Documentary film maker Marty DiBergi (Rob Reiner) follows European heavy metal band Spinal Tap as they tour in support of their comeback album, Smell the Glove. On the road, lead singer David St. Hubbins (Michael McKean) replaces the band's manager with his girlfriend, causing a rift with guitarist Nigel Tufnel (Christopher Guest), who explains how the band's amps go up to 11 rather than 10. Meanwhile, bassist Derek Smalls (Harry Shearer) manages to get trapped in a stage prop during a live performance. The rockumentary also delves into the band's long history and the mysterious and sudden deaths of the bands drummers, including one who exploded on stage, and another who may have chocked on someone else's vomit.