If I could give this venue zero stars I would. Great Show! Horrible venue! I NEVER do negative reviews, but I have tried calling your office to make a formal complaint and no one ever answers... I will continue to research and find out who the top supervisor is, and make a formal complaint. The incompetence of your security is inexcusable! This was the single most disorganized and uncommunicative venue I have ever been to. There was no communication or signage to distinguish reserved balcony seating and GA Balcony. The security "goons" did not check tickets until after the main act started (after the opening act was finished). Just a bit of communication or 10 cent copies with the word "Reserved" on the back of the reserved seats would have saved a lot of headache and anxiety. My husband and I had never been to the venue and flew from Portland to see a show. We got there 3 hours early and were 5th in line and by the time we were told that we were sitting in reserved seats and we had to get up, all the other seats were filled. So we had to stand in the aisle after being 5th in line due to the incompetence of the security working there. Will never go to see a show at this venue again and will tell anyone who will listen to never patron this venue. The people working there are lazy amateurs.
Came here last night to see Vampire Weekend and we had an amazing time;however, the venue itself was far from impressive.
Venue:I paid for general admission, but apparently in order to be in the pit, you needed to have a wristband. Now this I had previously read on yelp, so I was aware of it, but I was in a situation where I was going to barely make it on time. The pit actually still had enough room to allow more people which puzzled me because umm, hello, there's a crapload of people on the upper level. Towards the end of the night I saw someone who had been on the upper level in the pit and now had a wristband. Good for them!
Staff: Oh Fox, what do you do to your employees that causes them to be so unpleasant? Please,do tell us your secret.
And Staff, if you hate your job so much, please do us all a favor and quit, so we don't have to deal with people like you when trying to have a good time.
I didn't dare purchase any drinks, I figured they'd be overpriced with not enough alcohol.
Parking: So because we arrived at 7, we were able to pay 1 for parking in a lot close to the venue. It's $1 from 7pm-7am it some crap. Point is its cheaper at after 7.
Overall, like I said I had an amazing time thanks to Vampire Weekend, but I would def not recommend this venue. If you must go here, get there early if you can, ignore the rude staff, drink before and enjoy yourself!
I always see shows here. I saw M83 a while back. My friend and I were FIRST in line and a security guard came out and told us if we waited in the The Fox Sports Bar & Grill and bought something we would get early entry. We took the offer right away! The bar ended up getting FLOODED with people and a line slowly started to form by the door that connected to the fox lobby. The place became so packed that they told us they couldn't let us in early because of some fire martial reason or something. The line outside was allowed into the venue before us! I was very disappointed. DO NOT WAIT IN THE BAR FOR EARLY ENTRY!!
Review Source:Had a wonderful time seeing How to Destroy Angels last night, but was really upset at the venue and how the tickets were handled. First off, I got tickets through the band's pre-sale, which supposedly got us in the venue BEFORE the general public. When we got there, even though the email stated where to line up to pick up the tickets, there was no clear signage. It wasn't until an hour prior when a random dude...oh wait... AN EMPLOYEE, told everyone that the line we were in was for PRE-SALE TICKETS ONLY. There was still confusion with separating the regular pre-sale tickets and FAN CLUB pre-sale tickets, so I kept asking to clarify. I tried explaining the PRE-SALE FAN CLUB EARLY ENTRY, but he had the nerve to tell us that the venue usually doesn't "accommodate" early entry unless you dined at the bar. I tried showing him my email, but he didn't care to look at it because they "didn't care about the emails". Shitty. I kept explaining that it was an exclusive to the fan club pre-sale, but he did not care AT ALL. Because the venue apparently doesn't give a shit about ANY fan club exclusives with "EARLY ENTRY".
Anyway, folks who actually worked for the band worked everything out and I was in the right line after all. And I ended up FRONT ROW thanks to How to Destroy Angels... For fans who actually deserve it, rather than drunk fools at the bar who get "early entry".
Venue is nice and clean, but bathrooms are incredibly far. Parking is really convenient.. literally 10 steps across from the theater. Sound was perfect for the show. I just wish they had better staff.
I recently attended a Crystal Castles concert here, and it wasn't up to my expectations.
First of all, ONLY the first 500 people get floor access. I was pretty upset since my ticket said general floor access, but as soon as I went inside I knew why they made the stage floor limited.
THE VENUE IS AWFULLY SMALL.
My group got separated due to having different tickets for balcony and floor, so bye bye to them, I stayed on the closest stands.
There is no room to have fun and dance and go crazy and wild.
I had to push people out of my way to get as close as possible, which was not as close as I wanted to be for my favorite band, since it was in the stands. The security have sticks up their butts. They get crazy over petty things, such as standing in a hallway making out with your boo or standing near the balcony ledge trying to get a better view than the seats.
Secondly, DRINKS ARE EXPENSIVE. I mean, EXPENSIVE. $12.50 for a tiny cup of Jack and Coke. $11.00 for an Adios. At the Hollywood Palladium, an Adios would be no more than five bucks.
However, the FOX drinks were made extra strong.
On top of that, THEY DON'T LET YOU SMOKE. If you do light up, you'll get kicked out for that.
Overall, this didn't prevent me from having a great time. The sound was GREAT and the inside of this venue is rather beautiful and elegant looking. Being drunk helped a lot.
I recommend you avoid a show here anyways whenever you can.
Vampire Weekend.
Was shooting photos for a blog so I got the whole venue experience. Really decent size venue, high roofs, spectacular sound, awesome lighting (not sure how much of that was actually the theater's). From two feet from the front of the stage all the way to the furthest seat, you can decently see and perfectly hear the mix. The drinks are heavy and average price for venues.
Kicker: McLovin' stood right behind us... I can confidently say he enjoys Vampire Weekend, and dancing.
Phoenix at a smaller venue! Woo HOO! Â Smaller venues are so much more intimate and enjoyable. Â HERE IS THE GIST!!!
--2 storings high. Â Bottom floor is standing (2 tiered). Â Top floor has VERY COMFORTABLE seats. Â This is where we sat....I was QUITE PLEASED and view was great too. Â You PICK where you want to sit/stand. Â COME EARLY if you want a better view. Â No assigned seating.
--Stage is big w/ great lighting and sound. Â No static or muffles.
--Alcohol served on both floors.
--Bathroom upstairs. Â Has about 6-7 stalls. This is IMPORTANT.
PARKING is dirt cheap...$1 in the lot right by Juan Pollo. Â Not much traffic around the area. Easier to get in and out. Â I prefer this over Wiltern theater in terms of convenience. Â
CON: a bit stuffy upstairs
REMEMBER: no gum or cameras
This is really not the place for someone who is passionate about the performer they want to see, or even someone who simply wants to enjoy themselves. Both my experiences here have been below expectations.
Let me jump to the main reason as to why this place will upset you. They only allow a small number of people to go to the main floor (directly in front of the stage). If you want to be close to your favorite band, you better get there ridiculously early. I have not once been granted access to the main floor, but cooped up on a balcony. Speaking of which, the acoustics from a distance are just terrible. You'd think I'd be able to recognize the music of my favorite band, but unless you're on the main floor, you'll be confused as to why you just hear echoes and noises. The only possibility you have of getting to the main floor is jumping the railing of the balcony, to land on your knees, and have one of their overly aggressive security guards tackle you, as they did my friend. Not all hope is lost though, I have successfully made it over the balcony both times I went. The key is to go right after someone else, crouch low so they can't shine their flashlights on you, and run as deep into the crowd as you can. It sucks that this is what you have to do to enjoy a show. I'd understand if, for legal fire marshal reasons, they can't allow a certain capacity, but this can't be the case because they allow the other levels to get extremely, uncomfortably crowded. I do not understand their issue with people enjoying themselves. Once you've gotten past diving over an 8-foot ledge, being chased by inexplicably angry security, you can probably finally enjoy yourself as I have.
I work at a Hot Topic and talk to people about shows all the time. I never understood why kids would rather drive to Soma San Diego than see a show a lot closer at Fox Pomona. THIS is why. Soma is standing all on one level. If I could go back to the shows I saw at Fox, I would spend a little extra on gas to drive to San Diego and enjoy myself to get as close or as far from the stage as I want without worrying about being physically attacked or having to arrive hours early.
Do yourself a favor and avoid Fox at all costs. You'll have a far better experience elsewhere. If you have no option but Fox Theater, just keep in mind that the music will sound terrible due to their horrid acoustics, and you won't be as close to the stage as most venues. If not, you'll just be focused on how disappointed you are instead of focused on enjoying yourself.
I've now been here for 3 events, all completely different.
1. Demetri Martin comedy show. Sat on the floor. It was a sunny Sunday and there was only a couple hundred people there. The floor is standing room for concerts so they put out a bunch of crappy folding chairs. The stage was empty with a mic and black curtain with some florescent lighting. Felt pretty old and ghetto.
2. Metric concert. Awesome set/lighting. Great sound/vocals. Crowd was more on the chill side. The floor has general admission standing, but it's two sections' the front you have to get a wristband (first 500 or so) and then the back half. View from the back half isn't the best but not bad. Would definitely prefer a wristband for the front half if I could. The Neighborhood opened and sounded fantastic.
3. Bullet for My Valentine concert. This was all hard rock/metal so a totally different vibe/crowd from the others. Fans were a lot more active as you'd expect. Again I didn't get there early enough to get a wristband for the orchestra/front section, but I was able to push my way towards the front of the second level of GA floor, a little off center. Bullet is about melting faces with their strings, not fancy lighting, so stage was pretty bleh but they sounded great. One of the openers Young Guns had some sort of artificial bass drum sounds, the entire place was shaking/vibrating. Again, all the bands sounded loud and clear.
There are bars on both the floor and balcony levels. Bartenders are always on top of it. Bathroom is upstairs and *relatively* clean compared to a lot of other venues. Lobby is small so merch booths are crammed.
Basically the same venue as The Wiltern, just with an agonizingly long drive from LA and sticky temperatures tacked on.
Great venue but if you want good sight lines get here early. The GA floor has four slightly vaulted levels from the floor, then risers beyond to the back of the auditorium. I like the second level right behind the sound board. You have a clear sight to the stage.
To get the rail on this spot, make sure to get in line about an hour before the doors open. If you're within a block of the line as it wraps around the corner, you will be fine. Then when the doors open, go right to the rail or that first riser level and stay there so no one is in front front you. It's worth the wait and the standing.
Otherwise you are behind others and can't see shit.
Bad stuff - yeah drinks are pricey and the bathrooms are only upstairs and a million miles away from the floor. On the plus side the parking lots are close and $1 for the night.
And have a burger at The Burger House a block away on 2nd street to start the evening. At happy hour many draft beers and wine are 2 for 1.
We saw Phoenix here recently. It's probably partly because of my adoration of the band, but I left with a great impression of the venue. It's fairly small, so you can see the band pretty much from any place.
It seems that the bottom floor is mostly General Admission, and there is also a balcony area that you can buy reserved tickets for? For the concert I went to it only GA was available when I got tickets.
The venue itself seems well decorated, relatively new, had good sound and lighting. One tip is to lean yourself up against the railing midway on the floor. You'll have an unobstructed view of the stage!
The drinks are VERY pricey and not worth it. One of the bigger rip offs I've seen. Hubby bought a whiskey on the rocks and it was $13 and less than a shots worth with a lot of ice. I also saw $8 PBR cans. Oh well, what do you expect?
Fox Theater = The Wiltern of the Inland Empire
This was newly remodeled and re-opened in 2009. Â How a theater manages to have new carpet and new paint and still make you feel like you have this aged yellow orange glow... which is not a good thing. Â Aside from that... It's pretty good place to catch a show... every so often they score a big name band. Â
Most events are general admission. Â You are either GA Floor or GA Balcony. Â Everywhere is first come, first served. Â Get there early and wait in the line outside if you want a pit wrist band. Â I don't know why people on here complain about not being able to get into the pit with their GA Floor ticket... that's because you came late! Â All the other venues work with the same first come, first pit wristbanded policy. Â The Wiltern, Club Nokia, etc. Â
For me, the Fox Theater is eerily similar in layout to the Wiltern in LA. Â Which do I like better? Â The Wiltern. Â Why? Â There's nothing wrong with the Fox, but I like the higher ceiling foyer at the Wiltern. Â Even though that's an old theatre too, it doesn't have that musty, aged beige glow. Â The Fox like the Wiltern has tiered levels on the floor and all seating on the top. Â I feel like the pit at the Fox is a lot bigger than the Wiltern. Â If you're short, you're better off standing at the front of the first or second tier vs. being in the back of the pit.. Â
The sound is good here. Â I've never heard any major problems, no distortions, no dead spots in the room. Â
They do allow compact cameras at most shows.
The only merch table by the staircase is cramped. Â Get your gear before the show starts, because after? Â It's a madhouse. Â
Drinks are not cheap. Â A beer is $8. Â If the bar downstairs is too busy, upstairs on your way to the bathroom is this closet that serves drinks and usually has zero wait time. Â If you want to just chill, probably the coolest things at the Fox are the bar patios. Â There's one upstairs outside where you can grab a drink and look over ehhh... Pomona. Â But it's relaxing. Â There's also another outdoor patio on the ground floor that's in the alley. Â
Parking - You can look for street parking, or just make it easy on yourself and pay the $1 and park at the big lot near the train tracks that faces the Glass House. Â It's only a half block walk to the Fox. Â
Some of the shows that I've been to here include Vampire Weekend, Brandon Flowers, and Phoenix. Â I had fun at all three and I'd come back anytime if one of my favorite bands was playing. Â I hope that helps!
I read a lot of bad reviews before I went to see How to Destroy Angles at this venue, which were kind of discouraging. But I went anyways and had the best experience! So I felt compelled to write a good review! For a concert this venue rocks. parking was a breeze (and free on the street) venue was very beautiful and ornately decorated my friend and I had balcony seating arrived slightly before the show and scored probably the best seats in the house...center front. Sound quality was perfect, intimate theater so you feel close...epic experience all around....I really don't know what all those bad reveiews are about....i would 100% go back....(ps and theres outdoor hottub open till 1am right down the street to soak with a view afterwards...)
Review Source:Cool Venue brings back that old Hollywood feel just by the look of it. I remember being a kid seeing it run down that I was SO pleased by the renovation. I seen a few cool bands here, and I love that it still gives you that up close and personal feel like the glasshouse. I just wish the AC work better, but hey we can't have it all. Hopefully I can update this more in the future, but for now thats all I can say its a cool little place in the Heart of P-Town.
Review Source:I've now been to the Fox theater several times....Jack's Mannequin, Jimmy Eat World, and most recently, Green Day (I know, I still can't believe a band THAT HUGE played at a venue this small!!)
I actually like the Fox Theater for a number of reasons, mainly being it just looks cool. They re-did it a while ago, and so while it's "updated" they maintained the "antique"ish look that made it unique...it's just a cool place. The acoustics are pretty decent in my opinion (definitely on par with a House of Blues, if not a bit better).
They have 2 seating options, GA floor (NO THANK YOU!...at 28 I'm too old for mosh pits, might break a hip! :-) Â ) OR GA balcony. The fact that balcony is GA is a blessing or a curse depending on how you look at it. It would be cool to buy assigned seating so you didn't have to go 7 hours early if you want front of the balcony...but at the same point, GA ALLOWS you TO go 7 hours early if you want a good seat instead of it being up to luck on ticketmaster of where you get. For Green Day we got there about 2 hours early and the gods must have been smiling on me that day because SOMEHOW we got the "fancy" balcony seats that are the first 5 rows sectioned off with big, comfy chairs...LOVE! I've always wanted to sit in those, can't believe I got that lucky with an already amazing band that day!
My only other gripe are the drink prices. I'm always prepared to get ripped for a drink at a concert, but their prices are absolutely ridiculous!...some of the most expensive I've ever had and the cups are TINY!!!
However, as a whole, I enjoy the venue and they have been getting bigger and better acts there the last year, so....yay! :)
The neighborhood is pretty depressing. Parking is only $1, just not sure if your car will be there when the concert gets out!
Security is very tight. Made me throw out a pen! What?? Guess they were afraid I'd stab someone with it. Glad they didn't throw out my keys too!
Seating is general admission, including the balcony area. Venue is small enough that there aren't really any bad seats.
Note: Once you leave, you will not be allowed back in.
I've been here a couple times; once for a MMA event and once for a "The Specials" concert. Â This venue reminds me of the Wiltern in LA a bit. Â But better, actually.
Things you should know:
-Parking is easy and FREE. Â There's tons of super close lots and street parking. Â It's never an issue.
-Their security will pat you down. And, they are gum natzis. Â Any sign of gum must be thrown away. Â They are very serious about this... lol.
-"General admission" or "floor seats" is not really on the floor. Â It's a tiered section at the bottom of the theater. Â It's a free for all (don't mind that row or seat number on your ticket) but if you get there a little early you can score the front area of a tier and have a totally awesome view of the stage.
-The bathrooms are upstairs. Â None downstairs.
-It's a 2000 per capacity and it has never felt too crowded.
-The acoustics are better than I expected.
-They have alcohol but it's expensive. Â $8 for a "tall can" of PBR. Â And their definition of a tall can is an 18oz-er. Â Where'd the other 4 oz's go?
-They have a no re-entry policy ... so if you forget something or you are a chain smoker you may be in trouble.
Overall I really enjoy this theater and I don't mind the drive from OC to get there.
Green Day!!!!! ---- Not sure what the whole issue is with getting there early and getting close to the stage... I'm assuming this is their first concert ever because if you've gone to a few shows you'd realize everyone wants to get just as close as you do to the stage esp. when its Green Day!
This location was pretty laid back I think, plenty of room and I thought the acoustics were good, I can actually hear the music/singing unlike other locations like the Hollywood Palladium the acoustics were bad.
So luckily I did not have to stand in line I probably showed up at around 7:30 and doors opened at 7 and by then everyone in line had already gone inside, I went to will call and got my tickets along with some Pit wrist bands and walked right in.
Even showing up late and standing in the back of the Pit floor and being able to pull up a chair they had on the side for the 1st band -- once Green Day came on stage I managed to get to the very front of the stage with a little help from the people who were moshing/pushing and shoving, I ended up with the perfect view.
Oh another great thing about this location Parking was FREE! after like 7pm... Â If you go to a show in Hollywood, parking usually runs about $20 and they had patrol driving around all the parking lots so I felt safe esp. when we didn't have to pay a penny.
There are also a few bars, lounges and restaurant to eat at before or after the show.
Woohoo! As good as it gets! because there is no other location in L.A. that I can say  offers free parking, small venue for such a big band and less harassment from security and the least amount of traffic to get to a show.
After reading so many negative reviews, I was a bit worried how my evening here would go down.
Came to see LAIDBACK LUKE and was NOT disappointed. From the start, we had NO problem finding parking, NO problem with security guards. There was even two separate lines for 21+ and 18+ to enter the doors. I love that! After getting our wristbands, for alcohol reasons, I went through the security pat down in less than 7 seconds and walked to the ticket taker. Scanned my ticket, I asked if our tickets were actual seats or if they were standing. She answered my question, no hesitation. Even stopped to ask a security guard where the bathroom was. With all of the commotion of the event, he took his time to tell me and point the direction of the stairs out for me.
Wife and I went to the roof top bar. No line! Bought a Midori Sour and a Jack n Coke. $19 for the two. After seeing the wifey's face and sipping my drink...I tipped the bartender extra! These were MY kind of drinks. Guys behind the bar were funny, cheerful, and generous.
Inside, it was a free for all as far as where to stand. We chose the railed section directly behind the sound-booth. Which was perfect. We had a clear view of the stage from about 60-75 feet away, I got to watch the sound and light guys do their thing, and we were standing right at the front of our section. Because the sections are tiered, nobody was going to block our view.
Fast forward through the great music, hot dancing by the wifey, sweaty E-rolling kids, and it's time to leave. We have NO problem walking out, exits are a plenty. Once out the front doors, the first thing I notice is there are at LEAST 25 guards scattered throughout the lobby and the sidewalk in front. But, they weren't your typical security detail. No, these people were human beings, with actual smiles, and they talked to you! We were told to "have a nice evening" as we walked to our car. OMG, right? lol.
All in all, I rate this place as a must go to. It all depends on YOUR mood and YOUR own actions. Obviously, when you smoke inside a building, you are not exactly following the rules. And, you must accept the consequences.
Security, EXCELLENT
Bartenders, staff...EXCELLENT
Music, EXCELLENT
Parking, EXCELLENT
Price, EXCELLENT
Sweaty kids on ecstasy, No BUENO
Laid back Luke!
My personal favorite song he spins and DJ is with Lil Jon, "turbulence" check it out on you tube!
Show was great, standing floor room on the bottom and seating on the top floor.
Standing room isn't so bad for this kind of show/concert! To sum it all up, it was a legal rave!
Venue was awesome and nice, really liked the floor plan on this place. Wondering if they actually open this up to be a club, now that would be cool!
Small to see the stage but big enough to hold as many people as they can. Cramped all together like little sardines but what the hey, we are all there for one awesome performer!
Drinks were stiff!! Just the way it should be!
I saw some shows here during the Scion Rock Fest in 2011, and I think this is one of my favorite venues in SoCal. The sound in here is perfect. I love how they have multiple levels in the venue as well, so people that want to stand can stand, and those who want to sit upstairs can do that as well.
Review Source:I went to see Megadeth on 12/7/12. Â It was a general admission show. Parking for this place was plentiful, only one block away and cost $1! Â The sound in the venue was good. However, the slope of the floor was inadequate for a general admission show. I think this place was truly built for people sitting down. Â Because of the lack of slope everyone not at the front of each level had difficulty seeing the stage. The front portion (AKA the pit) area was limited to 80% capacity (IMO) because of "fire marshal rules". Â By way of comparison the Grove in Anaheim is much better.
Review Source:So I went to see Taking Back Sunday (who was amazing as usual). Â I went with my sister and niece who got there early enough to get wristbands to go onto the pit floor...I on the other hand had to work and arrived just short of being able to get a wristband. Â So I hung out near the light booth because I still had a great view of the stage. Â During the course of the evening I began talking with the guy working the lights and he was super nice and felt so bad about the fact that I was "alone" he ended up finding me a wristband and escorted me down so I could enjoy the show with my family. (I hope he doesn't get in trouble for being so awesome, he was the only redeeming quality about the venue really)
I was totally bummed that the Fox is set up that way with the weird pre entry for alcohol purchases or only allowing a few hundred people on the pit floor but I understand the "reasons" behind these measures. I don't know if I'd opt to go back, other than to say his to the awesome light guy, but it isn't totally out of the question. Â I definitely prefer other venues as a first choice!
I saw my favorite band here 2 straight nights and I was incredibly disappointed.
What it comes down to is that they wouldn't allow us to go on the bottom level, closest to the band, because it was at capacity, and there was nothing we could do to get there. I wouldn't typically complain about this, but no where on the ticket, website, or anywhere does it say to arrive early to get on the bottom level. Being a GA show, I expected it to be GA, because that's what the ticket said, but it wasn't really GA(not to mention we did get there incredibly early, before the 1st opening band even went on, and we still weren't allowed closer). While this is the only huge problem I had, it really did almost completely ruin the night for me.
Secondly, the service staff from guards to bar staff, other than 1 security guy, were all incredibly unpleasant and very rude.
On the second night I sat in the higher level which was all seats, and while it was reasonably comfortable, it was ridiculous to have seats at a hardcore show, and even more ridiculous that it was GA seating. When you have GA seating what always happens is you have 1 or 2 chair gaps in between every group because no one likes sitting next to strangers. What this causes are groups not being able to find seats together because of these gaps of 1 and 2 seats adding up, luckily I wasn't one of those people but I saw several groups that were, eventually being forced to stand in the back. If you're gonna have seats, assign the seats for gosh sake. GA seating doesn't work.
This venue might be ok for a softer show that doesn't involve much jumping around and dancing, but when it comes to a more hardcore show, skip it if it's at this venue because there's a good chance you'll be stuck off the floor and won't be able to enjoy yourself. Glass House is down the street, see what they have that night instead.
Went to see Alanis a few weeks ago. Which was AWESOME!!!
This is a pretty decent venue. I really have no complaints.
Something worth mentioning: I didn't realize I would need my ticket to get back in so when I went out to use the restroom and when I tried to come back in, the ticket checker lady wouldn't let me in and didn't remember me. She actually acted as if it was hilarious that she should remember me. I was upset because Alanis is my all time favorite and we had a great location behind the sound guys, so i knew we would lose our spot if my bf had to come give me my ticket. He wasn't answering his phone and I was just about on the verge of irrational tears when I noticed the alcohol wrist band guy and asked if he remembered me. He did! So I told him my dilemma and he helped me out by telling the lady that I was "cool" and all she said was "it's your job" and I blissfully walked back to my awesome spot. I wish I could have thanked the wrist band guy for putting his job on line line for me but I was ushered into the room too quickly to say anything. So thank your wrist band guy If your reading this. You made my night.
Moral of the story: keep your ticket on you at all times.
I had never been to the Fox Theater before and seeing Jenny Lewis was a perfect opportunity and excuse to go. I had seen it for years while attending shows at the Glass House, but never actually made it in. They have bigger artists that wouldn't fit in the nearby all ages venue, and it's a little bit more upscale.
When we got there, there was a line wrapped around the block (literally), but it was still completely organized. Once the doors opened, everyone single filed into the venue without delay. Security does check, but not an overly intrusive pat down like at some other venues. Just check your bags if you're a girl (or a guy with a manly manbag) and empty your pockets to make sure you're not concealing. Less than 15-seconds I believe and it kept the ingress flowing nicely.
The decor inside is old and historic looking, I am not sure how much of it was original after it's restoration, but it definitely provided a nice ambiance while waiting for the show.
If you have floor tickets, be warned that it's first-come, first-serve. If you don't get there early enough and get that shiny wristband, you're not going to be on the floor, you'll be on one of the tiers that are standing room right above the ground level. We actually chose this option since it was smack in the middle. Everywhere you stood, there was a great view and the acoustics were great.
Parking was a cinch. There are a ton of lots in the area and it's only $1 for the whole night. It used to be free- but you still can't complain about a buck. If there is a show going on at the Glass House on the same night, you might have to walk a little longer. It's okay though, you're in the middle of the Pomona Arts District and Antique Row, so there is plenty to look at along the way.
I'm mad that I waited so long to come and look forward to seeing another show here in the future!
Before I went to a concert here, I was actually a big fan. The show I work for shot an episode here, and it was definitely beautiful and fancy looking, but it also made a huge difference that we had the place to ourselves. Fill the venue with concert-goers, and it turns into a nightmare.
My best friend is super into the band Paramore, so naturally, she made me spend the night outside the venue so that we would be first in line and therefore front row of the floor. We ended up being numbers 6 and 7 in line, and waited from midnight the night before the concert. It was only after waiting 16 hours in summertime Pomona weather  that we were casually informed that anyone 21 and older could go have a drink at the bar for early entry. As we watched people pull up in their cars and walk right in the bar, we grew increasingly angry for not being made aware of the fast pass for drinkers. I obviously wouldn't have sat on 90 degree concrete all night and day if I knew as many as a couple hundred people were going to jump in front of me. There was also a contest run through the band that allowed for early entry, which sucked, but we understood, and the band's staff worked with us to make it more fair for those of us who had waited patiently.
The Fox Theater staff was less than ideal, providing conflicting answers, and not fully paying attention to their surroundings. The floor area is accessible only by a few hundred people on a first-come, first-serve basis until it reaches a capacity. You receive a wristband, and then you may move freely about the standing areas. The people from the bar also had wristbands, but a beer-branded variety to indicate they were old enough to drink. The staff controlling the floor let those people down to the floor without getting the proper wristband, so now, even though we had now waited 20 hours, those who bought drinks really were getting in front of us, after arriving just a few minutes earlier. There weren't any people in front of us with floor wristbands, which was extremely disappointing after the band's staff had even arranged for our timely entry.
The show was great, and Paramore rocked, but I'll still always remember this as being that time when I went 36 hours without sleeping and didn't get front row like I should have.
I wrote a longer review before but somehow it got deleted. So this time, just in a few words if you read it before the show:
DO NOT GO THERE
You will regret it. First of all it's a concert venue so what you would expect in the first place is great sound, stage, light setup etc...None of this applies to Fox Theater. Honestly, it should be either closed permanently or completely rebuilt. I've been to many concert venues here in the States, mostly NY as well as in Europe and I must say that this was the worst (or 2nd worst) experience I've ever had. Sound was horrible, there was some stupid "pit limit" that doesn't allow you to go near the stage unless you arrived at the club 12424 hours before the show, the staff was rude and not helpful at all. I will definitely not be coming back no matter who plays there. It's not worth the drive even if the tickets would be free.
Stay away people!
So yes... Maybe it appears that I have been going to a LOT of concerts as late, which this is TRUE. Soon I will be selling a Concert venue myself so you could consider all this as research. =} (whispering that is my story i'm STICKIN TO IT!)
Came here last night to see "Snow Patrol" parking is free after 7:00pm in most lots and on the streets after 6:00pm. Historic Location, freezing upstairs in the Balcony where I was seated. Didn't drink last night pfft well not there anyway LOL (I had some bubbly with Lil Bit before being dropped off :)
They had plenty of (what I call) satellite Bars in every area. Â Restrooms upstairs was interesting, lines were in 3 different areas leading into one bathroom. Very appealing "Rooftop Lounge" it was windy last night so I didn't venture out to far. You can not chew gum in this theater so don't come-a-poppin/smackin hehehehe
Large Venue (as compared to my previous night) but not as large as the Wiltern in Los Angeles. As I had Balcony seating I was not able to look on the main level but it looked like the pit/standing room only area had ample space.
Here is a tip the Loge area (located in the Balcony) cost more and of course is the 'lip' right above the standing room only area, obviously closer to the stage and has leather bucket (more comfortable seating) also numbered/assigned. The General Seating Balcony (where I was) is first-come-first-serve and as I was rocking out So too was my chair to the point I thought I was going to crash into the Dude sitting behind me LMAO!! All and all I would definitely return to this venue. The ticket prices weren't to bad and this location is 6 minutes from my house. Personal did their job nothing overly friendly or rude.
Respectfully Reviewed
I've been to several different concert venues over the years, anything from big halls to tiny holes in the wall. This place is an old theatre that was recently redone. The staff is like any staff at any venue, rude and questionable on their own policies. It took forever for the guy checking tickets to figure where we sat. I also over heard other people sitting in our section, they had mixed up the lodge and balcony sections for a few people, basically screwing over some of the people who had paid extra for the lodge. We were even separated from the rest of our group because they went to the bar, when we went straight to our seats. The guy on the other entrance made them sit in the lodge, and us in the balcony... We were in the same section.
The beverages were over priced, as usual with any venues, but that doesn't make it ok, so they lost stars here. Obviously, we didn't buy any. What really pissed me off was that they didn't allow you to bring in water, but also wouldn't serve you water. They had bottled water, but after how much they charge for tickets, they should allow you to bring in your own water. It's just water.
Basically, if your entire business is based on being just a location, you better hope you have good staff and prices, which this place doesn't. I don't understand why some people are rating this place 4 or more stars, but then say the staff was bad, what is getting them those extra stars? Remember people, I am not rating the concert, but the venue. If the band or performer is playing at another venue, choose that one, not the Fox Theatre.
This place reminds me of toned down version of The Wiltern with the art deco detailing. Great venue, as long as you get a good spot! Audio was great. Saw M83 and Bon Iver this week, and both were awesome there.
Parking is a cinch here with plenty of free parking a block away, so that's a HUGE plus. It's just a trek if you're coming out from LA.
I'm reviewing the Fox Theater for the Porter Robinson & Madeon (electronic music) event.
The 1 star is for the StaffPro security guards who viciously grabbed my arm to kick me out for smoking a cigarette indoors. He wasn't wearing a uniform, only a t-shirt, so I thought he was another patron, perhaps drunk, dragging my arm to dance with him. He was yelling "STOP PULLING AWAY, STOP RESISTING" at me so I got really scared. I almost punched him until I noticed the small walkie-talkie.
Yes, I understand it is illegal to smoke indoors but as compared to other indoor venues I've been to for electronic music events, I felt Fox Theater handled this issue poorly. A simple tap on the shoulder would have been just as effective and respected the boundaries between patron and security for a non-violent offence such as smoking.
Reviewing the other aspects of the theater:
- Space: We arrived 45 minutes after the doors open, and the security guards said the dance floor was already at full capacity and would not allow anybody else in. The dance floor looked about 3/4 full, with about 10 feet of empty space between the crowd and the back rail. This resulted in overcrowding in the balcony space and walkway behind the dance floor, which really didn't make any sense to me because I kind of think blocking the walkways is more of a fire hazard.
- Lights: For an electronic music show, I expected better visuals than the stage lights pointed out to the crowd. It was truly disappointing.
- Drinks: I ordered a Red Bull & vodka for $11. It was the most expensive cup of ice and Red Bull I have ever bought. I'm not even sure if there was vodka in it.
Honestly, I should have just forked over a few more dollars for a ticket to a better venue for an electronic music event. This is not the type of venue to go see your favorite EDM artists.
Try to get pit tickets or get there early if you have balcony tickets to get a seat. We had balcony tickets, which were general seating, but couldn't find a seat, and the only section we were allowed to stand was at the very top and it was really stuffy.
The building has been renovated beautifully, although sometimes you can see the silver spray paint on some columns. I liked that they had mini bar tables at the balcony and rooftop level, so you don't have to wait long for a drink or go up and down their stairs.
The bright, neon sign greets you as you search for nearby free parking. It's easy to catch every attendee taking a photo with their smart phone before entering. Staff Pros pat you down and check purses and wristbands for 21+ are requred to purchase alcoholic drinks.
Looking forward to another show here.
I love the Fox Theater!
I can totally agree with the reviews about the Fox being a good break from the shows in DTLA and Hollywood because of the different ambience and the ease of access and parking. My boyfriend and I love the Fox and even though it's a little bit of a drive, we try to go to many shows here. We have seen some of our favorite artists play at the Fox and we always have a great time. I have only had experience with General Admission Floor Standing and the sound and lighting are always pretty great. Soooo perhaps the -1 star is due to the fact that when we got our will-call tickets we basically had to make double the line and it got annoying plus the bartender messed up my boyfriends drink and gave him something completely different. We didn't complain but I am giving them the benefit of the doubt and they would have probably replaced it.
Oh! Also I didn't like that the last time we were there the rooftop section wasn't "open." The bar was closed and the lights were off and the projector that shows whats going on onstage wasn't on either. No big deal but I usually enjoy going up there to chill before the band we want to see goes up.
The Fox is a nice break from seeing shows in town (LA) . Â
This is one of my favorite venues to see shows, since most of the label and industry types that litter the floor and talk loudly through shows they were comped tickets to don't have the basic life skills to find Pomona on a map. What you find here are audiences that are here for the music- not the scene.
Why I like the Fox- it is a well appointed old movie palace that has been lovingly restored. Â The sight lines are good and they have a decent sound system. Â You can sit upstairs in the balcony or take to the floor.
If you are lucky- they also have a really nice upstairs area backstage to view the show as well as a nice VIP lounge for after show meet and greets that is outside on a nice terraced  patio that overlooks the town.
TIPS for the ladies:
You are not allowed to bring in lipstick or lipliner. Â So take it out of your bag, or stick it where the security ladies won't feel it.
The Fox Theater very much reminded me of the Wiltern on Western in LA. Â Ever been there? Â Then basically you've been to the Fox Theater too. Â It's got the same old Hollywood theater type design with the grand staircase that is standard for the era. Â There is standing room on the bottom floor and assigned seats on the second level balcony area. Â The same art deco design found at the Wiltern in similar pink and green colors are present as well as the random bar areas set about the joint, meant to get you good and toasted before the show. Â
Parking would have been a nightmare had we not had the handicap parking pass my friend who drove had in her car (legally for the record). Â See, there is a silver lining to everything. Â Just saying. Â It was easy to get in and out. Â We found a great spot to see the show standing room on level one. Â It's an intimate venue... think House of Blues. Â Sound was great. Â I would definitely return to the Fox Theater to see a show again. Â
Reflections from a grateful fan:
I was here to see the Morrissey concert, perhaps the sixth or seventh time I've seen him. Â He sounded beautiful, golden, and young. Â He was melodramatic in his ever-bereaved, morbid, wistful way , that keeps me so indescribably attached and connected to him. Â Confession: I have an insane devotion to Stephen Patrick Morrissey. Â My heart actually swells with reverence, compassion and understanding. Â Its love, from one outsider to another. Â
How is it that a straight LA girl in her 30's  (yes I still think of myself as a girl) possibly connect so deeply to a British, gay, male, alternative music icon from the 80's?  This question actually struck me as I noticed the deep feelings of admiration and love I felt rise from deep inside me as I watched Morrissey perform in his dramatic melodic fashion last night at the Fox Theater in Pomona.  After all, the only way I would really ever be caught dead in Pomona without a court order would be to see my favorite crooner or some other such not-to-be-missed musical event being hosted in P-town. Â
I've loved Moz since I was 16 and heard for the first time someone talk about feelings of alienation, heartbreak, and the general cruelness of the world and life that I was experiencing at that very moment! Â In fact, I was so sure that Moz was my male counter part in misguided and unrequited love, that it wasn't until I was in my 20's when my then boyfriend Xavier explained what his songs were actually about. Â I heard his innuendos for what they were and not at all the spin I had put on them. Â What?! Â He's gay?! Â Gasp. Â Morrissey was in fact singing about his lifestyle and not at the heartbreak and sadness of my adolescence and not being asked to Prom by the boy with the hair like Elvis who's name I'd been sketching in my journal for months... Â "He never really looks at me. Â I've given every opportunity"...
That's the beauty of all music though isn't it? Â You hear it with your own ears and apply your life experience to it. Â This is especially true for me in relation to the music from The Smiths and Morrissey. Â You can be an emo teenage girl drama queen circa 1996 navigating her way through the cruel social stratification of high school, or you could be the gay kid circa 1988 or 2006 in Manchester who is coming to terms with his sexuality. Â Despite time, space, and circumstance both are comforted and validated by such lyrics as "I am the son and the heir of a shyness that is criminally vulgar. " Â Wisdom is put to a rockabilly melody when he declares, "Rejection is one thing, but rejection from a fool is cruel". Â Â We are no longer the only ones who feel invisible when he whales, "I don't mind if you forget me, having learned my lesson I've never left, an impression on anyone".
It's amazing I didn't just kill myself in the 90's. Â Actually, I probably didn't thanks to this vegan in vintage jeans with the golden voice singing "I'm here with the cause, I'm here with the torch in the corner of your room, sneaking in... Â When you're dancing and laughing and finally living, hear my voice in your head and think of me kindly... "
I left last night thrilled having seen my fantasy godfather healthy, well, and guess what? Â He's still a little sad... and so am I. Â Moz- Thank you and I love you. Â xo Dre
Me and my girlfriend came here recently to watch a Jack's Mannequin show and I was disappointed at this venue. Sure, the faithfully restored Art Deco decor is pretty cool but the owner/operator are SCUM!!!
Upon entering, security made me empty out my pockets and treated my chewing gum like it was contraband. They apparently don't allow people to bring in chewing gum for fear of getting their floors clean. To make things worst, I tried to salvage a few pieces before throwing it away but they wouldn't allow that either.
What the hell is this? Elementary school? And to make it worse, they have the audacity to gouge their patrons further by selling crappy Pabst Blue Ribbon at a rip-off of $7.00 a can. Gotta be kidding me
Aw, Fox Theater I used to love you, until I came and saw Rancid here in September.
I bought my tickets months ahead of time and got the GA Floor tickets, not balcony tickets, so when I got there and couldn't get down into to the pit I was pretty pissed off. Apparently you had to get there hours earlier and get a pit wristband, wtf?! I have to been to plenty of shows here before when did this happen?!?! Ugh
Well, towards the end of the show people were jumping over the rail and into the pit. I would've joined but eh didn't seem worth the trouble lol.
Parking is still free and drinks are still expensive, some things never change I guess!
So yea I don't know if I would come back to the Fox after this, it was a little disappointing this last time, and I fucking love Rancid!! Oh well, I'll stick to Rock It! which has not disappointed me yet, haha.
I came here to watch Lykke Li perform and the tickets were all general admission. That was cool b/c the place is not that big so every seat is not that bad. I am short so when the floor got crowded I rather sit and watch from a distance.
The place looks so vintage and the surrounding area is very cool. I could not imagine Lykke Li playing anywhere else, but a place that looks like this. This venue looks straight out of an Indie Rock video. There is so many places to dine, bars, and coffee shops that are walking distance.
BTW I am not a smoker, but they have a smoking friendly patio in the second floor that you can go to smoke while inside of the venue. That is like a bonus to some and a downer to others.
I deducted one star b/c I believe the speakers could be louder up in the top.
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