Commemorating the 30th Anniversary of cult classic “Killer Klowns From Outer Space,” a special live-to-picture performance and fan tribute took place May 19, 2018 at the Montalban Theater in Hollywood.
America’s fascination with “Killer Klowns From Outer Space” began on screen in 1988, as a group of clown-like aliens land their trans-dimensional space ship and terrorize a small American town. The film has achieved cult status with its clever blend of horror, science fiction and comedy.
For the 30th Anniversary, a three-ring sci-fi/horror celebration reunited an amazing line-up of special guests, including the film’s creators, the Chiodo Brothers, and stars Grant Cramer and Suzanne Snyder. The Kosmic Klown circus celebration began with stilt walkers, balloon folding artist Buster Balloon Cadwell, contortionist Bonnie Morgan, plus fortune tellers, strong men and women, magicians, body art, fan arts and crafts – and of course the Killer Klowns.
Original cast and creators attended the Bacchanalian circus celebration, as did AFM Local 47 member composers Chris Young (“Rounders,” “The Shipping News”) and Joseph Bishara (“The Conjuring”). Additional guests included composer Bear McCreary (“The Walking Dead,” “Battlestar Galactica”), writer/director John Landis (“Blues Brothers,” Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”) and Luis Guzmán (“We’re the Millers,” “Carlito’s Way”), among others. The film screening included a special performance of the original musical score performed live by the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra with punk rockers the Dickies, conducted by John Massari.
“Clowns can be frightening, bizarre and terrifying. We took that primordial fear and put it in a Sci-Fi movie,” Massari explained. “You have something that should make you happy and laugh, but now it will kill and eat you and… it’s from outer space! Who would have dreamed of this? That’s the craziest idea in the world.” Over time the film has earned generations of fans – many of whom Massari has connected with both through social media and at conventions, leading him to create this special celebration of all things Killer Klowns.
A pre-show Q&A featured Stephen Chiodo (writer/director), Charles Chiodo (writer/art director), Edward Chiodo (writer/producer), Grant Cramer (Mike Tobacco), Suzanne Snyder (Debbie Stone), members of The Dickies, and composer John Massari, moderated by Jim Branscome of Cinematic Void. Following the Q&A, the film screened with its original musical score performed live by the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra. L.A.’s very own original punk rockers, the Dickies, performed their enduring classic Killer Klowns From Outer Space theme song. Stephen Chiodo declared, “Whoopdee God Damned De Do!! What a fantastic way to celebrate a 30-year anniversary surrounded by fans, John’s incredible score and the Dickies.”
Varèse Sarabande Records released a new recording of the soundtrack on CD and LP, available for sale at the concert. The album features the original score performed by members of the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, with new orchestrations by Massari and Bernhard Eder. The Dickies recorded a BRAND NEW version of the film’s theme song featuring an extra creepy intro followed by their signature pure punk energized sound.
“For 30 years, love and loyalty from fans the world over made this extraordinary movie a beloved cult classic,” said Massari. “This event is our way to celebrate ‘Killer Klowns From Outer Space’ directly with these fans.”
