Hot Docs 2008

In many ways, the lives and careers of Mike and Claire Sardina epitomize a certain variation of the rock 'n' roll experience. They follow their dream, work as hard as they can to get that one big break, that one taste of fame, only to see it all come undone by turmoil befitting a Greek tragedy. Or a Neil Diamond song. The Sardinas build a cult following in Milwaukee and Chicago as the Neil Diamond tribute band Lightning and Thunder. Fame comes first in the form of an invitation from Eddie Vedder to perform with Pearl Jam in 1995. Then a freak accident changes Claire's life forever, sending the singing duo into a tailspin of dire financial difficulty, family dysfunction and artistic irrelevancy. Authentic dreamers to the core, Mike and Claire persevere. Their story is one of hope, faith and unwavering optimism.