Chris Cole, played by Mark Wahlberg, is a die-hard fan of the fictional heavy metal band Steel Dragon. He spends his days working as a photocopier technician and his nights performing as the lead singer of a Steel Dragon tribute band called "Blood Pollution" at a local bar. Cole is deeply passionate about his music and dreams of one day making it big in the industry.
When the lead singer of Steel Dragon, Bobby Beers, is fired due to personal problems, the band starts holding auditions for a new vocalist. Cole decides to take a chance and auditions for the band. After impressing the band members with his vocals, he is offered the position of lead singer. Cole leaves his old life behind and joins Steel Dragon on their tour.
As their popularity grows, Cole finds himself caught up in the rockstar lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, and groupies. He also starts to clash with the other band members, particularly guitarist Kirk Cuddy, played by Dominic West. The two have a strained relationship as Cuddy feels threatened by Cole's rising popularity.
As Cole becomes more famous, he starts to lose touch with his roots and his relationship with his girlfriend, Emily, suffers. He also begins to question whether or not he truly belongs in Steel Dragon and if he is truly happy with his newfound success.
The film explores the themes of identity, fame, and the price of success. Wahlberg delivers a solid performance as Cole, and the film features an impressive soundtrack of original songs and classic 80s rock hits.