Siblings Patti (Joan Jett) and Joe (Michael McKean) Rasnick are at the heart of a rock band called The Barbusters, based out of Cleveland, Ohio. As a single mother, Patti juggles the demands of her job while trying to provide for her son, Benji. With her passion for music ever-present, she faces daily challenges that threaten her livelihood and her dreams. Joe, on the other hand, secures a stable income working at a manufacturing plant, which is crucial for supporting his sister’s family.
As The Barbusters prepare for a performance that could change everything, Patti resorts to desperate measures, breaking into a home to steal tools that will fund new equipment—a crucial Peavey mixing board. Her bold act of rebellion pays off when she arrives just in time for the show, allowing The Barbusters to unleash their energetic and captivating sound. However, the repercussions of her theft are swift as Joe is confronted by a coworker, Smittie. In a moment of sibling loyalty, Joe reluctantly agrees to help cover Patti's $600 restitution but finds himself facing a layoff shortly after, leaving them both in a precarious position.
With their financial situation rapidly deteriorating, The Barbusters set off on a challenging tour, with Patti and Joe taking on the dual responsibilities of supporting their band and caring for young Benji. Despite navigating through slim earnings and the exhaustion of constant travel, their spirits remain resilient. Yet beneath this facade, unspoken tensions bubble up, primarily stemming from Patti's dissatisfaction with her current situation and her yearning to elevate The Barbusters' success.
As the grueling tour progresses, Joe grows increasingly concerned about Patti's erratic behavior. Every attempt he makes to bring her back to reality is met with resistance. The situation escalates into a heated argument when Patti reveals she has been secretly hoarding "steaks" for a future celebration, prompting Joe to confront her shoplifting habits. This confrontation ultimately leads them to a heartfelt discussion, where they face the harsh truths about their lives and the strain on their familial bonds. Meanwhile, little Benji becomes a silent witness to the turmoil, as his parents' struggles threaten the stability he has always known.
In a bid to regain control over her dreams, Patti sets her sights on auditioning for The Hunzz, a well-known local metal band. While Joe’s protective instincts fuel skepticism over this risky leap, it becomes evident that the future of The Barbusters hangs in a delicate balance, requiring sacrifice and perseverance from both siblings. As they struggle to chart a path forward, Joe returns to the grind of factory life, now playing the role of surrogate father to Benji. Yet, a new worry emerges as their mother, Jeanette, begins to show signs of cognitive decline that Joe’s father, Benjamin (not listed in the cast), acknowledges but chooses to keep to himself for her sake.
The fabric of reality begins to fray when Joe receives a distressing call about Jeanette's hospitalization. On arriving, he finds her confused and disoriented, revealing a stark new layer of dread in their lives. The devastating news of her ovarian cancer diagnosis shatters their world. As Jeanette's health spirals downward, she starts to forget about Patti, prompting Joe to resolve to bring her back into the fold.
Reuniting with Patti at a Hunzz show, Joe finds her—and their connection is rekindled as they share a night out and engage in a heartfelt reconciliation. However, their newfound relief is short-lived as Jeanette's condition worsens, leading her to request an intimate conversation with Patti at the hospital. It is there that a shocking revelation emerges: Reverend Ansley is Benji’s biological father, adding heavier stakes to their family drama.
As Jeanette draws her last breaths, she makes poignant requests for Benjamin to remarry and for Patti to join her in the afterlife. To her surprise, Patti agrees to both, but the tragedy deepens when Jeanette passes away, leaving behind a whirlwind of unresolved issues and grief.
At Jeanette’s funeral, the atmosphere is thick with sorrow, yet Patti remains absent from the scene. In a bid to find her, Joe discovers her lost in nostalgia at an arcade, reflecting on their shared history. His plea for her to return to reality ignites a pivotal moment for Patti, leading her back to the funeral home where she finds comfort in embracing their father.
As The Barbusters gear up for their long-awaited reunion show, Patti has been on her journey toward healing. Unbeknownst to them, she gradually finds her way back to the group. Just as the opening notes resound, she bursts onto the stage, embodying a sense of renewal and purpose, heralding a triumphant return for The Barbusters and a new chapter for them all.
