Based loosely on a true story , the film begins in June 1971 when a young singer-songwriter named Danny Collins is being interviewed by a rock and roll magazine . The writer puts on Danny ’ s record and tells him that he ’ s going to be a big star . He tells Danny that he writes lyrics like John Lennon , who just happens to be the kid ’ s biggest influence .
“ You ’ re going to be huge kid ,” says the writer . “ Richer than rich , famous as shit , more women than you know what to do with . I ’ m telling you this and I ’ ve got to ask , why are you sitting there staring at me , looking like that information scares the living shit out of you ?” The camera slowly zooms in on the young artist who says , “ Because it does .”