Who Inspired Tom Cruise's 'Rock of Ages' Role?

Tom Cruise showed up early for the Rock of Ages premiere in Hollywood just to get some extra time with his die-hard fans and to talk to ET's Mark Steines. Mark got the megastar to reveal the inspiration behind his character, the fictional rock god Stacee Jaxx.

RELATED: Tom Cruise Rocks Ages

Tom, who had never had a professional singing lesson prior to working on the film, went all-in for this role, studying the history of rock 'n' roll. The Oscar-nominated actor disclosed that he didn't model his performance based on just one singer, or even one time period. "I took it obviously from the '80s, too," said Tom. "But there's a through line to some of these rock guys."

The film takes place on Hollywood's legendary Sunset Boulevard in the decadent '80s, and rocks from beginning to end with all-time favorites by Journey, Styx, Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister, Pat Benatar and Night Ranger.

While everyone was impressed with Tom's performance, the most meaningful confirmations may have come from the real-life rock stars who attended the premiere.

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"He mixed a lethal combination of Bret Michaels and Axl Rose," raved Poison frontman Bret Michaels. "It was a melting pot of rock 'n' roll coolness."

Julianne Hough, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Mary J. Blige and Malin Akerman are just a few members of the star-studded cast in this rags-to-riches rock 'n' roll fable.

Rock of Ages hits venues everywhere June 15.