Never again. I have been to The Tower off and on for years. The list of great concerts still boggles my own mind - David Bowie, Bruuuuuuce, Chicago, Lou Reed, Steve Miller...etc... and for that I'm grateful. The staff, however, was never very cool. They were always a bit standoffish, some downright rude... but, you can get around it by just moving on, but still... it sticks in your head. THIS time was waaaaay different My friend is severely handicapped. She had recently had another surgery and as an Old Beatles Fan she was truly looking forward to seeing Ringo in concert... and we had 5th row seats!!! I called the venue, as did my husband well ahead of time and they assured us her wheelchair would not be an issue. But it was, and it more ways than one. As soon as we were shown our seats, I said to the usher, "We can't sit here! She can't fit in!" Then she moved us down by the side of the stage where our friend was more comfortable and could see things a lot easier. I thanked the usher - a lot. THEN, came another fellow (older man with glasses) who was as rude and brusque with me as if I had just stolen the evening's take. "You can't stay here! What are you trying to pull? Get back where you belong!" I informed him we were put there by another usher and where we "belong" we couldn't fit in and we paid over 300 dollars for the tickets after we were told her handicap would would not be an issue!!! Well, it was and continued to be. To make a long story longer, by the time they all stopped arguing with us, we did NOT get to sit in our quite pricey seats, and by the time they finally seated us 7 of Ringo's songs were already sung while we were being shuttled hither and yon. Eventually, which was decent of them, they put us and our friend back in the VIP section ... maybe 30 rows back??? ... BUT everyone is standing up for 100 feet ahead of her. and now she can't see the show at all. She cannot view it from her chair. If she could have been seated where the tickets were purchased for... she could have! That was the whole point of buying them in the first place. "I can't even take a picture" she cried to me. I felt AWFUL for her. It made me angry, hurt, and sad!!!!!!!!! My husband stayed with her, while I tracked down a few more people to talk to. No one budged, so I asked if I could go down to the front to at LEAST take some photos for her. THEN, after one decent gent interceded for me, I was given the okay, for 15 minutes, to take pictures of Ringo and his band for her. And I got some great shots, but it was at such a cost to her, I mean the humiliation, the rudeness...and even the struggle she had to get ready to go to the show in the first place. But she was so happy to get to go, and, it made us feel good to see her so happy. Until all that! While Andi now has some lovely photos of Ringo and at least she "heard" him... but the evening was marred by such arrogance... even at the end when a manager came by to "make us feel a bit better" ... it was a day late and a dollar short. And, in my heart, I felt like he didn't mean what he was saying at all. Sad, huh? HOW could anyone manage a lot like those people and not know what they were doing to paying customers - HANDICAPPED customers!!! There was that one nice fella, a tall, black dude. HIs name escapes me right now, but when I remember it, I'll edit his name back in the post. He felt terrible about all of it, in fact he was the gent who actually made it possible for Andi's most-cherished Ringo photos. So, there was the one highlight of the evening. A nice man who just wanted to do the right thing. And bless his heart for that. Sadly, it won't be enough to get us to ever go back to The Tower again. Folks, don't worry about getting mugged outside the building... they'll do it for you inside of it! read more

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Damn this place is pretty run down...it smelled pretty musty too. I wish I could say something nice about this place. I guess the ushers were nice? read more

Tower Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

My experience at Tower Theater showed me how very possible it is to have the time of your life and a negative time capsuled into one evening. The shows they book have very much to do with the positive Tower experience. If I had to review the opportunity to see the first Temple of the Dog show on their first real tour, this review would have infinite stars and vivid glowing details. However, this is about the venue. First off, buying tickets here isn't easy. I struck out for TOTD and Green Day with tickets flying off the virtual shelves and into the hands of scalpers within moments on Ticketmaster. Not to mention, the Green Day ticket sale began at 9am EST. Not 10am EST. Not noon EST. 9am. WHO DOES THAT? Moving onto to my time in the venue and vicinity, we arrived about 30 minutes prior to the opener and found the line to get in wrapped down to Market Street and back. So much for the opener. The venue itself is older and dripping with charm, and could be compared to a quintessential classic theater. The thing about quintessential classic theaters is that a lot of them have been upgraded, with things like elevators. So much for any fairness with accessibility. They did allow us to exchange our upstairs Loge seats to accessible row TT. However, they didn't make it easy. We had to go to the box office outside the theater and leave the theater. I thought I was going to have a panic attack if they decided to not let us back in since our tickets were already scanned. Long story short, it took a really long time to end up at our seats and we only had one ticket for two people. Taking turns to use the facilities before the main act isn't stressful or anything. Speaking of the facilities, we were thankfully given the code for the VIP restrooms, otherwise there was another flight of stairs to get down to the restrooms. Then the show began and none of that mattered whatsoever. The sound was great. The view was decent. It's not the venue's fault everyone is watching the show through their raised camera phones. So, they get some pretty notable acts. If you can get in and get around the venue, then you've got yourself a good experience. As you are witnessing the performance, somehow none of the rest is of importance...for at least a moment of your life. read more

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We saw the Van Gogh exhibit. It was incredible. Great venue and the exhibit was amazing! A must see!!

This theatre has some beautiful architectural touches but it's my least favorite place to see a show. The balcony seating is very cramped and the leg room varies by seat. My legs were too long fir my planned seat and I had to switch with another person. When tonight's show ended only 2 entrances of many opened up which meant a slow cattle like exit for a packed house. Those coming to the next show were lined up in the cold for blocks waiting to get in. The neighborhood also gets uncomfortable when the sun goes down which means you can't park far and will probably end up paying $20 for use of the lot. It will take someone very special to make me consider returning in the near future. read more

Last night Kim P, the boys and I had front row seats to see Flight of the Concords at The Tower. Did you hear that, Philly? We were so close that I could see every drop of sweat glistening on Jemaine's forehead and hear every beat of Bret's warm, warm heart. In fact, I have concocted a fantasy about last night that goes a little something like this: Jemaine is tuning his guitar. He drops his pick, which lands about 3 feet directly ahead of me on stage. The bespectacled one reaches down to retrieve it and our eyes lock. He is hypnotized by my purple hair and mysterious colorful arms. "Is it a patterned shirt?" he thinks to himself. "Or is she one of those Philly hipsters I've been hearing so much about?" We exchange shy glances (my dude, who is sitting inches away from me, is fine with this because if Rosario Dawson ever swings into town, he's got my permission to go for it) and Jemaine continues with the show. He sings "Business Time," which is everyone's favorite, but we both know he's singing it to me. But I play coy. During "Albi" I laugh politely, and I rock out accordingly to "Hiphopopotumus," but I'm no easy target. Jemaine is going to have to work a lot harder to woo me with his disheveled hair and thrift store clothes...perhaps with something involving scented massage oils and a snugglefest featuring seasons one through three of The L Word... Uhhh, anyway, Tower Theater, good. Old and pretty. Decent beer and you can take it inside with you. Bathrooms are kinda creepy. Crappy neighborhood and expensive parking garage, but whateves. This review, apparently, is less about that jazz and all about the love that was never meant to be between a lady and a Kiwi who is now touring the world, breaking hearts at a medium-capacity theater near you. read more

Tower Theater - Performing Arts Near Me - Upper Darby, Pennsylvania

I like the look and style of the theater. Its got a nice art nouveau feel to it and a decent bar. I have been told that the acoustics and great, however since we were in the first row, the sound bounced around us and I missed the subtleties of the latest New Zealand imports up on stage. As far as getting there the train seems to be the way to go. Parking is ok $10 at the garage. I was told by a local that the police ticket everyone during shows in hope that you won't come back and fight the ticket. read more

Nice classic venue. In the middle of nowhere though. Leave early or you will be late. Also, exceptionally gross bathrooms. One bathroom per gender for the entire venue. $10 Parking Garage at Chestnut St and Heather Rd. GPS that intersection instead of the venue to avoid the intersection of 69th and Market St. Come up Chestnut instead. Or you can sit in traffic for an extra 20 minutes at that shitty intersection. read more

The Tower is one of my favorite venues. The shows I've seen here have run the gamut from popular (Phoenix) to comedy (Jon Stewart) to cult favorites (Ween), and I've never had a bad experience with parking, security, or the crowd. This venue is the perfect size. You're never too far away from the performer, and yet, it's big enough to give you a real concert feel. Furthermore, everyone gets their own seat, so you have a place to put your purse and designated dancing space. You can take public transportation or drive, and parking was free at Saturday night's show (I'm not sure if this is something new, or if the lot has always been free). But my favorite thing about the Tower is the simulated stars on the ceiling. They even took the time to recreate the Big Dipper. Despite the area surrounding it, the Tower is straight-up classy. Bravo, Philadephia. read more

The sound at the tower is outstanding, it was once touted to be "Philly's Fillmore" bearing likeness to the famous San Francisco venue of that name. Both David Bowie and Phil Collins have recorded tracks here amongst many others. It was a great place to see a show up until a few months ago when the owners removed all of the orchestra seats. Electric factory clearly is just after more money and it's a huge shame! I could see making the pit larger but all of the seats? Seating is still available in the loge, and balcony is now VIP, at least for the show I went to! You can take the MFL, regional rail or bus here from all over the region which is pretty convenient, but if you drive the best parking is in the garage on Chestnut between 68th and 69th. It will run you $10 and is cash only - you can tailgate, but keep it minimal! Money saving tip: Beers run $11 and cocktails are $8! read more

For an old theater, it certainly has some forward thinking points about it. The Tower is an old place but I think whoever put it together really thought about accessibility and designed it "for the ages" Allow me to explain: 1. Really close to public transit. I mean seriously, the only way for it to be closer is for it to be IN 69th street. 2. Ample parking. For our last time, we drove and we parked around the back in the lot. It cost me 10 bucks and it was well worth it. 3. Two bars, main floor and balcony. The balcony one was way less crowded. 4. Seats! There are plenty of music venues that don't have these. Back in my pit days, I didn't care but now, I like sitting through a show. The prices are in line with other music venues. If you're trying to find inexpensive beer at a show, good luck. Now if they could just keep the d-bags out. read more

Maybe it's just that I have a thing for seeing shows in classic old theaters, but I do like the Tower Theatre plenty. Of course, yet again, there is the whole slew of fond memories from many fun shows attached to the sentiment. There's also this point: I seem to favor the places who go for the theater with the "RE" at the end. "Theatre," I like your style. I was last at the Tower Theatre about two months ago to see a show. It occurred to me that maybe I'm getting old because when the balcony seemed to bounce with dancing people's shaking, I had to fight the urge to scold, "Settle the hell down!" You know, for safety's sake... For real, it was fun. But I did have the moment like that felt a bit on the verge of fist shaking at young whippersnappers. I think that Tower is beautiful, even in a kind of run-down way. You can still get a sense of the history. I always have a moment or two when I'm there as I look at the intricate moldings, marble and old architecture. I imagine 1920's people watching films or vaudeville acts...and then I think about all the luckies who were able to be there for so many rock shows since the 70's...Classic, amazing stuff. Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars? Are you kiddin me? I have such concert envy for times before I was born. When the time machine discussion comes up, as it often does...many debate the potential impacts of toying with history. Is it selfish that my first thoughts about it all are, "Oooh I would see me some shows?" (Seriously, don't worry, OK? I'm betting that they'll probably let that guy who wants to go back and warn the world about impending disasters and mass murderers, use the time machine before me.) If you can swing it, taking the Market-Frankford line to 69th is the easiest way to get to the venue. I also find that it's key when having fun to not have to worry about parking, etc. Coming down the stairs from the station, The Tower Theatre is right there before you. Go see some live music there. read more

I like this venue quite a bit...while it can't free itself from the shackles of Ticketbastard, it does a better job than anybody else in town in similar circumstances. Just to clear the air, yes, its a fairly rough neighborhood...though not as rough as it may appear to virgin eyes. If you aren't a complete dunce you will be fine. There is a parking garage at the top of the block, and the worst you will encounter there are the other patrons of the venue (some of whom can be a bit...assertive). Just don't be in too big of a hurry to leave and you will be ok. So long as you are sitting on the main floor and not under the balcony, the sound is actually pretty good. King Crimson (a picky band if there ever was one) had a good, full sound. Under the balcony is where things get dicey...a bit muffled. Plus for whatever reason the seats don't make sense there, and I had the misfortune of taking a date to see Tori Amos here a couple years ago...lets just say chicks, Tori, and seat confusion is a bad mix. But, there is nothing beer in a giant, novelty guitar-shaped plastic jug can't cure, and I hope they still have those. I don't know how much they cost, and frankly I don't care to know. I recall finding a bathroom easy enough, and other than getting out of the parking garage, I had no real hassles. The venue is a bit of a classic, but like other classic venues (The Troc) it coasts on its own glory (though not as much). Let me put it this way...if a band I liked was coming to town, and I could choose between The Tower, The Troc, The TLA, and The Electric Factory, I'd choose the Tower every single time. I'd probably burn down the Electric Factory just to make it a shorter list, but thats just me. Of course, I'd choose several venues over the Tower, but beggars...choosers...you know. read more

I've been going to concerts in Philadelphia for over 15 years and this was my first time to the Tower Theatre. I had never even been to 69th st. but had only heard bad things about the neighborhood. The 69th st area lived up to expectations in terms of run down businesses. I was glad there was a parking garage for 10 bucks which made me feel a tad more secure about parking, although I probably wasted 10 bucks on zero security. Regardless, walking up to Tower Theatre my expectations were very low. That all changed once I got inside. The classic theatre look and style of the place was great. They had Philadelphia Brewing Co beers on tap along with some cheap standards. The seats appeared to be fairly new (not reclining, but comfortable). The auditorium was the perfect size. I sat in the balcony but still felt close enough to be satisfied. Based solely on tonight's experience (Weird Al Yankovic) I could give this place 5 stars, but I know there are better venues and I'm just in a good mood. The posters hanging around the theatre show the collection of hall of fame acts that have performed there. It is a historic venue and I'm just sad I didn't visit sooner. read more

I went to the Tower Theater last night to see Jonathan Van Ness. The theater wasn't anything special. We sat in the orchestra, and the seats were difficult to see when people were sitting in front of us. The seats are barely elevated, and they aren't spaced appropriately to be able to see around people sitting in front of you. We purchased food at the venue- hot dogs and waters. Both cost $4 a piece. I did go to the bathroom before the show. It was dirty, but not the worst I had seen. Overall, it was an average theater. I would probably avoid going in the future just because it took about an hour to get there and return home by SEPTA. read more

The Tower theatre has some great musical acts, I have to hand it to them. Tonight I saw Steve Winwood. He was fantastic. The acoustics and sight lines are good. Staff is friendly. My gripes are the terrible snacks and the awful women's bathroom. Seriously, I feel like complaining to Live Nation about the facilities. Doors that won't close, overflowing trash cans, funky moldy smell, old toilets. Crappy looking sinks. It wouldn't cost THAT much to upgrade. That being said, I will still go for a good show. But places like the Fillmore put it to shame in comparison. read more

I've only been here once and it will the the last time unless someone else pays for my ticket. This venue is in the ghetto-est of ghetto areas in Philly. There's not a street corner where a drug deal ISN'T going down. If you're unlucky enough to have to walk from the parking lot to the venue, you aren't going to feel safe. It doesn't matter how many people you're with. The sound is terrible. The fact that the sound was awful for a comedy show makes me feel bad for those unfortunate people who pay to see music played. If a comedian talking sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher, I'd hate to hear the sound quality of a full band. The staff are a bunch of douches too. We get it. Your job sucks, but guess what? The patrons are not the ones forcing you to be there. You can quit at anytime. Don't take your anger out on the patrons. One star because the theater itself is cool looking. One star because Chelsea Handler, Heather McDonald and Josh Wolff were hilarious. I probably shouldn't even include a star for that. read more

I lived down the street from the Tower Theater last summer. I've always been confused about why people consider it a historic part of Philadelphia... it's so crummy! (For watching movies, anyway...) If the movie you're watching starts at 11pm or later, you will find the place utterly deserted. The staff is already trying to close up and is too lazy to sell food or even charge you for a movie ticket. Twice I've been let in for free thanks to pure laziness! So, I would definitely go back if I were in the area, as long as I didn't want popcorn or any kind of good service - then I'd be out of luck. read more

I attended an event for an organization here that was over $100 per person. It is not worth spending your money here. When we walked into the venue, security was absolutely RIDICULOUS and extremely rude. Kicking people out who were 21 and over, constantly harassing people who didn't even have drinks in their hands. They had 5 choices of alcohol (including boxed wine which was of the lowest quality) and one type of beer. They claimed it was "open bar" but they didn't let us order drinks at dinner, which was absolutely horrific considering we paid for an open bar the whole night. The space that we rented out was extremely small. We were crammed in their lobby and unable to even see the theater which we also rented as well. They also did NOT have cell service or WiFi of any sort which was ridiculous for how long we were there for. The food was another story. It tasted like it came from an elementary school cafeteria that was briefly microwaved. While also telling us to serve ourselves with plastic plates and silverware. The chicken looked like soggy bread, and the vegetables were RAW. While also making us eat upstairs and closing the downstairs so we couldn't even get drinks, unbelievable. For a venue that claims to offer many areas to explore, delicious food, and high quality drinks, they are obviously better at lying than doing their job. I would never go back here. Please take your money elsewhere. read more

Not sure how many people the Tower holds, but im assuming that the Sold out Flight of the Conchords show was close to 20,000. Which is why it was mind blowing that my guest and I had an empty seat next to us and it was eventually filled with another prominant Yelper! What were the odds!!?? The show was fantastic and once again, the Tower was the prime venue for an amazing band. We were shocked at all the fans that were there for not 1 but 2 shows of a New Zealand novelty band. Definitely alot of dicks on the dance floor! read more

I mean, it does the trick I guess. Yes, this is how I am going to start this review. Far from the action, Tower theater is near some shopping in a less desirable part of town. But it's on a main road, so I was not super worried about safety. Mind you, if I was here for something more main strain and youth oriented, I might be a little more concerned. That all said, I came to see Russell Peters do his stand-up routine. He was great, as always. The theater was in okay shape, but could use some love. It was clean enough. It's a bit of a fixer upper, but like I said, it does the trick. read more

Such a cool venue. Tickets were fairly cheap, which is surprising since it's such an intimate setting to see your favorite artists. Will definitely be coming back here for another show in the future. read more

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This is a super cool place to catch a show. The location is great and there is ample street parking. By the way-I suggest parking at the 69th street shops parking lot at 69th and chestnut. It's free and only a block away. Anyway. The theater is lovely. As is the list of beers on tap. Whenever I can get my victory hop devil on draft, I'm a happy kid. The fact that there are two bars (one on the main level one on the balcony) makes me even happier. The acoustics are good, the seats are comfy enough,and all the views work. The only thing that kinda sucked was that I had general admission tickets, which I thought were for the floor, and they stopped stamping peoples hands to get onto the floor pretty early on. I was basically reduced to a nomad concert-goer without a seat to call my own. I think this theater is way better equipped for plays and comedy shows rather than concerts,but the show was still awesome and I'd certainly go back! read more

I have seen three different types of shows here: Tool, George Carlin, & Stephen Lynch. The venue was best for Tool & Stephen Lynch since it has been design for acoustics to bounce around the room. The George Carlin stand-up suffered because of this because his talking & jokes got over-powered by the echos of laughter. The layout of the theatre is a proscenium stage with the best seats being in the orchestra pit area. I was in this area for both Carlin & Lynch but I was in the front balcony for Tool. The acoustics were still good from there and I still had a descent view. Since Ticket Master runs the box office you are of course horrifically over-charged for the performances. The refreshments are severely over-priced as well. A 20 oz. bottle of Dasani water was I think over $2 if I remember correctly. Parking and traffic is also an issue in that area. Traffic is always crazy at the 69th street intersection. I have sat & waited for 30 minutes before in the turn lane because the lights are so short and pedestrian traffic is so heavy (major Septa station there - so if you are a non-driver there is pretty easy access to the venue)There is a lot/garage behind the venue but it is not the easiest to get in & out of, and street parking goes fast (as well as the meter maids are diligent!) So I recommend going early to get through traffic and descent parking. All in all not really worth it unless you really want to see the performer in a small venue and they are not playing anywhere else. read more

I hate this theater- everything about it. It's such a dreary, dirty, theater, and the sound is awful. I had the misfortune of sitting in the balcony for a gospel play there, and the sound was so bad, I felt like I wasn't even AT the show. Luckily, I got the tickets free since I was working at Power 99. I feel sorry for people who actually PAY to sit there. I have been to this theater countless times, and each time, I was always reluctant to go. At times, I have actually missed out on shows I really wanted to go to because it was at Tower. (Most recently Eric Benet, and the upcoming Janet Jackson concert.) read more

Love attending shows at the Tower. The staff is always friendly and the location is easily accessable. Parking is $10 in the garage behind the building (turn at the corner of 69th and Chestnut). There's a great pizza shop (Leandro's) across the street. Once inside, the food options are very limited (I believe they have hot dogs and pretzels) and the beers are typically $11 for a 24 oz. draft. The seating area is spacious for a venue of its age and if you don't mind the slight aroma of garbage juice, you'll have a fantastic time, as the concerts they pull are top notch. read more

What a dump,14$ for a Yards beer give me a break, place smelled ,town was a dump ,and people it is going to cost you 20 dollars to park, saw Jewels Christmas show worst show I have ever saw and I'm 62 years old, saw a lot of concerts in my days and this was the worst , never ever go back read more

Despite the fact that you have to drive through the roughest part of Philadelphia to get there, the Tower is a really cool venue. Philly tends to be strange with regard to placement of concert venues, so I guess the ride to Upper Darby is worth it for the quality of talent that they book. I tend to end up at the Tower a lot because they book great comedians and mid-tier bands that are not too overblown, but still pretty popular. The place holds about 2000 or so people, and the seats are pretty comfortable. Overall, a good venue, despite generally steep ticket prices. read more

Last weekend was my first experience with the Tower for the Smashing Pumpkins Explosions in the Sky show. This was the largest concert I've attended in years, and I wasn't sure what to expect. Being accustomed to shows with no more than 50 people sets a certain standard for the live music experience; a venue that holds 3,000+ doesn't exactly fit the mold. However, I must say, the Tower is pretty sweet. Our seats were waaayy up there (Aside: How is that possible? I was on Ticketmaster the exact moment tickets went on sale!), but our view was still awesome. Now, I haven't experienced every section in theater, but it seems like a place where there isn't a bad seat. The sound quality was fantastic; the only time I couldn't hear was when virtually the entire crowd decided to strike up the (stupid) E-A-G-L-E-S chant over whatever it was Billy Corgan was saying. Over all, it was a great place to see a concert. Not to mention, the architecture and history of the Tower makes the experience that much better. As has been mentioned, you're not driving through the best neighborhoods of Philadelphia (I swear I almost hit a prostitute on the way home), but it's not the worst place I've ever been. read more

Had my first experience attending a show last night (Alt-J) at this theater as well as in the Philly area. I was really excited as I hadn't been to a show in a while. The theater is right across from the 69th street subway station so we took the market-frankford line there and it was super convenient. So we got there a little after the doors opened and there was a GIANT line outside the theater. i was pissed initially because it was cold like the north pole last night, but the line moved rather quickly. The theater is located in a more unsavory part of Philly, so there were a few scary looking types around that confronted us while waiting in line to get in. Once inside, we were patted down upon entry which was performed honestly a little too quickly. I appreciate that they were trying to move us through rapidly, but someone easily could have brought in a concealed weapon. Then there was a lady trying to hard sell this VIP treatment package for an extra $40. No thanks. The beers were standard prices for concert venues I believe. $11-$12 for 24 oz. They also had some snacks as well, but I really didn't look into it. The ushers were extremely helpful or totally useless depending on which particular person you dealt with. It was a bit tricky because we had general admission tickets but those tickets also have a section and a row, and I guess there was some assigned seating on the balconies. We figured it out and found some seats near front which were very good. There is a pit area too that is large and in front of us that looked like it went all the way up to the stage. So it was cool because it was a medium sized venue and you could still get pretty close. The acoustics in the building were hella good. Both the opening act and the main event sounded great. There was also a bar in the bathroom which was super cool and had never seen before. It was limited to just beer, but it was awesomely convenient. The stairs to the bathroom need to be repaired. They did some half-assed attempt to repair my duct-taping some cardboard to the hole, but that was not sufficient. That needs to get fixed pronto. Overall, had a good time and would not hesitate to return when one of my favorite bands comes to visit me in Philly. read more

The focus may be on the new shinier venues like The Met and Union Transfer, but the Tower can't be beat in terms of sound, seating and a long haul history. Recently voted one of America's top live venues, it's easy to hear why. I also love the array of Vietnamese and Thai food just around the corner, not to mention the awesome H-Mart food court, but would it kill Upper Darby to bring in a decent place to get a beer, maybe a brewery even? read more

Gonna go with the general consensus here that the Tower Theatre serves its purpose fairly well, but it isn't ideal. I understand there aren't too many venues of this size in Philly (larger than union transfer/electric factory etc.) and I definitely prefer the Tower Theatre to the TLA, but it still is one of my least favorite venues in the Philly area. I respect the Tower Theatre as I realize so many beloved bands/comedians/singers have come through here for decades and its sort of a landmark. It's cool to be able to still attend shows here, but I do wish they would fix it up a bit so it is on par with some of the other event spaces. There are a number of things that seem sort of out of date in attending a show here. To begin on a couple positive notes, parking is confusing, but I never have had a problem. It is a relief there is ample space so close to the venue in a sketchy area, and I have never taken the train but it seems super convenient. I never feel unsafe here even though Upper Darby is a little rough around the edges, though there are generally police outside I see this as a good thing. Sound always is good and a proper volume, and its such a large space I never have gotten ridiculously sweaty which is also a plus. Now on to the bad.....the bar.....it costs as much for a beer here as it does at a Phillies game. Like $8 for a magic hat? It makes no sense. Beer selection is decent but way more expensive than a lot of other concert venues, it also can get really crowded trying because all of the bars are clustered together. The upstairs seating is my #1 peeve, I get that this is a theatre, but like there is no way I want to sit down for the majority of the shows I see here. This is a personal preference, but last night I went to a show and had to literally hold my bladder for 3 hours because if I left my spot on the floor near the stage to pee I would have not been allowed back down to the standing area and would have been separated from my boyfriend for the entire show. How can I enjoy a show properly if I am stuck in my spot and unable to go to the bathroom or the bar for the entire set for fear of not being able to return? It just seems kind of inhumane and inconvenient? Like if I staked my spot out near the front really early I deserve to be able to come and go as I please if I have to pee. End rant! Maybe its not like this every time, but its definitely not something I look forward to and seems like a problem that could easily be solved with wristbands for people who have gotten there early and earned their space by the front. Till next time Tower Theatre! read more

Love this theater. We're lucky to have such a great venue for rock concerts in our area. I've seen well over 100 show here in the last 30+ years. The sound is best of your in the Orchestra or Loge seats. The upper balcony seats are best to avoid if possible, but their not horrendous. The security here can be jerks occasionally, but usually it's fine. Parking here is actually good if you know where to look. We always park for free in the neighborhood which is only a short 3 block walk to the venue. The food selections at the venue are abysmal - so just snack before hand and then after the show go to the nearby very first, original JIm's Steaks on 62nd and Noble streets in West Philly. Very old school, dirty, grimy place with lot's of old Philly character, and the steaks are above average. Also, if you want to eat before the show, there are a ton of exceptional ethnic restaurants within walking distance of the theater. read more

I hate to give the Tower 1 star. It's a legendary venue, but it seems it is being destroyed by the current management. The people that work there seem very unhappy. Their attitudes range from indifferent to downright hostile, especially Security. No one seems to be in charge and no one is able or willing to answer the simplest of questions. To spend that kind of money to see a show and receive that kind of treatment is infuriating. I was there for a show recently and, in fairness, I'm not sure how much of the following was the fault of the artist and how much was down to the venue. The headliner did not come out for over 2 hours after the opener. There was not explanation given. The sound was terrible. There was feedback happening well into the show. The artist had to give instructions to the sound engineer from the stage. The kick drum had no low end in it for the first few songs. It was all very unprofessional. I won't go to a show here again unless someone is performing there that I absolutely must see or the management changes. read more

My rating is prob a little harsh but the Tower just doesnt thrill me anymore. I have been there multiple times. The best show I have ever seen there were the Foo Fighters acoustic tour back in 2007. Pros: old style theater, good acoustics Cons: location, nowhere to hang and bang pre/post show, tix prices We went there last nite for Death Cab for Cutie show and ordered a couple beers. I was given what looked like two 10oz dixie cups and asked for $12.50. I said excuse me, I only ordered 2 beers not 3. He said they were 6.25 each. Wow. I am one to buy beer no matter the price, but you have to give me 16 ounces at that price. They were tiny. Overall, if you have not seen a show there I recommend you do. However, I prefer other venues that are in the city with some other things to do before or after a show. read more

I've been to concerts at this venue twice. The first time was a nowhere near sellout crowd. It was GA, and while all the kids were cramming themselves into the pit, I snagged myself a front-row balcony seat and didn't get moshed to death. Even though I was scared to park my car in the hood, the fact that I got to see a pretty good show by a pretty good band while chillaxing in a pretty comfy chair with an unobstructed view made it okay. My last show, on the other hand.. Yeesh. I was on the guestlist, thanks to a hookup with one of the bands. Apparently, my pass did not get me a seat, but allowed me to watch from the beer line. I'm sure this was a misunderstanding from the band, but it was poorly handled by the venue staff. One security guy pointed me in one direction, telling me I could stand in the aisle.. Another told me that there was no way I could get past him without a ticket.. And a third told me to talk to the box office (which is out front) while yelling at me that I couldn't be readmitted if I went outside. The box office lady was mean, terminating our conversation by walking away. One of the security guys was even mean to my friend (who was in the band) when he was trying to get backstage. Every single person I dealt with who was in the employ of the Tower Theater was mean. Sometimes they were useful, but they consistently acted like I was asking them for their mothers' kidneys. At least I was able to park at the SEPTA station for free and not get towed. Your mileage may vary, but another concertgoer who was enjoying some pre-show adult beverages in the lot advised me it was safe. (From towing. Not necessarily from nefarious strangers.) The hobos warming the bus station benches as we walked to our car after the show seemed friendly. One of them shouted incoherently, possibly at me, but he had a far more pleasant disposition than any of the venue staff I had the fortunate chore of interacting with. Please, bands. Play the TLA instead. read more

Really what a sad sad place. Depressing neighborhood (although the ease of parking around here makes me swoon), depressing theater, depressing acoustics.. Saw Interpol with the White Rabbits opening and Phoenix here recently. Have seen all bands before and was totally dismayed at how much poorer they sounded in this venue. I hope bands stop playing here, its a total bummer.... read more

I absolutely love this venue. The theater itself is gorgeous and I've always been able to get great seats. That being said, I sadly haven't been here in years because there really haven't been any shows/acts that have interested me in quite a while. :( Parking is directly next to the place, and is fairly cheap and easy. The area is not my favorite, but I overlook that because of the great experiences that I've had in the theater. read more

This is the 3rd time I have made my way to Upper Darby, PA to attend a concert at tower. It is similar in some ways to the Beacon in NYC however not conveniently located. There is a cement parking structure behind tower which was $10 or you can take your chances on the street. Views from almost everywhere in the orchestra and lower balcony area good. Water $3-not terrible bathrooms-adequate I am obsessed with smashing pumpkins which is why I came out here-if a band you like is not heading to NYC might be worth a trip here or if you are just flat out obsessed like me. read more

So, the Tower Theater. Having recently moved to Maryland, I drove up to Philly for the Alice in Chains show. Unfortunately for me (being short) and my seats (being cheap), when people stood for the show, I couldn't see very well. I don't know if it was just this particular show, or shows at the tower in general, but the place was awfully smoky. I wouldn't not see a show over it, but I would drive the extra 30min or so to the DC venues for a show I knew was going to be full of stoners. Parking is hard to find, but not that pricey - we paid $10 for parking in a lot on the same block. And then when we were walking to the theater from the parking lot someone came up to us and said "Wanna buy some hash or shrooms?". So yea, not an area I'd bring my kids too. But again, Alice in Chains is a bit of a stoner crowd... read more