In the vibrant heart of Manchester, an energetic narrator named Tony Wilson, who is also an ambitious television presenter, embarks on an unexpected journey through the musical scene of the 70s and 80s. From his interactions with punk music to the explosion of the acid house movement, Tony becomes both a witness and often the protagonist of a cultural revolution. As he organizes concerts and events at his famous club, the Hacienda, he crosses paths with iconic talents like Joy Division, The Smiths, and Happy Mondays, each adding their own spark to the explosive musical environment.
The story is a journey filled with ups and downs, where the first notes of joy and success soon blend with personal challenges and the shadows of drug use affecting many musicians. With a volatile camera capturing both the electrifying rhythm of nightlife and Tony's introspective moments, the film is a collage of laughter, tears, and unforgettable music. As Tony navigates the complexities of fame, loss, and the search for true meaning behind all this euphoria, he realizes that, although time marches on, music and its legacy will endure. An uninhibited tribute to a golden era, the plot unfolds with an almost documentary style that blends reality and fiction, transforming the story of music into a celebration of life itself.