In "Rock of Ages," young hero Drew (Diego Boneta) writes an original song for his new love, Sherrie (Julianne Hough).
This song is titled "Don't Stop Believin'."
Now, "Rock of Ages" is set in 1987, though no one seems to question the originality of Drew's new song ... even though it sounds exactly like Journey's version of "Don't Stop Believin'," which was released on the 1981 album, "Escape." Meanwhile, in another scene, Mary J. Blige performs a rousing rendition of Journey's "Any Way You Want It." So, admittedly, in the process of giving this scenario way too much thought, the question becomes: In the "Rock of Ages" universe, does the band Journey exist?
This question was presented to Hough, Boneta and "Rock of Ages" director Adam Shankman.
Julianne Hough: Not at all! I think Drew is Steve Perry. Right? Can you imagine if Drew actually wrote that song? By the way, that would have been a really funny outtake if someone would have [accused him of stealing the song]. And, probably, that would have been Alec Baldwin or Russell Brand.
Diego Boneta: You know what? That's a very good question. [Pauses] I don't know. I mean, my character writes "Don't Stop Believin'" -- which, obviously, is not what happened. And then "Any Way You Want It" ... I mean, I don't know! Maybe Journey got inspired by seeing Drew at the Bourbon Room with Sherrie and Stacee Jaxx? Then they just took the song and ripped it off.
Adam Shankman: You know, I think the band actually does exist because, I think, people are wearing Journey shirts at some point. They just didn't write that song. And, by the way, I think we probably had to pay dearly to say they didn't write that song.
Mike Ryan is senior entertainment writer for The Huffington Post. He's been listening to the Rock of Ages soundtrack on repeat all day. You can contact Mike Ryan directly on Twitter.
