Tower Theater

I can send you any information you need on the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania.

The Tower Theatre recently was renovated (End of 2001/beginning of 2002) and had the Rolling Stones in mid September, 2002

Boycott this place the venue is not good at all

We are coming to the theatre to see Sting in March and I am absolutely amazed that there is virtually NO information on this place. I need help on nearby hotels, what the parking deal is, etc. We were planning on making a weekend out of it ... but at this point, we may just head back to Maryland after the concert!!! Any information would be very appreciated! Thanks.

Your otherwise good photo of the Tower Theater building misses one very important part of the building -- the tower from with the building got its name.

You can see the base of the tower: it's that set of blue poles over the "tower" sign. It goes up pretty high (or what seemed to be pretty high to a small kid in the late 1930s and '40s. If I remember correctly, it was capped with a lighted, rotating ball. It was a great sight coming over 69th Street hill at night.

Hello,

I'm trying to find out some information about the Theatre Organ that was in the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby

Does anybody have any information on the organ?

Did anyone get any info on this theater about safety, access, hotels nearby, etc. PLEASE let me know asap! THANKS!

I am going to the tower theater tomorrow night to see Josh Groban and would like to know what the dress code is? Thank you for your help. Marie

I heard it's clothing optional. ;)

Thank you Roger... lol

Film Daily Year Books claim a seating capacity of 3,119. The Tower ranks as #82 on the list of the largest USA theatres compiled by Theatre Historical Society of America. In total, there were 139 USA movie and/or vaudeville theatres with seating capacities of 2,800 or more. The Tower's original organ was a Wurlitzer. The theatre's design is credited to the architectural firm of Hodgens & Hill.

Rassa,

We took a cab to the theatre (stayed in Philly) and took the Light Rail back. Had we known the Light Rail had a stop there, we would have taken it both ways. HTH.

~cebaby

The Tower Theatre can be seen in 1988's "The In Crowd" as the location of the Perry Parker Show.

I went to the Tower Theatre and saw Josh Groban. I felt so sorry for everyone there that night. It was very very hot and Josh had to complain to have them turn on the air conditioner. The place was filthy and from what I could see you could wear sweat pants there and nobody would care. I won't be going back. I read that Josh performed at Radio City Music Hall did 4 uncors, played 2 songs on the piano and they got to hear his new song. Had the Tower Theatre been cleaner and cooler maybe we would have been so lucky.

This is a Clear Channel venue...please boycott.

We saw Al Green at the Tower Theatre earlier this year. It kind of reminded me of the Warner Theatre in DC, but bigger. You can get all kinds of snack food and beverages there, and the bathrooms are vast and very clean. We also stayed in Philly, and took the Market-Frankford line (the "el") from Penn's Landing to 69th St., which puts you right across the street from the theatre.

In its heyday as a movie theatre, the Tower was operated by RKO Stanley Warner chain, from its opening in the 1920's until 1975, when they sold the theatre to Clear Channel-Electric Factory's precedsor owners

I just read the post from May 13 and it is correct.The theater was originally run by William Goldman chain and in the middle to late 60's it was taken over by Ellis theaters. The other two theaters in Upper Darby, the 69th St (Closed in 1965 reopened briefly in 1981) and the Terminal (taken over in the early 70's by Sameric chain)were run by Stanley Warner

Do they serve beer and alcohol?

To add to Warren's comments, the Tower's WurliTzer was a three-manual, 15 rank, style 260, opus 1901, installed on 6/29/1928. As far from what I've gathered from theatre organ enthusists around the area, the organ had been vandalized (stolen pipe organ) and most of it is now gone. WurliTzer Style 260, with lots of bells and whistles, was a common model for larger houses.

I just saw Lyle Lovett and John Hyatt on Saturday night at the Tower Theatre and will NEVER go back there again. The theater served beer throughout the entire performance and people in the audience kept going back and forth for beer. (if you want to drink go to a bar or stay home and listen to a CD) Plus there are no doors separating the theater from the lobby so it was incredibly loud. It definitely ruined the show.

Does anyone know what concert was held at the Tower on November 23, 1979? This is a special day to me.
Thanks,
MikeB

The address for the Tower Theatre is 6901 Ludlow Avenue, Upper Darby, Pa.

You can buy a print of the theater at this link:
http://www.georgerothacker.com/ga1.detail.7.html

Patsy:
I think you meant this link:
http://www.georgerothacker.com/ga1.detail.8.html

TC: Yes, indeed. Thanks for the correction. The Alvina Kraus Theatre isn't included on the CT site, but the print can be seen on the artist's home page if anyone is interested in purchasing a print of that theatre. Thanks again TC for bringing the print site to the attention of the CT members. I plan to purchase the Indiana print as it's near my husband's hometown, Brookville PA (Columbia Theatre). Also recall a theatre in East Brady PA, but don't recall the name. We went there on a date as it was also in the western PA section of the state.

Great catch on the Alvina. I've added it after doing some research.

TC: Thanks so now the entire Rothacker gallery is included on CT. I sent him an email so hope to hear back from him as I read that he was born in Olean NY which is in the neighboring county to where I grew up in western NYS (Grand Theatre-Westfield NY).

TC: I went to the Alvin link/page and wanted to suggest to you that you include the Rothacker link as you did with the others. Thanks TC.

Tower Trivia:

"Just one year before the Great Depression, the Tower went up in record time. The 3500 seats were installed in five days, a fact the Stone Company (the seat manufacturer) was very proud of. At the time of the grand opening the builder, George Kessler Co. had been a leader in theater construction for 50 years.
In the 1930's and 40's with Vaudeville on the way out, movies slowly became the main attraction at the Tower on 69th Street, and in the 50's and 60's the Tower presented first run movies and live events with a class and style unequaled by other theaters".

I currently work at the Tower Theater and have been helping in the on going process of doing restoration of the building. It is exciting to see a theater this old getting new a life. I saw my first concert there and find it to be an excelent place to see a show. The place is not dirty. It does have a bar that serves alcohol, soft drinks and snacks. Easy access to downtown Philadelphia via the train just one block away. And there are places to eat with in walking distance of the theater. And for thoes who are telling people to boycot the theater because it is connected to Clear Chanel, I would like to see you put up the money to keep this building going. At least they are giving at a second chance. If you have any questions about the theater, feel free to contact me.

I am going to the Bruce concert at the Tower Theater on May 17th but I am not familiar with the theater and the surrounding area. Can someone let me know if there are any decent restaurants in SAFE walking distance to the theater? Thanks

I am trying to find the "pit" section on the theatre seating map, but cannot. I assume they are right in front of the stage. Anyone know more about this? Please help! Cheers!

Could someone recommend some good and quick places to eat before a show? I'm thinking pizza or burgers....but only within a few blocks from the theater. Thanks so much!!!!!!

For the few people who have been asking...

There are 3 resturants within walking distance (a block or two) from the Tower. The first is the Aquairius Diner on Market street across from the train terminal. then there is Sabor Latino located on Garret Road, it is a Mexican, Cuban, Equidor style resturant,also right across from the terninal. Then there is The Waterford, this is located right next to Tower on Ludlow street, it's a Bar & Resturant, not a bad place to go before a show and have a drink and get a bite to eat, I highly reccomend it. All these places are within a SAFE distance of the theater. If you are not sure about the area you can always ask someone in the Tower box office if it is open when you get there.

As for fast food near the theater. There are a few places on 69th street to eat. There is a McDonalds, Wendy's, Popeys, Quizno's and a few good pizza/cheesesteak places. all right on 69th street and within quick safe walking distance of the theater.

As for the Pit area. It is located front and center by the stage. There are usualy chairs set up for a show.

Hi. I'm going to see Robert Plant both nights, but I'm not too excited about my seats. Row F the first night, row U the second night. My dad says that there isn't a bad seat in the house, though. Is this true? Will I be able to see pretty decently?

I just read the last post about the pit area. I have first row for Kelly Clarkson next week. Does this mean there will be a pit area with people sitting in front of us?

I tried to look up the Waterford restaurant, but got no number. Is it still there?

Does anyone know a manager at the Tower Theatre? Or, do you know the proceedure for transferring a will-call ticket to another's name?
Thanks,
Scott

how are the tix for springsteen being handled. since all tix are at will call, is it assigned seating or do you have to pickup your tix early to beassured a good seat? any info would help...

I'm in the balcony for Robert Plant on Tuesday night...and I just can't wait! I worked at the Louisville Palace Theater (formerly Lowes) which is an Eberson Atmospheric that was saved and is now a performance venue...I hope the Tower is 1/4 the venue that the Palace is...I'll be 1000% in heaven if it is!

Blah...I can see where at one time this must have been quite the showplace, what with the marble staircase, the nice outer lobbies and the wonderful marquee. However, the auditorium left much to be desired. The painted floor...uncomfortable seats...the ceiling with the too-bright stars and water damage...everything looked dirty. This place could really shine if Clear Channel would clean it up a bit. They do have a nice line up of concerts, though. And as for Robert Plant...why oh why did you ignore the past 15 years of your solo material, Robert? Mighty re-arranger, indeed! And lose the opening act, too. A very dissapointing show.

Pics here
http://www.anneke.net/education/coursework/185/tower/images_3.html

Hi. I haven't been to the Tower since the "Balcony" shop was up the street...miss the ole' place...but going back soon.

I remember the seat-row letting...but does someone know the seat numbering scheme (begin/end #'s - stage left -> right - odd/even)

Please include the Orchestra (L, LC, RC, R) and the Lodge (L, LC, C, RC, R) seat numbering...if you can remember...

Thanks for any help...and thanks to RobertR for Tower pictures link ...brings back memories ...including the drunks and smashed car windows...

Do they allow cameras at the Tower Theatre?

Hi! I'm going to see INXS in Feb. here and was wondering if seats in the Loge section were good or bad? Having never been to the Tower before I had to buy tix on a guess. Thanks for any help you can give me!

Does anyone have any historical information on the Tower?

This was taken from the Electric Factory website a few years ago


$1,250,000 Price tag for Tower Theater

One and a quarter million dollars may not sound like a King's ransom these days, but in 1928 that was a heck of a lot of money. William Friehofer had been building theaters for decades before taking on 69th street. This was the largest theater he would build.

Just one year before the Great Depression, the Tower went up in record time. The 3500 seats were installed in five days, a fact the Stone Company (the manufacturer) was very proud of.
At the time of the grand opening the builder, George Kessler Co. had been a leader in theater construction for 50 years. The Tower Theater in Upper Darby has been a welcome sight on 69th Street for almost 70 years. The design of the theater was as a Movie Playhouse
This format included Burlesque and Vaudeville on the stage, and the latest Movies on the screen. In the 1930's and 40's with Vaudeville on the way out, movies slowly became the main attraction on 69th Street, and in the 50's and 60's the Tower presented first run movies
and live events with a class and style unequaled by other theaters.

The 5000 people who crowded into the opening night ceremonies were
wowed by the beautiful lobbies and the state of the art lighting. A grand piano graced the foyer with a tuxedo-clad player taking requests. Out in the house,150 stars glowed in the ceiling as clouds floated by. The theater had its own orchestra, and an electric lift with a turntable brought a Wurlitzer Organ on to the stage. The sides of the main room looked like English Garden walls with trellises, flower boxes with vines, shrubbery and trees.

The lobby, with its 25 foot marble style ceiling, had the largest Oriental rug in the area covering the marble and Caen stone floor. The foyer was lavishly furnished with couches and chaise lounges. In the basement were smoking lounges for both men and women done in an Italian style with wood beams overhead. The lighting in the foyer and lobbies was constantly changing colors. 135 miles of wire ran through the building to the largest dimmer board in the country (at the time), With a capacity of 3500 seats, the Tower Theater was, and still is, one of the largest theaters in the region.

The 70's ushered in a new era to Upper Darby... the Rock Concert. In 1972 Philadelphia music fans discovered the near perfect acoustics of the stately 69th Street movie house. Dave Mason was the first to headline. The support act on opening night was Buzzy Linhart. Buzzy said it all when he stopped in the middle of his set and told the crowd this place has more class than the Fillmore ever had! Since then the Tower has played host to the best of the best in live entertainment.

The Tower Theater remains a world class venue, and with the ongoing renovations it can only get better. For 69 years the marble palace has brought the world to 69th Street

The lobby will soon have its 25 foot high dome again. A drop ceiling will be removed to reveal once again this magnificent feature of the Tower Theater. Of all the venues in the Philadelphia area the Tower stands out with its rich history, lavish lobbies, and versatile facilities. with Electric Factory Concerts commitment to excellence and it's commitment to the Tower, Upper Darby will be on the itineraries of world class performers of all kinds for years to come.

Historical research & compiling by Daniel Leyden

I recently bought tickets to Jim Norton on New Years Eve. I had heard of the Tower Theater before, but when I told My friend about it she said it was in a really bad area. How bad it it? Any recommendations on parking, How bad is it??

Its not bad.(unlike the 70's) Just don't be wandering around drunk after the show...or your night out will cost a little more. It is across\up from the 69th St. Terminal. It is a shopping district with some 'interesting' stores. There is free parking in a multi-level garage 1 block up.(for those who arrive early)

No place to sit outside and down beers...but "The Waterford", across from the main entrance, has a bar and limited restaurant seating. For God's sake...eat and drink before you enter the theater... the food is true "movie" theater fare... and beers are $7.25+ served in Dixie cups. "Smoking" in seating areas is discouraged…but allowed in Lobby.

Visit 'http://www.ticketmaster.com' to view your event and Tower seating chart. Orchestra (lower level) seats are great (first 3/4's)... Lodge (upper level) ok & Balcony is a tight fit.(no long legs). It is still warm(after all these years), so light clothing/layers are more comfortable. Hint: 63rd & Market St. intersection was closed (9pm-5:30am M-F) the last time I was there(work zone?)... just follow the traffic after the show... if still in effect.

A special thanks to G. Quirk for his (D. Leyden) History posting.

Thank you ever so much, George Quirk, for the enlightening tour of the venerable Tower Theatre. Your contribution is greatly appreciated!

In my youth , growing up in West Philly, my sisters and our friends would think nothing of heading out to 69th Street to one of the three theatres--the Bermuda Triangle of Fun--within walking distance of the Frankford Elevated terminal.

I always remember the Tower Theatre to be the best for event movies. I saw Ben-Hur, The Ten Commandments and PT 109, memorable for the cinematography of the open sea vistas and horrific scene of the Japanese ship coming at the 109. It was my first time seeing Robert Blake in a movie. He played “Buckey”. When the 109 was rammed, he along with everyone else who survived were scrambling in the water and I can hear to this day Robert Blake screaming out, "I can't die I want to live, I have to live, otherwise, how am I going to kill my wife, Bonnie!" At least that's what I think I remember. I don't know, I could be wrong.
theatres but it had the lowest ticket price of any theatre at the time in the early 60's at 20 cents. The going ticket price, as I recall, was 25 cents for kids and 35 cents for adults. These were matinee prices, I never went at night. I do remember going to the Terminal with my mother, aunt and cousin to see a double bill of Palm Springs Weekend ( Troy Donahue ) and the unforgettable Lilies Of The Field ( Sidney Poitier ).

Interesting personal note about Lilies Of The Field. It is one of my all time favorite movies. I own it and watched it recently and it still holds up. I live in Phoenix, Arizona now and Lilies was shot in Tucson
Anywayyyy, my memory of the Terminal Theatre was that it was not as nice as the other two , about 120 miles south of Phoenix. A couple years ago, I was doing business in Tucson consulting for a cell phone company who needed a cell antenna in a specific area. I drove around and spotted a chapel with a bell tower. After making my acquaintance I walked the property with a couple of the nuns and mentioned that it reminded me of the location for the Sidney Poitier movie. "Oh, yes!" exclaimed Sister "Part of that movie was, indeed, shot right here. In fact, a couple of the sisters who are here were here when the movie was being shot." The nuns she spoke of were too infirm to speak with but that is not why I was there to begin with. It just felt great to be on the same property that the movie was filmed. I felt a connection and it felt strange for a kid from West Philly who was so impressed with this movie as a kid in 1963 to be on that very ground almost 40 years later.

God, I love movies and the theatres of yesteryear. I consider myself fortunate to have experienced seeing movies in the old palaces. And, to think that places like the Tower and the downtown Philly theatres were considered the norm in movie venues when I was a kid. I lived through the heartbreaking "slice and dice" period of seeing the big theatres close or get twinned. My God, what was happening. My theatres were turning into bowling alleys, shoe stores and smaller twin theatres. Theatres being built from the ground up were nothing but boxes with seats. The decor was gone.The "useless" "functionless" facades disappeared. All the class showplaces were disappearing. At least we can join here and revel in the old days. I feel like I'm in a twelve step program of sorts. When musing over the old theatres, I consider a visit to Cinema Treasures as my therapy session.

Does anybody have a hotel to recommend in Philly that is relatively close to this theatre?

Many thanks
EJM

your best bet is try to locate a hotel in the Center City or downtown area of Philadelphia. You would be able to take the Market Frankford (blue line) directly out to 69th Street where the Tower is located.

for more info on hotels, check out www.gophila.com
and for the transit www.septa.com

Has the ceiling been exposed yet? Is the theatre going to be fully rebuilt?

does anyone know if they allow cameras? Thanks.

Hi Beth - Yes, you'll find cameras galore at the Tower. Only time there might be a problem is if the performing artist prohibits them. If you want to see some great photos of the Tower as well as the St. Patrick's Day James Blunt concert there you might look at: http://dbh.smugmug.com/gallery/1297813.
I didn't take these photos but was at this concert...my first at the Tower. It will be far from my last...I've never been in such a wonderful concert venue. If you go, the seats in the first row of the Loge are magical. Enjoy!

Here is a recent photo of the Tower theater.

I read the message above about camera's.
Does that include being able to take digital camera's? I am assuming no flash is allowed or am I wrong?
Any help would be appreciated.
Going to see Radiohead on 6/1/2006.
Will be a great show! My tickets are 4th row dead center from the stage.
Terri

Went to see Radiohead and was not impressed with the Tower. It had to be over 100 degrees. I would recommend wearing the lightest clothes you have.
The acoustics didn't impress me either as many say you must see a concert here. Perhaps I'm in the minority here but I enjoyed Radiohead more in 2003 at Camden.
Also, I was standing (we stood the whole concert) behind what must have been the tallest guy at the concert so I didn't see much and I'm not that short (5'10"). So much for being able to see from every seat in the house. I'm sure many average size girls wouldn't see over a guy standing in front of them either.

I remember David Bowie playing at the Tower when I was in college (late 70s or early 80s) but I don't recall the exact year. Here is a Temple U photo of the Tower from 1966:
http://tinyurl.com/nz48z

Does anybody have a picture of the ashtray's in the lobby?

I am confused about the pit,please someone help: are the seats there so close to the stage or so low you end up with your neck in pain? if people stand up to dance, etc, do they go to the pit area or do they remain in their seats' area?
Please someone who's been there, which are the BEST seats to watch a concert there?

Hi,I have received an E MAIL that a Cinema Treasures patron has info on my comment from Feb.24 2007.I can not find it. Please help..Frank D. THANK YOU..

Hi Frank, I think that anybody posts any comment after yours, even if it is not related, they will notify you that someone answered because the same has happened with my comment (I posted it on apr 2). By the way, if you've been to the Tower could you please let me know about my inquiry. Thanks

The Pit,is the BEST. Your look at the artist,[just sit back,and enjoy] ,no person will be in front or behind YOU.

It is very difficult to find info about this theater. I am going this Friday to see Jon Stewart. Is there a concession stand inside selling snacks? Wine and beer? Is there a place in walking distance to sit and have a drink and a snack before the show? Please help. Thank you.

Other people may wish to advise what eating or drinking establishments are nearby, but I am happy to advise you that there is a full bar in the Tower Theatre open for shows. As to food, when shows are presented, there is pizza, hot dogs, pretzels, candy and cookies.

Thank you so much Howard, I appreciate your prompt and couteous response!

In case anyone's interested, for a detailed seating chart of the orchestra level as well as other useful info, go to:
http://infotaupe.blogspot.com/

Does anyone have any links or info on decent hotels say within a 5 minute drive to the theatre? I am going there to see George Lopez in June and may want to stay nearby thanks again.

I hope these are good seats I checked out the post by lunar and they seemed a little far to the right. Rt Orch HH seats 5 and 7. They were the best available. Could you see pretty much the whole stage sitting there? thanks.

I have checked the http://infotaupe.blogspot.com/ lunar mentions, and it says it's a small theater so you have a nice view of the stage from almost every seat. So since you are not far from the stage you should have no problems.

This theater is anything but small. I went there as a child weekly to see movies. The balcony is also huge. The theater has two large staircases in the front plus a large one in the back. I wonder what they do for rest rooms. They were both downstairs for the orchestra level. Handicap laws have changed.

Dated comment: I saw many concerts / movies at the Tower, Kansas in 89, Song Remains the Same, 82, The Wall, Ted Nugent - Wango Tango! I am going May 22nd to see Godsmack, it will be a homecoming. I hope they still have the tapestry curtin.

HI!!
Is there anyone out there who attended the GODSMACK SHOW LAST NIGHT that can tell me how the seating is setup for this concert?
We have tickets for tonight... in the "pit" area (ROW DDD) and I'm wondering if these are TRUE seats, or if the pit area is going to be standing only. I assume our tickets will be RIGHT THERE in front of the stage but I've never been to this venue.
Also... HOW WAS THE CROWD??? VERY ROWDY?? I'm hoping there's no moshing and all that... we had a bad experience Friday night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC and had to leave it was so bad.
Thanks for anyone out there with any feedback!!

HI!!
Is there anyone out there who attended the GODSMACK SHOW LAST NIGHT that can tell me how the seating is setup for this concert?
We have tickets for tonight... in the "pit" area (ROW DDD) and I'm wondering if these are TRUE seats, or if the pit area is going to be standing only. I assume our tickets will be RIGHT THERE in front of the stage but I've never been to this venue.
Also... HOW WAS THE CROWD??? VERY ROWDY?? I'm hoping there's no moshing and all that... we had a bad experience Friday night at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC and had to leave it was so bad.
Thanks for anyone out there with any feedback!!

Hi, little*niagara, could you please let me know what happened at your concert in the end (with the pit area)?. I am going to another concert next week and I have the same concen.
Thank you so much

hi LUNAR!! Well you can relax because you have ABSOLUTELY nothing to worry about! OMG it was the BEST concert ever! The seats were PERFECT... right "smack" in front of the stage, and the seating for the PIT area (although not normally setup like that I'm told) was perfect too, with the same exact (comfortable) chairs as the rest of the Theater, it was truly an amazing experience! I was worried, having come across some negative blogs and whatnot, and wondering about whether the pit area would be really uncomfortable with those horrible metal chairs that aren't bolted down or anything (and thinking what if the crowd gets out of hand!) but it wasn't like that at all...NOT AT ALL! Everyone at the concert was very respectful which I TRULY enjoyed... unlike the rude & violent NYC crowd we dealt with last Friday. The Tower in Philly is THE place to be! The music sounded fantastic and getting drinks was easy as 1-2-3... there and back in less than 5 minutes! The bathrooms are pretty clean too, and there's an attendant ready with your towel! In my opinion, the Tower gets an A+ ALL THE WAY!
Oh and btw... for anyone interested... YES-it was really hot in there but only because we were singing and dancing and screaming and having such a great time! The folks at the Tower did a very good job of keeping the air circulating so that people weren't roasting to death. And parking? Easy in, fairly easy-out. We actually parked in a lot marked SHOPPING LOT PARKING 10am-9pm and there was no attendant even there to collect money so we even got to park for free. I was told it was $10 to park but maybe because we got there just a little late (9:05 pulling into the lot) maybe that's the reason we lucked out on the parking. Actually, I wouldn't suggest getting there that late just to save on the parking though, as we had a VERY difficult time finding a spot. The entire lot (all levels) was jam-packed.
Well..I hope you enjoy your show next week Lunar, and I hope that my information will be of some help to anyone going to Tower.

It really helped, thank you so much for the detailed info!

I have just posted two great photos of the inside of the theater in my blog, if anybody's interested go to http://infotaupe.blogspot.com
Comments with info on the topics there are more than welcome!!. Thanks

Godsmack May 22nd - I have to say I enjoyed returning to The Tower after so many years. It was much the same but I did not remember the nice bar / concession area or the parking lot. The bathrooms were clean but my first trip there I shared a stall with a HUGE cockroach and I REALLY don't like roaches. I steered clear of that one next time around. As mentioned before the Tower staff were great although I did think it was ROASTING in there. My hair was drenched halfway through the show. The fans enjoyed the show and the only rowdiness I saw was a group of about 10 people started smashing bottles in the alley by the parking garage after the show. Not smart. All in all a great venue and great Godsmack show - much better then last time I saw them at The Tweeter Center (will not go back there!)

Hey Infotaupe - great photos! T

Hey Infotaupe - great photos!

Infotaupe - I wish I had found your site before I went to the Tower recently, we ate crap food in the "food court" of the United Artists. It was only after the show when we were leaving that we saw the Waterford which is *exactly* what we were looking for. Bummer. Nice website you have.

Thanks for your comments!!!

Does anyone know if they take out the PIT seats AAA or BBB and make pit CCC front row from the stage?? This is for the Smashing Pumpkins show

Are there hotels and dining w/in walking distance of this venue? How close is it to PHL?

Thanks to little Niagara and infotaupe for the information on the PIT seats at the TOWER!! I have been unable to get any information at all and we have CCC pit seats for Interpol and I was getting nervous that they were going to be folding chairs set lower in the theatre (an old orchestra pit or something). so now I can just look forward to the show. Thanks!

Thanks for your comment, gothamfoodie, enjoy your show!please leave some feedback in my blog after if you can, so it stays updated!

HELP!!!! anyone who can help with all of this, please write back......

Hey i am looking for help with the seating in the Tower Theatre for an upcoming concert in September. It is for Kings of Leon, and they are incredible live, so i want to make sure i can see them very well, and that they can see me also! I have been going to their shows for 2 years now, and this will be the first show to kick off 5 more that i will be attending..

I have already purchased tickets and got R/C OR, row CC, seat 109. My second seat was all the way in RGT OR row D seat 25. (which isnt very good right?) I wouldve loved to have gotten pit tickets, but they were not offered i do not think during the pre-sale, because it only gave you the option of 'Best Available'.

I was wondering since i am going with my friend, that she can just sit on my lap or something like that before the concert starts (we are very small)... because we like to dance, so its not like we will be sitting down.
1. Would that be practical?
2. Is my one seat very close (row CC) to the stage? Or does the pit take up a lot of room?
3. Are the aisles big?.. and do they take up a lot of room?
4. Would it make sense to try and get one pit ticket, and still have my friend sit on my lap until the concert starts?
5. If not, would it be possible to sneek our way into the pit area after the concert starts?... I highly doubt anyone would be sitting.
6. Has anyone ever seen a concert there where people like to get as close as they can? Because the Kings concerts are like that, so would it be allowd to push your way out of the seat area close to the pit?

I just dont want to try and find pit tickets if i have a good seat (someone tell me if i do, because ive never been here), and can pull off a little stunt (i am very good with those things, very determined to see the boys very close, and very sneeky.. so i usually can work my magic) But if this theatre is not like that, someone please tell me.

PLEASE someone let me know all of these things, if you have ever been to the Tower, or you work there. I would really appreciate everyones help they give me. And by the looks of it, this website is very good for advice. This concert is very important to me.. Thanks so much!!

trying to buy tix 4 interpol at the tower. ticket master says row m in the pit section is that right? i thought they were triplee letters "aaa"

These exterior photos are from The Exhibitor magazine:
1930
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/1296588464/

1935
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/1295708327/


my 2007 photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardbhaas/1296654446/

Howard

I grew up going to this theater in the 60's and 70's. I just was in the area lastweek and my cousin said the neighborhood is absolutley terrible that they have tons of cops when there is a show there becuase it's so unsafe.

hey i was just wondering what the neighborhood is like around the theater. i was planning on going to see kings of leon in a few weeks, and since im going to be going to school in university city i was just curious what the neighborhood is like in west philly at night.

thanks!

Nice synopsis of Tower history in the Philadelphia Daily News takes you through a great memory trip from 1927 until it's use today as a top concert venue. Here's the link
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20070919_A_Tower_of_music_and_memories.html

Excellent article! That link will break. Here-

A Tower of music and memoriesBy JONATHAN TAKIFF
takiffj@phillynews.com 215-854-5960

The Tower Theater today (left) is a prime venue for rock concerts - a completely different
The Tower Theater today (left) is a prime venue for rock concerts - a completely different vibe from 1971 (above), when it was a movie house showing "Klute" and "Summer of '42."
» More images A high, steel tower has loomed above the landscape at 69th and Ludlow streets since 1927. Evocative of the old RKO Pictures logo, the structure initially was topped off with a swirling, illuminated ball that could be seen for miles, and gave the Upper Darby showplace beneath it, the Tower Theater, its name.
Today, virtually all the other ornate "photoplay" (movie) and stage-show palaces of the Tower's size (originally 2,616 seats, now 3,119) and elegance are gone. And, sadly, that attention-grabbing light fixture no longer functions.

But thanks to the power of rock 'n' roll - with a little pop, comedy and R&B thrown in on the side - the Tower remains a beacon of light, luring concertgoers from far and wide to commune with their favorite entertainers.

What a history this place has wrought!

Stadium and arena superstar Bruce Springsteen once vowed he would never play any place larger than the Tower with his rock-'em-sock-'em E-Street Band. (In 1974 at the Tower, the band earned its then-biggest paycheck - $5,000.)

The British progressive-rock band Genesis - this week playing three big shows at the Wachovia Center (with tickets priced from $77 to $227) - made its Philadelphia-area debut at the Tower on Nov. 16, 1973. It was a midnight show, for which spectators paid all of $4. The band got $750.

The Tower was the area concert hall where Stevie Wonder made his landmark transition to adult-oriented, progressive soul music, introducing material from the incredible "Talking Book" disc. Legend has it that Georgie Woods, who'd promoted Wonder's prior shows at the Uptown Theater, didn't think his new music was any good, and so passed on doing the show at the North Broad Street hall!

Some notable live albums, a huge number of radio broadcasts and a sprinkling of videos have been made at the Upper Darby showcase - including David Bowie's "David Live," Hall & Oates' "Live at the Tower Theater," Average White Band's "Person to Person," Paul Simon's "Live at the Tower Theater" and parts of Steve Miller's huge hit "The Joker."

Also passing through its stage doors have been: Bob Marley & the Wailers, the Rolling Stones, Smokey Robinson, Al Green, Morrissey, Radiohead, a riot-inspiring Jane's Addiction, James

Taylor, Sheryl Crow, the Black

Crowes; and comedians George Carlin, Jon Stewart and Lewis Black.

This fall, the venue will play host to: Kings of Leon (9/21), Ben Harper (9/22), Regina Spektor (9/27), funnyman Jim Gaffigan (9/29), Gov't Mule (10/6), Tori Amos (10/15), American Idol Kelly Clarkson (10/18), Smashing Pumpkins (10/21-22), John Fogerty (11/3) and Neil Young (12/9.)

The Tower Theater was built at a cost of $1.25 million just two years before the Great Depression slowed (and then, after 1932, ended) Philadelphia's movie-palace boom. While not quite as fancy as contemporaries like the Mastbaum, the Earle and the Uptown, the Tower had its charms - decorated with lavish marble staircases, oriental rugs, handsome lobby furniture and glamorous art deco by Erte. A tuxedo-clad pianist tinkled a grand piano's keys in the foyer.

And the theater's interior oozed with movie-set atmosphere.

The walls were decorated in a trellised, English garden motif, while the ceiling twinkled with 150 stars.

Typical of the times, the theater had a house orchestra, plus a huge Wurlitzer organ that magically rose into view on a motorized lift to accompany the silent films still dominating the movie industry when the theater opened.

The biggest of three theaters in Upper Darby (the others were the 69th Street and the Terminal), the Tower offered vaudeville and burlesque stars on stage, plus the latest cinema features on screen. As vaudeville waned, movies became the staple. In the late 1950s and early '60s some multi-act, rock and soul music revues occasionally took over the stage.

By the early 1970s, the Tower had fallen on hard times. The theater was reduced to showing second- and third-run movies at a bargain $1 admission price. "The place was a mess. There were leaks in the ceiling, the paint was peeling, the carpeting was pretty bad," recalls Rick Green, who toured the place then with his older brother Stu. But as fans of the Fillmore East in New York - which wasn't such great shakes either, in the decor department - the 20-something Green brothers saw similar potential at the Tower. They made a deal with the owners - the A.M. Ellis Theater Co. - to turn the Tower into Philly's hottest rock-concert hall.

With the bucks the Greens were paying in rent - initially $800 per show night - Ellis started reinvesting in the theater, including more and nicer seats. And the Green brothers' Midnight Sun Concerts started bringing in progressive-rock acts with appeal to the coming-of-age boomer crowd (Dave Mason was their opener on June 14, 1972). They brought in: Springsteen, Electric Light Orchestra, the Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, Kiss, Renaissance, Jackson Browne, Procol Harum, Quincy Jones and Mr. Bowie - whose theatrically charged and amazingly rocking Fall of '72 "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" show shook up this kid but good.

Stu Green now allows that "R&B (rhythm and blues) music was really my thing." But the brothers (originally from North Jersey) discovered that "rock and especially anything British, did really well in this town."

They relied in part on guidance from DJs at then free-form WMMR, and also on "a 12-year-old kid who lived in an apartment adjoining the theater, Mike Hoffman," recalls Rick Green. "He was a diehard Anglophile with a British pen pal who would send over all the hot new releases, and Mike would clue us to them." (Hoffman is still turning people on to the good stuff, as proprietor of A.K.A. Music, 27 N. 2nd St.)

The Greens put on "about 100 shows a year - often two a night," notes Stu - until the rug was abruptly pulled out from under them in 1975. A member of the Ellis clan bargained away the Tower for $350,000 to Midnight Sun's larger competitor, Electric Factory Concerts. Midnight Sun still exists - as a Delaware County-based management and booking agency for bar bands.

As an element now of the Live Nation megaconcert operation, Electric Factory has kept the rock-hall vibe intact at the Tower, while gradually bringing the property back to respectability. The basement men's room no longer floods regularly. Seats, curtains and walls have been freshened up, the dropped ceiling in the lobby was removed to reveal the original fancy plaster work hiding beneath. The air conditioning works better, and if it gets too hot, you can now cool off with a beer from the lobby bar.

Midsize halls are gaining favor with touring acts like Clarkson - who originally had planned to perform this year in one of our nicer, 20,000-seat hockey rinks. So the Tower's future seems secure.

EFC chief Larry Magid even fought off the idea of his corporate parent to change the name of the theater to the Fillmore Philadelphia as part of a national branding stategy. (TLA took the hit instead.) Magid told a reporter in April that the Tower's legend loomed too large, even before he got involved in the operation:

"I saw rock 'n' roll shows there when I was a kid."

Does anyone know how many seats are in ROW AAA PIT? I am sitting in seats 210 and 212 (5 & 6 from the center isle) for FOGERTY and noticed in a Live Nation map that that ist row nearest stage (AAA) has less seats thann the other rows directly behind. Those, it seems, consist of 24 per section. Any help or a link to a better map? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!

Hi, you can find a more detailed seating chart in my blog: http://infotaupe.blogspot.com Hope that helps!

thanks!! very helpful!!

Has anybody ever pinpointed why the Tower has the most fantastic acoustics in the world? Or is this just one of those freak and seemingly coincidental phenomenons that no one as of yet has ever been able to fully explain? I remember how Bowie, and also Springsteen, absolutely idolized that theater for that very reason. And here it is into the 21st century, and it still has it!

I have seen many shows there and some movies..."The song remains the same" (82)
The Pretenders (84)
Keith Richards, Pat Benatar, Bob Dylan ( 89 or 90)
And others..
I would love to see another concert there before this decade is over...tickets can be pricey these days..
I have always loved this venue for its sound and seating..
Some local transportation available...
One can get there from the 102 trolley which runs from 69th to Sharon Hill as a last stop until after midnite on weekends if one chooses not to drive. One can also stay in the Springfield area at some cheap motels on Balt. Pike and take the 109 bus to the venue in 69th st. One can also take 101 trolley to Media PA from 69th st. where there is also a motel...these locations are all in Delaware county and all within 8 miles of 69th street with Media being the furthest.

Neil Young sounded fabulous at the Tower last night and the night before. He says he'll be back. I can't wait. It's a great venue...not too big.

Here is a photo of the Tower Theater.

Does anyone know a manager at the Tower Theatre? Or, do you know the proceedure for transferring a will-call ticket to another's name. I have Seal Concert tix in my name and i want them in someone elses name. How can i do that???

1980 photo of the Tower Theatre.
http://americanclassicimages.com/Default.aspx?tabid=141&txtSearch=CATAdvancedSearch1%2c38%2c3%2c-1&ProductID=29651

I have tickets for the upcoming eddie vedder concert in tower theater. They are located in the Loge, row LL. I have no idea where row LL is located. I have not seen it on any map or seating chart on the net. Can someone clear this up for me?

Here is a link to the Tower Seating chart.
http://www.livenation.com/venue/tower-theater-tickets#

Just click on seating chart and it will come up.

Theatre Historical Society will be visiting here on July 11, 2009.

I grew up in Upper Darby, PA where the Tower Theater is located. I've seen many great concerts there. It's a great venue. The acoustics are fanominal. It was restored in 2002 just before I saw the Rolling Stones there. The seats are comfortable and soft. There isn't a bad seat in the house (except some cramped leg roon in a few upper Balcony seats. No matter where you sit (or paas out) the sound is great. This place was designed for sound. The Stadiums and hockey arenas are not designed for sound. By now you'think these egg heads who design these venues take concerts/sound in to consideration.

As far as safety goes, there's homeless in the area but there's plenty of police around the facility during concerts. There's a lot of concert goers there too. I think it is perfectly safe at concert time.

There are no hotles in the 69th Street area where the Tower is located. Center City Philadelphia is a SEPTA El ride (elevated train) to the end of the line to 69th Street. The Tower Theater is one block for the 69th Street Terminal.

Concerts end fairly early at the Tower as a way to apease the neighbors after many late concerts (There use to be two concerts a night - an early show and a late show)with noise late at hight, the Township passed an ordinance about whe concerts have to end. You are always finished by 11 PM.

A great Itialian resturant about 3/4 of a mile from the Tower is Fank Pica's on West Chester Pike (Market Street turns in to West Chester Pike). It's an easy drive or bus ride to the resturant. There's fast food places up the hill (69th Street) from the Tower. There a Super Market and Wawa convience store about a 1/2 mile up 69th Street. All of these places are easy to find. The Tower is the best place to see and hear a concert! gjon69@rocketmail.com

I have the best Tower seating map. I composed it from many other maps. BIG THANKS to http://infotaupe.blogspot.com/ for the floor seating! If you want it email me gjon69@rocketmail.com Feel free to post it anywhere. gjon69@rocketmail.com
this is the best venue!! I've been to many around the world. The Cirkus in Stockholm was great and I lived the El Ray and Wiltern in LA.

I would love to photgraph the Tower Theater as I am a photographer and I love the Tower! I would love a tour! Any suggestions on how to get permission to do these things? gjon69@rocketmail.com

Neil Young, Meat Loaf, Todd Rundgren, Foo Fighters, Thin Lizzy, Mariah Carey, Oasis, Radiohead, Gary Numan, T. Rex, David Bowie, Lou Reed, The Clash, The Strokes, Heart, Interpol, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Aerosmith, Smashing Pumpkins, Morrissey, Lewis Black, Traffic, John Fogerty, Jim Gaffigan, George Carlin, Daryl Hall & John Oates, Bruce Springsteen, Kiss, The Police, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, The Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow, Mott the Hoople, Australian Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Tool, The Musical Box, Goo Goo Dolls, Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Yes, Phil Collins, Frank Zappa, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jethro Tull, Al Stewart, Dido, Keane, The Brian Setzer Orchestra, The Disco Biscuits, The Roots, Artie Lange, Chris Rock, Kelly Clarkson, Dave Matthews Band, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, U2, Phish, Steve Goodman and John Prine (separately and together), Devo, PiL, Mike Oldfield, Weather Report, John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny Group, Brand X, King Crimson, Thomas Dolby, Arcade Fire, The Replacements, Cocteau Twins, Robin Trower, Sigur Rós, Angel, Gov't Mule, Flight of the Conchords, Demetri Martin, Eddie Vedder, Primus, Steely Dan and Leonard Cohen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Theater_(Upper_Darby,_Pennsylvania)

I'm trying to remember all of the concerts i saw at the Tower Theater: rolling Stones, John Fogerty, Ray Davies, The Kinks, Richie Blackmore's rainbow, 10CC, Procal Harem, Leo Sayer with Bobby Keys and Nicky Hopkins, Gary Wright with Peter Frampton, ELO, David Bowie and more. Can you name artist who performed here? Dates? Let's get a complete list.

http://www.google.com/search?q=tower+theater+history+philadelphia&hl=en&rlz=1I7DKUS_en&tbs=tl:1&tbo=u&ei=m7w3S_WDLYu2lAfRouilBw&sa=X&oi=timeline_result&ct=title&resnum=11&ved=0CCcQ5wIwCg