distorted voice )
( normal voice ): ♪ There ain't no love ♪
♪ You need to get... ♪
♪ Remember when our lives were so simple ♪
♪ When you thought dreams ♪
♪ Could actually come true ♪
♪ When the whole world was insane ♪
♪ Including me and you ♪
♪ Not like it matters ♪
♪ Not like you really care ♪
♪ Not like it matters that... ♪
( giggling )
♪ I was always there ♪
♪ I was always... ♪
( laughs )
♪ Not like it matters, not like you... ♪
( tape stops )
Aah!
( tape rewinds )
I'm sorry, Dean.
I don't know. This just isn't feeling right.
It's okay.
Let's take it from the bridge.
This time, ju-just try putting a little blues
on it for me, all right?
DEAN: Bend the notes.
♪ It's not like it matters ♪
♪ Not like you really care ♪
♪ Not like it matters that I was always there... ♪
Yeah, yeah, that's fine, I guess
but, baby, what you got to do
is emote.
You're not feeling
the lyrics, all right?
I got it, Jack, okay?
Then why don't you do it, okay?
( door shuts )
You know, Dean,
you still sound great.
If you ever get the urge to cut another album,
just let me know.
Thanks, but no thanks.
One ride is enough for me, partner.
I'm embarrassing you?
Yeah, you're embarrassing me...
DEAN: Marty, she's having enough trouble
without this trailer trash in her face.
We're never going to made deadline.
Well, we have to.
The label's pushing for a holiday release,
and Trent is already greasing the wheels.
Which holiday?
Christmas or the 4th of July?
Jack.
What!?
Can I have a word with you?
Get this done.
Hey, princess
you look great.
You always say I look great, Martin.
That's because you always do.
Hey, what's up, Marty?
Um, can I talk to you outside?
We're kind of busy making magic here, man.
Yeah, well, um, it's important.
All right.
I'll just be a minute.
We'll count the seconds.
We are falling behind schedule.
Yeah, I know, I know.
And I think Dean's the problem.
You know how these faded stars get, Marty.
Always trying to weasel their way
back in the spotlight, right?
He's doing this
as a personal favor for me.
Yeah, okay, whatever.
The point is,
we sold 12 million units without Dean.
I can't work with this guy!
Well, you're not working with him.
Darcy is.
One word from me and she isn't.
Do you understand?!
( cell phone rings )
Sitting out her contract
will destroy her career.
This is Martin.
Yeah, Trent.
Now?
I'll be right there.
Jack, I respect your relationship with Darcy
and what you've done for her.
Damn straight.
But we are making an album here,
and I think you realize the importance
of finishing on time and on budget.
Fine.
I will give Dean one more week.
Thank you.
I'll be back this afternoon.
Mmm-hmm-hmm.
( slams on door )
Open the door!
Now, Darcy!
You wanted to see me?
Hey, Martin. Yeah.
Great timing. Have a seat.
I was listening to some demos.
What do you think?
What's that gut of yours say?
( mid-tempo rock beat on tape )
Nothing.
You see, if this is about the album...
Well, how about this?
They're called, uh, Glory Hole.
It's neo-grunge out of Portland.
( fast techno beat )
( music continues )
Nope.
Sorry.
Um, listen, Trent, I know we're running behind
but you know how Jack is.
He has Darcy wrapped around his finger.
Yeah, well, unwrap her.
That's your job.
I'm on it.
Hey, how about this?
Kind of an all-girl Smashing Pumpkins.
♪ You know you held me... ♪
( groans )
♪ It was you and me... ♪
( in distorted, slow motion voice ): All right, Martin.
( groans )
( tape stops )
Looks like we have a winner.
( groans )
Hey, Martin...
( groans )
Look... I actually didn't call you over about the album.
I'm afraid I got some bad news.
It's about C.C. Carmen.
DEAN: He used to brag about doing a hundred through the canyons.
I always knew he'd die in that car.
If not that car, then something else.
What?
Wh-What do you mean?
Well, somehow, I can pick the shooting stars.
Platinum every time, but they all flame out.
Hey, that's paranoid, man.
Well, you have to admit, I'm the link.
Dean, this isn't your fault.
You did not put him behind that wheel, drunk.
No, but I got him into this.
And if I would have left him where I found him,
he would still be alive.
Do you realize how crazy that sounds?
Do you realize that
you and Darcy are the only ones left?
MARTIN: Hey, guys, I'm home.
( door shuts )
Daddy!
My beautiful daughter.
Oh, I missed you.
Go finish
your homework, Lauren.
Oh, but Daddy just got home.
That's okay. I'll be up in a minute.
How was it?
It was better than most.
I went for a walk after.
C.C. had such a beautiful voice.
Why does this keep happening?
It's not your fault, Martin.
You can't live their lives for them.
Maybe I pushed him too hard.
You gave him a chance to live his dream.
And where did that get him?
Where did that get any of them?
( phone rings )
Don't answer it.
( ringing continues )
It's Darcy.
Martin, please.
Hello.
DARCY: Martin, it's me. Jack's outside.
Leave me alone!
Okay, Darcy, calm down.
He won't leave.
I don't know what to do.
Darcy, Darcy, listen to me.
Lock yourself in the bathroom.
I will be right there.
Call the police.
Martin...
( tires screech )
She's all yours, Marty.
Don't talk to me, Jack.
Marty...
How did this happen?
I finally told him--
I told Jack that I don't love him
and I don't even want him as a manager anymore.
( siren whoops )
And he just freaked out.
He started hitting me and waving a gun
and-and breaking things.
I don't know what I'm going to do.
( whimpers )
He said he was going to kill me.
Listen to me...
that is not going to happen to you.
I won't let it.
You understand?
Not to you, okay?
Her boyfriend attacked her.
Yeah, but she's okay, right?
No, she's not.
She's a mess.
She is too vulnerable.
She can't handle any of this.
Trent, I'm pulling her out.
We have to push the album back.
You can't make that call.
Advance orders are through the roof.
She is a raw nerve.
I don't think that she's going to make it.
She's hot now, Martin.
That girl could yodel into an answering machine
and move ten million units.
Get me that album.
My clients are not just units, Trent.
They are people...
artists!
Do you ever wonder what happens to them
after the product gets shipped?
Overdose, hmm?
Assault and battery.
Suicide.
Mental breakdown.
Car wreck.
Trent, don't you see the pattern?
Maybe the people that I've discovered
aren't meant for this business, no matter how talented they are.
This business can be cruel, Martin.
And sometimes careers do end tragically.
You don't believe, you watch Behind the Music.
Now get me that album.
You cannot use people up and then throw them away!
Get me that album.
I don't want Darcy
to be another tombstone hanging on your wall.
Come on, Martin, enough.
We both know Darcy will do whatever you tell her to.
You get me that album, or I'll find someone who will.
( mid-tempo pop beat )
♪ Just thought you'd like to hear my thoughts ♪
♪ On all that you do... ♪
What are we doing here, Marty?
We're yodeling into an answering machine.
♪ On all that you do ♪
Never mind.
♪ Everyone's expectations... ♪
( voice cracking )
I'm sorry, I can't do this.
( door shuts )
( birds singing )
Don't make me go back in there.
Darcy, we are so close.
I sold 12 million albums
on my first try.
What do you want me to do for an encore?
Sell five million...
and accept defeat gracefully.
I had my whole life to write that album.
I can't write another one in seven months.
( sighs )
I don't care anymore.
I don't feel it, Marty.
I know you're tired.
I know you need a break.
When?
After the album?
After the publicity tour, the concerts?
When?
I can't take a break.
Not now.
( sobbing )
I'm sorry.
Please tell me what to do.
I'll do whatever you say.
I say, take a break.
We'll shut it down.
You just leave.
What, I just walk away?
The label will drop me.
You're multi-platinum, Darcy.
The label is not going to drop you.
You just come back... whenever you think
you're ready.
( sighs )
What if I'm never ready?
Well, then, I wish you a... very long life... okay?
Okay?
( sniffles ) Okay?
Come on.
When you go, just go home, okay?
Daddy's home.
Daddy!
Did you discover anyone today?
Well, as a matter of fact
there is this amazing new act.
It's a family group.
They've got a mother and a daughter
and they are so beautiful
and talented.
Oh, Daddy.
I've got a surprise for you.
I did it, Sue.
I pulled the plug.
I sent Darcy home.
What about the label? Screw the label.
I... am... finished.
I have a long list of chores for you
during your retirement.
( cell phone rings )
Oh...
it's probably Trent
just, you know, calling to make it official.
Hello.
Hey, it's me.
Guess who just showed up at the studio?
Jack's out of jail, and he's in a foul mood.
Where's Darcy?
I already tried her place, but she didn't pick up.
Well, she should be home.
Listen, meet me there.
Okay, I'm there.
You're leaving?
I'm so sorry, sweetie, but I'll be right back.
This is the last time, I promise.
( horn honking )
( tires squealing )
( phone rings )
( phone ringing )
( phone beeps )
Hello?
Oh, good. You are there.
Hey, Martin.
What's going on?
Jack is out of jail.
Jack?
He's already been by the studio.
I can be at your house in about 20 minutes
but I think you had better leave right away.
Oh, God, Martin.
I will take care of this, Darcy.
Okay.
Don't worry.
Okay. Bye.
( car approaches )
( car door closes )
( gun cocks )
( footsteps approaching )
( background radio dispatches )
Darcy! Martin!
Are you okay? It happened so fast.
Hey, hey, what's this? What's going on?
You'll have to talk to the detective.
Martin!
Darcy, everything will be all right.
Apparently, the girl mistook this guy
for her ex-boyfriend.
What happened here?
You can't come in here.
This is a crime scene.
No!
Dean!
Help him.
You got to help him.
It's too late.
It was an accident.
This is... it was an accident.
JACK: I'll take care of it.
Don't worry about it.
Be careful.
It was an...
I know, I know, I know.
( engine starts )
No.
Morning, Daddy.
Are you okay?
I know what will cheer you up.
My surprise.
( plays simple tune )
Ahh!
No.
( Dean groans )
Please, no.
( groaning )
Oh, God, not her.
( piano tune continuing )
Please, no.
What do you think, Daddy?
Will you discover me?
Sure, honey.
You have a rare gift.
What's the matter?
Oh, I seem to have lost my ring
down the disposal
and my hands are too big to fit in.
Would you... reach in and get it for me?
Sure.
I don't feel it.
Oh, it's in there.
Dig deep.
( driving rock tempo )
Captioning sponsored by PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org