The Concert Room

Bob Hill
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MUSIC HISTORY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. Phish live at the Spectrum "Down with Disease" December 2, 1997!

    2D AGO

    Phish live at the Spectrum "Down with Disease" December 2, 1997!

    Send a text The Concert Room features legendary band Phish, and a stellar performance during their Fall Tour 1997. Phish rolled in to the Spectrum for a 2 night stand, on December 2 and 3, 1997. The shows were recorded and then later released as a 6 CD box set featuring 33 tracks in March 2024 (The Spectrum '97), these shows were the best on the tour, and "Down with Disease" is among the best of the entire 1990's. This could be due to the fact that Trey Anastasio considers the Spectrum home, having grown up in nearby in Princeton NJ and attending numerous concerts that helped shape his love for live music. Phish takes their inspiration from the Dead and many diverse genres, separating them from their peers and to this day have a loyal following. Enjoy this great performance and purchase the box set of these phenomenal shows at the Spectrum!  The Spectrum ’97 – Phish

    17 min
  2. Aerosmith rocks The Tower Theater, March 26, 1978 - the set opener "Rats in the Cellar" and a stellar performance of "Seasons of Wither"

    FEB 22

    Aerosmith rocks The Tower Theater, March 26, 1978 - the set opener "Rats in the Cellar" and a stellar performance of "Seasons of Wither"

    Send a text The Concert Room features 2 rocking performances from the legendary American rock band, Aerosmith! Aerosmith rolled back in to the Philly area on March 26, 1978 to play on the stage in the Tower Theater during the Draw the Line tour. They barrel into the opener “Rats in the Cellar”, a commentary on the band's tumultuous lifestyle during the 70's, and later a killer rendition of “Seasons of Wither. The setlist was filled with classics and deep cuts. Recorded as a bootleg, this show captures the band in fierce form while dealing with some internal issues at the close of an unbelievable decade. Aerosmith’s run of albums and tours on the 70’s are unmatched, and they would reunite later in the 80’s clean and healthy to continue the legacy of one of America’s greatest bands! Get your rocks off!  Full Tower Theater show; https://youtu.be/VBxQGvWoF38?si=5cb1O-LBp_PvswSA

    16 min
  3. The Concert Room welcomes Author Russ DiBella - Tales from behind the backstage curtain and inside the world of concerts!

    FEB 13

    The Concert Room welcomes Author Russ DiBella - Tales from behind the backstage curtain and inside the world of concerts!

    Send a text The Concert Room Welcomes special guest Russ DiBella, local musician and author who’s love of music and backstage adventures are captured in his book, “From the Inside: A Backdrop to the Music of My Life”. "From the Inside" is a fun and informative detailed look of how music shaped his life, became an integral part of his world and lets fans peek behind the proverbial curtain of the shows and concerts during the heyday of rock shows from the Spectrum to Camden Waterfront to Live Aid, and even the MTV Music Awards! Along the way, Russ shares moments with backstage personnel, security, the crews and techs and of course well-known musicians and bands, providing insight into the inner workings of live concerts and the culture of rock and country music. Russ is also a Drummer who has collected hundreds of drumsticks obtained from many of his adventures. Ultimately, the book is a reflection on a life lived through music — how it influenced his identity, relationships, creativity, and understanding of the world.  Links to Russ DiBella published books.  Amazon.com: From the Inside: A Backdrop to the Music of My Life eBook : DiBella, Russ: Kindle Store  Amazon.com: A Drive Down the Coast: Getting Lost on the Back Roads of California eBook : DiBella, Russ: Kindle Store

    1h 27m
  4. The Concert Room welcomes back Ike Richman as we go inside the closing events and celebrations during the Spectrum's final season!

    JAN 30

    The Concert Room welcomes back Ike Richman as we go inside the closing events and celebrations during the Spectrum's final season!

    Send a text Ike Richman, the former VP of PR at the Spectrum for over 2 decades returns to give us the inside perspective and marketing behind the final season and events planned for the Spectrum's closing in 2009. Our session is dedicated to the personnel and fans who helped make the Spectrum "America's Showplace" during its forty plus years of hosting events and performances. The final celebrations are still talked about today and Ike's thoughtful creativity working with Chairman Ed Snider of Comcast-Spectacor (the owners of The Spectrum) for the closing events is greatly appreciated by fans who grew up at our beloved Arena. Reference to God Bless the Spectrum book is provided via link, a wonderful book dedicated the history of the Spectrum through photos and stories. Please listen to season 1 EP 12 with Ike and go inside the world of concert promotions.  God Bless the Spectrum: America's Showplace in Philadelphia, 1967-2009: Ike Richman Communications: www.richmancommunications.com

    43 min
  5. 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 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
  6. 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 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
  7. 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 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
  8. 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 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
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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
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Concert Room
  • Show Website
    The Concert Room