Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup)’s Timeline and Summary
- We first meet Russell outside of the venue in San Diego where William goes to report on Black Sabbath.
- Russell shares a moment with Penny, and it's clear the two have a history.
- Russell proves to be an elusive interview subject for William, but he eventually invites William up to Los Angeles to finish up his article. His ulterior motive, however, is to have an excuse for inviting Penny.
- Russell continues to deflect William's interview requests. "Just make us look cool," he tells the young journalist, when he is finally cornered.
- Russell is electrocuted during a show in Tempe and defers the interview again.
- In Topeka, Russell and Jeff have a confrontation over a botched T-shirt. Angry at the band, Russell takes William out to find something "real."
- Russell and William attend a party at a friend's house, which culminates in Russell tripping on acid, yelling "I am a golden god" from the rooftop.
- Dick and the band pick up a loopy Russell the next morning. Everyone is less than thrilled about his actions, but after a sing-along to "Tiny Dancer," tensions are released.
- Russell condones the sale of Penny Lane for $50 and a case of beer because Leslie, his "ex-wife, current girlfriend thing" will be meeting the band in New York.
- Russell spots Penny from across the room at a bar in New York but makes no attempt to speak with her.
- After the band's near-death experience on a plane—where the rest of Stillwater reveals to Russell that his sense of superiority has caused them to resent him—Russell tells William to write what he wants.
- When Rolling Stone calls to fact check, Russell, realizing that William has painted a less than flattering portrait of the band, denies the truth of the story.
- Russell has a conversation with Sapphire, who tells him that everyone knows what he did to William.
- Afterward, Russell calls Penny Lane, wanting to meet with her one more time.
- Arriving at the address Penny gave him, Russell is surprised to meet Elaine Miller at the door. He realizes slowly that Penny sent him to meet with William.
- Russell and William reconcile, and Russell finally lets William interview him.