Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives!

Satin Records refuses to release A Season in Hell, labeling it unfit for commercial success. The rejection happened about 20 years before the present events, setting up the label's bitterness toward the band and its legacy.

To capitalize on Eddie's fame posthumously, Satin begins the Eddie Lives! campaign. The label keeps Eddie's name alive as a publicity stunt while pretending he is dead, hoping to boost sales and interest.

During the campaign, previously unreleased 'lost recordings' from Season in Hell are found and released. The discovery excites fans and drives new interest in the band's history, making the album a major hit.

A mystery demo tape appears, and a voice expert confirms that Eddie Wilson played on it, though the recording's date relative to Eddie's death is unclear. The tape becomes a crucial element in the ongoing Eddie Lives! narrative and drives further speculation.

Eddie escapes the car crash and starts a new life under the name Joe West, living in Canada as a construction worker. He hides his past while redefining himself away from the public eye, nursing his lost ambitions and personal demons.

In Canada, Eddie joins a struggling bar band and gradually demonstrates his talent by challenging and eventually exciting the group. His return to performing breathes life into Rock Solid as they begin to tour and reel in new fans.

During the tour, Eddie experiences more frequent flashbacks of his former life as Eddie Wilson. The memories clash with his current identity and threaten to overshadow the band's momentum as they travel from city to city.

The band agrees to audition for a major music festival, but Eddie demands that they isolate in a cabin to remove distractions and re-focus on the music. The plan heightens tension as the group struggles to stay cohesive.

Inside the cabin, Eddie's anger resurges and reaches a boiling point, culminating in him smashing his guitar and walking away from the band. The moment marks a turning point where personal demons threaten the group's future.

Saxophonist Hilton confronts Eddie by a fire outside the cabin and admits he recognized Eddie's talent and true identity. He reminds Eddie that his destiny lies with music rather than a normal life, pushing him to rejoin the band.

Satin Records escalates pressure for proof that Eddie lives, aided by the claimed involvement of Bo Diddley on the mystery tapes. In seclusion, Rick sends a tape to Satin noting the resemblance of Eddie's voice to a real lead singer, heightening the chase.

Rock Solid auditions for the festival and earns a spot to perform. Eddie opens up to his girlfriend Diane, who urges him to perform regardless of his stage name, supporting him to accept his second chance.

Eddie and Sal Amato revisit the site of Eddie's past jam at an old abandoned church, reconstructing a long-buried night with Wendell and Bo Diddley. Eddie confesses the weight of his past and Sal reminds him that the point is playing music, not living up to a myth.

Eddie travels back to Montreal, ready to play the festival with Rock Solid. He gains belief from his allies and accepts the opportunity to reclaim his musical identity on stage.

In a climactic moment, Satin's interference and the truth about Eddie's identity collide as Eddie is recognized on stage. Diane persuades him to perform today, and he proclaims, 'I'm Eddie Wilson,' as the band launches into the next song, signaling the new chapter.