Leningrad Cowboys Go America

The Leningrad Cowboys live in the tundra, with foot-long quiff hairstyles and long Winklepicker shoes. Their manager Vladimir tries to promote them, but most people do not like their music. Only the mute village idiot Igor believes in them. They are encouraged to move to America, where people will buy anything.

They depart for New York, taking with them a band member who had frozen overnight while practicing outside. Igor secretly hides in the plane's baggage hold to join the journey. Vladimir continues to drive the band's ambitions, often at their expense.

They arrive at the CBGB bar in Manhattan, hoping to break through. An agent initially suggests big venues, but after hearing them he offers a wedding gig in Mexico instead. He also advises changing their style to rock and roll to appeal to audiences.

They buy a used 1975 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine and strap the coffin carrying the frozen band member onto the roof. They set off to the Deep South, adapting their sound to local tastes at each stop. Vladimir drives and exploits the band by hoarding money, grabbing most of the food, and hiding beer in the ice filled coffin.

Igor follows the band by his own means of transportation, determined to catch up with their tour. He stays in pursuit as the road trip unfolds.

When Igor finally catches up, the band members revolt against Vladimir and tie him up. Igor frees him and surprisingly becomes the band's road manager, shifting the group's dynamic.

The band spends time in jail after a misadventure and then discovers their car engine has been stolen. The setback tests their resilience as they push on toward Mexico.

A nightclub they perform at closes after an unsuccessful show, but a reunion with a long-lost cousin brings new energy as his singing earns the audience's positive reception.

The band finally reaches Mexico and is slated to perform at the wedding. Igor revives the thawing bass guitarist with a shot of tequila and joins the group on stage.

Vladimir watches them play during the wedding set, then wanders off, leaving the band to their moment of triumph.

The band finds success in Mexico, breaking into the top ten charts as their quirky rock and roll travels pay off.