I just think this is too cool. I found this online journal of Ian McKellan from when he went to the premiere of Lord of the Rings. It's very weird hearing Gandalf's perspective of the event. At the opening at Odeon Theater in London (I think) he said:

"After the Balrog, I left for some fresh air and a cigarette. There the fans were still waiting, entertained only by the repeating relayof Howard Shore's score. They were mostly in their 20's and younger. I know of one 40 year old who flew from the States just to stand outside the cinema, the occasion was so momentous for him. Momentous for me too, who made the same journey..."

How cool is that?!