Hollywood star Kate Hudson has revealed an unexpected link between Pearl Jam and her latest movie Song Sung Blue.
Based on a true story, first shared in a 2008 documentary of the same name written, co-produced, and directed by Greg Kohs, Song Sung Blue tells the story of two down-on-their-luck musicians (played by Hugh Jackman and Hudson) who form a Neil Diamond tribute band and fall in love. In real life, the tribute band, Lightning & Thunder, got to perform at 1995's Summerfest festival in Milwaukee at the invitation of Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, and Vedder subsequently played a huge part in helping to get Greg Kohs permission from Neil Diamond to use his music in the original documentary.
During a recent guest DJ session on SiriusXM’s Pearl Jam Radio, Kate Hudson revealed Vedder's link to her film too.
The actress prefaced her story by saying, "I'm a huge Pearl Jam fan. I'm a '90s girl, so like when I was in high school, Pearl Jam was everything, and of course, Eddie Vedder was just the hottest thing known to mankind."
In reference to Song Sung Blue, Hudson continues, "It's a beautiful film, but Eddie plays a big part in this movie. It's a true story about Mike and Claire Sardina. They were a Neil Diamond tribute band. They were married. Incredible love story. Kind of a tragic love story, but it's incredibly life affirming, but Eddie changed their life.
"Eddie was playing Summerfest in 1995, Pearl Jam was playing there, and Eddie had a friend... I think his name was Fred or something... that was like a local guy in Milwaukee who said, 'You should get this couple, Lightning and Thunder, to come play with you at Summerfest'... and Eddie just leaned in and called them up and invited them on stage, and it completely changed this couple's life. Also, Eddie's been so supportive of this movie, and we're so grateful, and he also allowed us to use Alive."
In a 2025 interview with Reel As Dirt, film-maker Greg Kohs revealed how Vidder helped secure Neil Diamond's permission to use his music in the original documentary, after his publisher refused. Kohs revealed that, just before his film was due to screen at Slamdance film festival in Los Angeles, he called a phone number for Eddie Vedder to beg him to help.
"While trying to hold my shit together, I explained who I was and why I was calling," he remembered. "I requested help getting my film in front of Neil Diamond so I could share Lightning & Thunder's love story with the world. Not knowing for sure who I had just called, I hung up and went to bed.
"Then my phone rang - it was 1 a.m. when I picked up. It was Eddie Vedder. He apologized for calling so late but said he had spoken to his manager, and they would do what they could to get to Neil Diamond and have him watch the film. He mentioned how important it was for artists to get out in front of the industry machine, and that there was no guarantee they could reach Neil. Still, they would try."
On the day the film was due to screen at Slamdance, Kohs says he was in a local, bar when he received a messafe that there was a phone call for him.
"I picked up the phone, and a smooth, silky baritone voice said, 'Greg Kohs? This is Neil Diamond. I'm currently in the studio recording my new album, and I wanted to let you know how much I loved - loved- loved your movie and am honored to have my music included in it." I was a mess-goosebumps and tears all at once....
"Then, my phone rang - 'Greeeeeg, it's Eddie! I just heard that Neil watched your film and loved it!' I said, I know, Neil just called me! And Eddie yelled, 'NO FUCKING WAY!' And then I said, and why I said it I have no idea, You're a fucking rock star, Eddie! I went on to thank Eddie for his help, and before he hung up, he said, 'Greg, enjoy the ride.'
Song Sung Blue went on to win the Jury and Audience Awards for Best Documentary at Slamdance.
@pearljam Eddie invites Milwaukee musicians and Neil Diamond tribute act "Lightning and Thunder" on stage to sing "Forever in Blue Jeans" at Summerfest '95. Catch the story of Mike and Claire Sardina in "Song Sung Blue" starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, in theaters now. 🎥: Greg Kohs, Song Sung Blue, 2008
♬ original sound - Pearl Jam
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