Cameron Crowe's film draws from his own teenage years as a music journalist for Rolling Stone.
The band Stillwater in the film is a blend of various 1970s rock bands, with ties to the Allman Brothers among others.
The film's use of the name Stillwater led to legal issues with a real Southern rock band with the same name.
Rock legend Peter Frampton served as a consultant, ensuring authenticity in the film's music scenes.
Nancy Wilson of Heart collaborated with Crowe to compose original songs for Stillwater in the movie.
Mike McCready of Pearl Jam performed the guitar solos for Billy Crudup's character, Russell Hammond.
Brad Pitt was initially cast as Russell Hammond, later replaced by Crudup, leading to adjustments in other roles including Penny Lane's.