The Concert Room

Bob Hill
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  • MUSIC HISTORY
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The legendary Philadelphia Spectrum Arena- America's Showplace!A podcast session about the Philadelphia Spectrum Concerts! From 1967-2009, the Spectrum held and hosted close to 1500 concerts and shows. The Stones, Springsteen, Billy Joel, Zeppelin and the Dead. We will delve in to the performances, recordings and memories. Featuring perspectives from your host Bob Hill and guests, including national and local photographers, the radio, print and media who covered the shows and performers, Spectrum personnel who worked in promotions and the crews... and of course the fans sharing their experiences. Spotlights of bands and performances on the Spectrum stage featuring recordings and archival information. Hit the House Lights and let's rock! 

  1. The Grateful Dead Live at the Spectrum, dedicated to Bob Weir! Hell in a Bucket and Sugar Magnolia- October 19 and 20, 1989

    JAN 14

    The Grateful Dead Live at the Spectrum, dedicated to Bob Weir! Hell in a Bucket and Sugar Magnolia- October 19 and 20, 1989

    Send us a text The Concert Room welcomes back The Grateful Dead for another great homestand in the Fall of 1989. Sad news hit us recently when Bob Weir, a founding member of The Dead and popular legendary musician, passed away on January 10, 2026. This show is dedicated to Bobby as we honor him and his band, and the great performances and shows at the Spectrum! The Dead rolled in to the Spectrum during their Fall East Coast tour on October 18, 1989, for a spectacular three nightstand, with each night having standout performances and jams to satisfy the sold-out Philly deadheads. The Spectrum outside and inside for three days was a fun carnival of music and celebration as the decade of the highflying fun 80’s comes to a close. Our dedication to Bobby features two performances of songs he wrote and sang on. The first set evening opener on October 19 with a spirited and set tone tune, "Hell in a Bucket". We bookend a great tune from the last song of the evening of October 20, after a marathon concert of close to three hours with an energetic and stellar performance of “Sugar Magnolia”. Enjoy and celebrate this truly American band and all the members who gave us such timeless music.  Bob Wier Home Page Bob Weir October 18, 19, 20 1989 full Spectrum shows https://youtu.be/16V7TbVwqHc?si=D3KawO9fFFXkP0gs https://youtu.be/ziibZSQ8m5o?si=QI6kTWfRoVFRetXG https://youtu.be/o63RcJIACN4?si=XbD9mBC7jwASjQJO

    27 min
  2. Jethro Tull rocks the Tower Theater on the Crest of a Knave tour! Songs from the Wood and Living in the Past – November 25, 1987

    12/22/2025

    Jethro Tull rocks the Tower Theater on the Crest of a Knave tour! Songs from the Wood and Living in the Past – November 25, 1987

    Send us a text The Concert Room features one of the greatest recording and live acts in music! Jethro Tull rolled in to The Tower Theater in Upper Darby, PA for a two nightstand, on the “The Not Quite the World, More the Here and There Tour” supporting the Album Crest of a Knave.  The second night at the Tower was simulcast/recorded on FM stations for the King Biscuit Flower Hour and broadcast to cities across the U.S. Once again, Philly is chosen for this honor and the Tower Theater, due to its beautiful acoustics, was top of the list for many artists when choosing where to record live albums as it captures the essence of a concert experience but it’s clear enough to pick up on all of the details of the sound. As a result, these Tower shows are among the best on this tour. Tull was crisp, tight and sprinkled the Setlist with a variety of songs from their history, showcasing their incredible musicianship on stage. We open with Micheal Tearson of WMMR introducing the band & the recording that night, with Tull opening the evening with a stellar performance of “Songs from the Wood”. The second song is “Living in the Past” from their second album which is phenomenal!   Links; Full King Biscuit Flower Hour show – Tower Theater, 11/25/1987  https://youtu.be/w3xUuXTOGyw?si=LnzH9ZMsSJushIyb Jethro Tull - The Official Website of the Legendary Classic Rock Band

    24 min
  3. The Hooters! Celebrating the local legendary Philly band with two performances!

    12/13/2025

    The Hooters! Celebrating the local legendary Philly band with two performances!

    Send us a text The Concert Room celebrates local legends The Hooters! There have been many bands and Artists who formed and played in our area back in the heyday 80’s but no band captured the fun and spirit of the local scene than The Hooters. From the early 80’s success in the Clubs to the National stage kicking off with their debut album in 1983 and opening the Live Aid world benefit music event in Philadelphia, The Hooters enjoyed world fame while still coming home to perform at events and shows for the hometown fans! Go out and see them! Enjoy two performances which showcase their influences, musical styles and great songwriting.  “And We Danced” kicking off the first song of the day at Live Aid, featuring the little instrument that would give them their band name.  ‘All you Zombies” – another hit song and fan favorite recorded live at the Tower Theater in 1985.  Links -  THE HOOTERS Full Live Aid Performance: https://youtu.be/-GiS6yMxGlA?si=PGKywpj5tuX_hto1 Tower Theater show: https://youtu.be/VhSSSRClEBA?si=g-aLfeVWIecAKIEk

    32 min
  4. The Spectrum Concert Experience and inside tales featuring Photographer Stephen Hightower!

    11/28/2025

    The Spectrum Concert Experience and inside tales featuring Photographer Stephen Hightower!

    Send us a text The Concert Room welcomes friend and longtime Philly resident Stephen Hightower to the show. Stephen is a photographer/artist who has shot his subjects with a great eye on the artistic viewpoint, including our own Spectrum Arena! In this session we hit on topics such as the concert experience, his great photos capturing events and the arena, the special qualities of the Spectrum as a concert venue, and the closing events in which he attended. Stephen's photography perspective and personal experiences of The Spectrum is extraordinary, and I encourage you to go out and view his collection and join his Facebook page! Philadelphia Spectrum Facebook Page: Facebook Flickr Photos: Philadelphia Spectrum | Flickr

    1h 7m
  5. The Closing Events - A celebration end of the Spectrum and Pearl Jam on the final night! Alive and Rockin' in the Free World - 10/31/2009

    11/15/2025

    The Closing Events - A celebration end of the Spectrum and Pearl Jam on the final night! Alive and Rockin' in the Free World - 10/31/2009

    Send us a text The Concert Room celebrates the closing of the Spectrum! In this session, the closing events are discussed in 2009 - The last call series of Concerts, The last Stroll and of course Pearl Jam's incredible 4-night sold out closing shows at the end of October 2009, culminating in the last, final public performance ever on Halloween night.  Soon after, the Spectrum would be demolished. The Spectrum is a monument to millions of historical moments and memories to which Philadelphians cling. Listen as Pearl Jam close out their epic 41 song set finale with 'Alive and "Rocking in the Free World" on October 31, 2009.  Full Show - October 31, 2009: https://youtu.be/TsXw4ADWSLI?si=42OtH3hqGehsSJGo David Fricke- Rolling Stone Magazine: Ode to an Arena

    35 min
  6. The Concert Room celebrates the life of legendary Philly DJ, Pierre Robert! "Ramble on Rose" by the Grateful Dead at JFK Stadium 07/07/1989

    11/01/2025

    The Concert Room celebrates the life of legendary Philly DJ, Pierre Robert! "Ramble on Rose" by the Grateful Dead at JFK Stadium 07/07/1989

    Send us a text The Concert Room celebrates and remembers local Philly legendary Disc Jockey and friend to all, Pierre Robert! Pierre passed away on October 29, 2025, and his forty plus year of rock radio at WMMR, Robert became a fixture of the Philadelphia music and radio scene. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance’s Music Walk of Fame in 2019. His show became known for its warm, welcoming tone—he greeted listeners with the signature phrase "Greetings, Citizens!" and cultivated a style that married deep appreciation of rock history, a wide view of newer music, and a genuine affection for his listeners and local music community. He was an old school rock DJ who spun vinyl cuts, took requests and interviewed the bands or artists who rolled in to Philly for a show. He wasn’t just on the air—he was in the crowd, at shows, supporting local venues and listeners. Chances are, someone in Philly regardless of age has a photo of him taken at a show or on the street. He carried a “West Coast calm meets Philadelphia passion” energy and was beloved for treating his listeners as friends rather than simply an audience. He will be missed! In honor of Pierre and his love of the Grateful Dead, a fitting performance of “Ramble on Rose” at JFK stadium on July 7, 1989, which is the last show ever at the stadium. I bet thousands of people ran into Pierre this day!

    20 min
  7. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band rock The Spectrum! Thunder Road 8-19-1978

    10/27/2025

    Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band rock The Spectrum! Thunder Road 8-19-1978

    Send us a text The Boss rolled in to town again (prior shows in May of '78) during the Darkness on the Edge of Town tour for a two night stand on August 18 and 19, 1978. Philadelphia and Springsteen have a long and storied history. The Spectrum and Bruce are intertwined together in Rock history. Our session goes over the beginnings of his career and the path that led him to superstardom with the help of Philly and the sold-out crowds, while his concerts in Philly were legendary. The featured song from these 2-night spectacular shows is a fan favorite to this day. The Boss and the E Street Band are in high form energy this night at the peak of their live shows!  Official Website:  brucespringsteen.net Full Spectrum Show: https://youtu.be/EgCVHSpz_a0?si=n2BeQMbV0ArB-III

    14 min
  8. The Concert Room welcomes Dennis Parrish to the show! The early days Philly Concert Experience!

    10/15/2025

    The Concert Room welcomes Dennis Parrish to the show! The early days Philly Concert Experience!

    Send us a text Season 2 kicks off with longtime friend and local musician Dennis Parrish! Dennis has a long history of shows and concerts in the Philadelphia region and in this episode, we talk about some standout shows and stories from the Spectrum and the original Electric Factory venue. Dennis took on a project to pull all of his Ticket Stubs he managed to save over the years, dating back to beginning in 1969. He created a website to archive his stubs along with show notes for references. This website is still viewed worldwide and I use it for references for my podcast. We delve in to shows, stories and the early concert experience! I hope this brings back many memories of concerts at your local club/rock arena!  Link to Website: Dennis Parrish - Concerts at the Spectrum - Electric Factory and more Performance info with Stevie Wonder w/recording: http://parrishmag.net/fame.html

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The legendary Philadelphia Spectrum Arena- America's Showplace!A podcast session about the Philadelphia Spectrum Concerts! From 1967-2009, the Spectrum held and hosted close to 1500 concerts and shows. The Stones, Springsteen, Billy Joel, Zeppelin and the Dead. We will delve in to the performances, recordings and memories. Featuring perspectives from your host Bob Hill and guests, including national and local photographers, the radio, print and media who covered the shows and performers, Spectrum personnel who worked in promotions and the crews... and of course the fans sharing their experiences. Spotlights of bands and performances on the Spectrum stage featuring recordings and archival information. Hit the House Lights and let's rock! 

Information

  • Creator
    Bob Hill
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Concert Room
  • Show Website
    The Concert Room