On May 31, 1986, filmmakers Jeff Krulik & John Heyn made a 17 minute film that explored the tailgating scene festivities prior to a Judas Priest concert at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD. Considered one of the greatest rock documentaries of all time, after 30 years, countless bootleg VHS dubs, and zillions of YouTube views, this film attained cult status by capturing a music scene at the height of its popularity.
Being so, there are a ton of 30th anniversary activities underway.
Deadspin posted a massive feature on the film in conjunction with a University of Maryland exhibition, screening and discussion. There was also a SXSW panel, and an incredibly thorough investigation of all the T-shirts seen in the film.
Perhaps most impressive though is UNION Craft Brewing’s new brewery-only beer calledHeavy Metal Parking Lot The Beer. Packaged both in kegs and limited 16 oz tall-boys, the cans, with artwork by Baltimore illustrator, Alex Fine, depict several of the film’s most memorable characters.
Whatever the medium, the love is out there for Heavy Metal Parking Lot.
