On May 31, 1986, filmmakers John Heyn and Jeff Krulik recorded amped-up JUDAS PRIEST fans before a concert at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland.
This footage would later become part of the cult classic documentary 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot'.
On May 31, 2026, exactly 40 years after this event, 60 minutes of original source footage will be screened for the first time in public in Silver Spring, Maryland.
The screening will feature live commentary from Heyn and Krulik as audiences experience what was recorded that afternoon in real-time.
Additionally, the screening will include the resulting 16-minute 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot' film and a chance to meet some of the stars.
According to Heyn and Krulik, their plans for commemorating this milestone year include producing a feature documentary on the saga, featuring follow-up interviews with the stars, as well as launching a Kickstarter-driven book project tied in with an exhibit by Roger Gastman.
A fundraising concert is also planned.
For more information, visit www.heavymetalparkinglot.com.
The concept for 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot' was simple: Krulik and Heyn took a video camera to the parking lot of the Capital Centre in Washington, D.C., and interviewed JUDAS PRIEST fans partying before a show.
The result captured heavy metal culture at its peak: what it's like to be young and living in the mostly wasted moment, a beery slice of Americana, and a cinema verite version of reality TV.
"People have a real strong connection with the film," Krulik told The Courier-Journal back in 2004.
"They can see themselves in these folks." In an interview for his band's website, JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton described the footage as "classic" and added that while it may not be totally representative of their fans, it's still a great piece of metal history.
A DVD version of 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot' features two hours of exclusive content, including commentary by Krulik and Heyn, video sequels from the 2004 Trio TV series "Parking Lot", various outtakes, and new interviews with rockers featured in the film.
Former NIRVANA drummer and current FOO FIGHTERS frontman Dave Grohl has praised 'Heavy Metal Parking Lot', saying it's a must-see for anyone who wants to understand heavy metal culture.
Despite seeing very little financial gain from their documentary due to music licensing issues, Krulik and Heyn have seen their project evolve into a full-fledged cultural phenomenon.
In 2001, they developed a treatment for a feature film based on the video and were collaborating with playwright Gary Winter at the time.
However, the proposed film was never picked up.