Song Sung Blue: The Unforgettable Collaboration Between Eddie Vedder and Lightning & Thunder
In the movie "Song Sung Blue," there is a scene where Eddie Vedder joins the musical duo Lightning & Thunder, played by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, to sing a Neil Diamond cover. This moment, which seems like it could be from a scripted biopic, actually happened in real life. Vedder sang with Lightning & Thunder during a Pearl Jam concert, and this event was captured on camera for the documentary "Song Sung Blue" by Greg Kohs. The film portrays this scene slightly differently, showing Lightning & Thunder opening for Pearl Jam at a local Milwaukee theater, while in reality, they sang with Pearl Jam during the band's encore at Milwaukee's Summerfest in 1995.
The performance with Vedder singing Diamond's "Forever in Blue Jeans" is a memorable moment for Lightning & Thunder, both in real life and in the film. Vedder, who initially didn't know the lyrics to the song, sang it confidently on screen, while in reality, he read the lyrics off a page. Despite this, Vedder's performance was well-received by the audience, and he even joked that the song was the "original grunge song." The documentary captures the excitement and significance of this moment for Lightning & Thunder, with Claire describing it as one of the most exciting moments of her life.
After Mike's passing in 2006, Vedder continued to show his support for Lightning & Thunder. He sent Claire a Gibson guitar to play at Mike's funeral, along with a heartfelt note expressing his condolences and appreciation for their musical partnership. Vedder's gesture and ongoing support for Lightning & Thunder have left a lasting impact on Claire, who describes it as "unbelievable." Vedder's advocacy for the duo extended to ensuring that Neil Diamond's music could be used in the original documentary, showcasing his commitment to telling Lightning & Thunder's story.
Overall, the collaboration between Eddie Vedder and Lightning & Thunder remains a significant moment in their musical journey, both on and off the screen. Vedder's support and involvement in their story have solidified his role as a key figure in their lives, with his actions reflecting a deep respect and admiration for the duo. "Song Sung Blue" captures the essence of this unique partnership and the impact it had on all involved, making it a compelling and heartfelt story that resonates with audiences.