In 1983, a reporter investigates the mysterious disappearance of a rock-n-roll musician from the fictional band Eddie and the Cruisers in the 1960s. The musician's tape recordings lead the reporter on a journey to uncover the truth, revealing a story of faked-death and a missing person.

After the supposed death of Eddie Wilson from Eddie and the Cruisers, a construction worker named Joe West comes forward claiming to be Eddie and forms a new band. As they gain popularity, Joe's secret past starts to catch up with him.