This is about people showing up for each other. It's a love story

WHEN Mike Sardina and Claire Stingl first met at a "Legends" gig at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1987, a cosmic connection sparked between the two down-on-their-luck musicians.

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Mike, a divorced Vietnam veteran and recovering alcoholic, fell for Claire, a single mother, the moment he saw her performing her Patsy Cline act on stage.

Both carrying their own sorrows, they soon joined forces to form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band under the stage names Lightning and Thunder, proving it's never too late to find love and follow your dreams.

Now, a new film starring Les Miserables star Hugh Jackman as Mike and Almost Famous actress Kate Hudson as Claire, brings the story of this remarkable couple to life.

Directed by Craig Brewer, Song Sung Blue also stars The Sopranos actor Michael Imperioli, Succession actor Fisher Stevens, The Boss actress Ella Anderson and musician King Princess.

Hugh, 57, says he was already familiar with the story from the 2008 documentary Song Sung Blue, directed by Greg Kohs.

"I knew about the documentary and I signed on before the script was written, because I found myself telling everyone I met about this incredible story," the Australian actor explains.

"They're real, everyday, working-class people. Their story is so extraordinary, yet they could be on the subway with you, and it makes me look at people in a different way."

"Every life is extraordinary and what people go through, that's what the movie's about. Yes, they had big dreams, but this is not a rags-to-riches story. This is about people showing up for each other. It's a love story, and I just couldn't wait to get into it. Working with Kate was also just so easy and a complete joy."