Reel Tuff

Devotees of South Florida arena metal in the 1980s need little introduction to Tuff Luck, one of the linchpins of our area’s thriving heavy-metal history. Formed by friends Kenny Monroe (vocals), Todd Kelly (drums), and David Scott (guitar), the band had the flowing locks of hair, swaggering charisma, and virtuosic talent to expand its reach beyond the Sunshine State, from face-melting rockers like “Darker Side of Love” to the radio-friendly, pre-Alice in Chains grunge of “Private Hell.” An acclaimed self-titled debut, opening gigs for Dokken and Stryper, and a potential record deal with Atlantic seemed to suggest a stratospheric future for the band until, as with countless talented acts before and after them, the felicities of fate interceded. If you want to see exactly why Tuff Luck never ascended to metal’s upper echelon, you’ll have to attend the world premiere of Tuff Luck, Andrew Klein’s documentary about this cult staple of Florida music lore. The doc was compiled from interviews from the entire group and is bolstered by never-before-seen photos and concert performances. The screening will include a red-carpet introduction at 6:30 p.m. and a Q&A with the director and cast at a reception following the movie. Tuff Luck screens at 7 p.m. Saturday at Cinema Paradiso, located at 503 SE Sixth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $15. Call 954-525-3456, or visit fliff.com.
Sat., Feb. 21, 2015