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.
Friggen awesome.
I went and saw Soundgarden and got drunk and had some heavy set lady dance on the chair next to me and almost fall on me while she cried Chris Cornell's name. Â Beautiful.
The smell of... the smelly smells... made it feel so homey and welcoming. In some ways things were a little too familiar and packed in... tight spaces, long ways to walk across people.... but this is really the only thing that knocked off one star... that and that a bottle of water was six bux.... I didn't even get the cap... they took it off... and kept it... FOREVER.
But really this place rocked. Â The acoustics were perfect. Lighting. Venue size. Stage size and positioning and shape. Â Perfect.
I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in years. Â Very homey feel. Very professional and cool/relaxed all at the same time.
I wish I could experience this concert in this venue a hundred more times! Was it perfect? No. The concert was, the venue could be a bit better.  As I always say... I wish Yelp did reviews out of 10 or at least that  I could give a 4.5.  Getting drunk while watching a show all whilst people smoke throughout... It was very charming and fun.  And the people (outside of entrance security) were very polite and attentive (even with the entrance security; I guess getting firmly felt up is a good way to start a night?)
Nice classic venue. Â 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.
I've been here a few times for a few different types of performances. All you really need to know is it is cramped as hell and is worse than flying on a plane. However, it's tolerable for a couple hours if you're seeing something or someone you enjoy.
Everything else is the same as any other venue - beverages are super expensive and the lines for the bathrooms are usually ridiculous. Parking is only $10.00, so that's actually not bad.
Traffic is usually a bitch, but what can ya do...
Making a buck at the bar is more important to the Tower Theater than respect for the music. Â Would not return!
Went to see Ray LaMontagne on 11/17/12. Â Ray was awesome, so this review has nothing to do with the performer, but rather the venue. Â Quite frankly, they seem to be more concerned with selling booze than providing an appropriate concert atmosphere. Â
The bar in the lobby was left open during the performance, so people were constantly getting up and heading for the lobby and returning to their seats during the show (in the middle of a song). Â The ushers made no effort to restrict people from returning to their seats during a song and in fact aided audience members in doing so. Â Our enjoyment of Ray's beautiful music was frequently interrupted by us having to get up to let people into our row or by people in front of us doing the same and blocking our view.
While this may be acceptable at a rock concert, Ray's performance was an acoustic duet and many of his songs are slow, soft, and emotional. Â Having people constantly moving around completely killed the atmosphere.
Dang, this place is far. Okay, I live in central Jersey. But still, I had no idea it would take so long to get to Upper Darby after glancing at Google Maps. Oh wait, it was actually Apple maps...no wonder! Anyway, regardless of the commute, Tower Theater is a really cool place to see a show outside of the other Philly concert venues.
Starting with the old school, black and white marquee out front, to the slanted lobby, to the concession area ($8 beer, decent selection) and into the theater itself with the old style auditorium seating (which doesn't matter once the show starts and everyone is on their feet), you can just feel the the history of numerous artists and groups who have played on the stage over the past 30 years. The sound was great, not distorted and not too loud, and the view from Left Center to the stage was perfect. Lastly, parking was a cinch, only a block away on Market Street at metered space for just a few quarters.
Side Note: Silversun Pickups were awesome! Atlas Genius was a good opening act, but the second band was one of the worst things I've ever heard in my life.
This is the best venue for concerts in the Philadelphia area. Â Period. Â The acoustics are otherworldly. Â It's like you are sitting in a recording studio listening to the show. Â The clarity is incredible. Â It has a ton of charm as you approach it and on the inside as well. Â Two nice bars on the inside with decent beer prices when compared to other inferior venues. Â The only complaint I have pertaining to the actual venue is the seats. Â They could definitely use an upgrade in the padding department. Â They can get a bit uncomfortable. Â Not a bad viewpoint in the house though. Â
And the only other complaint is the traffic flow before the show. Â The township of Upper Darby could definitely play with the lights to create a better flow into the lot. Â But any aggravation created by the commute to the Tower will be quickly erased as soon as you enter musical heaven.
Love attending shows at the Tower. Â The staff is always friendly and the location is easily accessable. Â Parking is $10 in the garage behind the building (turn at the corner of 69th and Chestnut). Â There's a great pizza shop (Leandro's) across the street. Â 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.
I absolutely looove the staff at this venue. Â My friend and I had seats in the back row for Fiona Apple, and were standing in the doorway because it was easier to see the stage. Â Instead of yelling at us to move, which the bouncers/staff at every other Philly venue would have, they moved us into 2 open seats in the 10th row. Â How amazing is that?
Review Source:This review is very long overdue since it's been awhile since I've been, so I'll keep it short:
Really enjoyed the venue--the sound was good, and no matter where you sit you can see the stage well. Nice, intimate place for shows.
Location: Pretty terrible and frankly I won't be going back just for this reason. We parked in one of the garages right behind the venue, assuming this would be safer than just a side street/etc. Guess what? Upon return, nearly every car's windows were smashed in. I wish I was kidding; everyone stood there with their mouths gaped open. We, somehow, got lucky that our car wasn't broken into, even though my car is relatively new-ish. My best guess is that because we leave nothing out on the seats or floor of my car, the thieves didn't see anything to grab. When you pay an attendant to park in a garage, you assume someone will be sticking around to deter this type of crime. No such luck--not a security guard or attendant in sight once the show was over. (By the way, if you read some of the other reviews, including the filtered reviews, you will see that this is a common occurrence. I haven't been in awhile so I would be curious to see if this issue has been addressed.)
4.5 stars for the venue, 0 for location/security in the venue area.
I went with a friend to see a show (Regina Spektor) and the venue itself was amazing! Â Parking wasn't bad because it is right around the corner and there is a path at the end of the lot that leads you RIGHT to the building. Â The prices are not as bad as other venues for drinks. Â The staff was very nice and helped us to our seats quickly as well. Â The sound was amazing and the seats were very comfortable.
Overall, it is a great experience and I would definitely see another show there again.
I absolutely love this theater. Â It definitely has the old movie time look and feel to it. Â It is so much more comfortable than going to a stadium or something for a concert. Â There is not a bad seat in the house. Â No matter where you sit, they are like right there. Â I definitely would not walk around the area though. Â It looks very bad and ran down. Â Parking is cheap and convenient. Â Definitely my ideal place for a concert.
Review Source:Saw Todd Rundgren here a few months back. Â I thought it would be fun to see Todd perform on his home turf as he's from Upper Darby originally, plus this was a short easy drive for me. Â My biggest worry was where to park in the run-down area so that me and my car would stay unmolested. Â After driving around a few blocks I realized the Tower Theater pay parking garage was my best bet as it had attendants and there didn't seem to be anyplace else on the main or side streets to park (all parked up). Â It cost a few dollars but seems like every venue in Philadelphia requires you to pay 10-20 bucks for parking.
My only problem was that I was a little late for the gig, so almost everybody else was already inside and the only way I could see to get to the theater involved climbing down a deserted, unlit, partially broken, narrow garage staircase leading to an alley which led to the block containing the theater, and it was after dark. Â There may be another way into the theater but I couldn't find it and was in a hurry not to miss more of the show, so I decided to brave the scary stairs. Â Near the bottom i was accosted by a group of people and almost jumped out of my skin till I realized it was a perfectly normal family of local moms and kids returning from a shopping trip. Â
I reached the doorway of the venue without further incident. Â Inside it was a fine old slightly-run-down place and none of the staff were obnoxious or bothered me at all. Â In fact there were hardly any staff around. Â Maybe 2-3 people, one of whom was guarding the door and one hanging out in the lobby. Â It was extremely dark in the theater (to the point where I almost couldn't find my seat) which kept me from fully appreciating how awesome and historic it looked. Â Todd did a good show and even talked about shows he'd seen at the Tower when he lived nearby, which has to be 40-50 years ago now. Â The sound was fine (I was maybe 15 rows from the front). Â The light show that was part of the show was also fine. Â I didn't happen to use the bathrooms so I can't comment on that.
After the show I had no problem getting to my car because like i said, everybody else parked in the same garage and you could walk back to the garage with a large chatty crowd. Â I did notice a couple of showgoers walking off down a side street and there were some shady looking dudes around so i hope those folks got home OK. Â There was about a half hour traffic jam getting from the garage back to Rt. 3 to exit.
Moral of the story is, if you're coming to a show here arrive when everybody else is arriving and leave when everybody else is leaving, you should be OK. Â Same deal if you're making the short walk from the 69th street subway terminal to the venue (subway is sadly not an option for me as I live in an area served only by bus, and am not going to hang around after dark at the outdoor bus stops at that station).
My wife & I were at the Tower Theater in PA last night (4/13/12) to see Gabriel Iglesias. Â This review is only for the theater! Â The comedians were great!!
The theater is OK. Â
I thought the acoustics were bad. Â We were sitting in Center Lodge, row DD, seats just about center. Â Now I will tell you that I am hard of hearing, so this could of played a part. Â I have read others say that everyone sounded like Charlie Brown's teacher; this is true! Â
When we were going into our seats, a woman usher told us where we were sitting and as we walked down the steps she said 'No video photography" Â
I said no problem.
 My wife and I were having a great evening. She had got us the tickets for Christmas. We had a nice dinner out and were both excited about seeing Gabriel LIVE!!!
 The thing that ruined the evening was the run in with the usher from Hell!!!!
This guy was one of the angriest, rudest, condescending ushers I have ever seen.
I had my camera flash turned off and had taken a couple of pictures of the stage before the show started. I zoomed in to take a picture of one of the comedians and the flash went off. It was a total accident and I was trying to figure out what had changed when the usher from Hell showed up. I have never been so embarrassed in all my life!!
Â
The usher wanted to take my camera and when I wouldn't give it to him he was going to kick me out! He was very mad/ aggressive/ out of control/ loud & just being a real jerk!! He actually made me get up and walk towards the lobby with him. Â People sitting around the area could not believe what was going on.
This is straight from their website:
<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livenation.com%2FTower-Theatre-tickets-Upper-Darby%2Fvenue%2F16389&s=d42e6446fd6ad2c56340ac2c3d343379c2cf5400b89334b41d1bd9ddfd7cb04f" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.livenation.co…</a>
General Rules
Camera Policy:
Personal cameras are allowed in the venue. Flash photography, video and removable lens cameras are not permitted without venue approval.
Long story short he told me to put the camera away and no matter what I saw others doing, I had been 'warned'!
It was very hard to enjoy the rest of the show after that.
Needless to say; We will Never go back to the Tower!!
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 thugs.)
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.
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. Â Also, if you want to eat before the show, there are a ton of exceptional ethnic restaurants within walking distance of the theater.
Love this venue.
I'm seen numerous shows here over the years ranging from B.B. King, Steely Dan, CSN, to Earth, Wind, & Fire.
The parking situation is a mess and walking around the area after dark will likely get you stabbed but I usually take Septa and that is by far the most convenient way to get to and from the Tower.
My favorite Tower story was years ago seeing Frampton and Robin Trower and the guy sitting two seats to my right threw up all over his seat and the seat next to me.
The section usher was great and let the whole row that didn't vomit sit in any open seat we could find down in the orchestra section.
I saw Taking Back Sunday here last weekend. After reading the reviews on here I was a bit skeptical for my first time at the Tower Theater.
My friend and I LOVED it. It had an older feel and I did not feel nearly as unsafe as some of these reviews suggest. The parking was easy and ten dollars (which is cheap if you consider how much it costs to park at the Wells Fargo or Philles and Eagles Stadiums).
The food and beer were a bit overpriced (four dollars for a soft pretzel!) but that's what you have to expect at concerts.
We were in the back right orchestra in row four, at the farthest end of the row but still had a GREAT view.
I would definitely suggest this venue if you want a more intimate experience with a band.
I've seen everything from bands to comedy shows here and have held seats in all areas of the venue.
I've never experienced bad sound, I've never not been able to see everything that was going on and I've never gotten anything but respect and help from the staff.
In fact, I would happily pay more to see a band here over other venues.
I hate this theater- everything about it. Â 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. Â 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. Â 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.)
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.
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. Â 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.
This is a pretty swank place that is now totally incongruous with the area it's in. I wouldn't come hang out in front of the Tower Theater on a non-show night just for kicks, but when a good band is here, it feels perfectly safe - I came to see Further, and there was a solid security presence to keep the hippies in line. It's easily accessible via the El, too, which is nice for environmentally conscious hippie-types. Also because I have seen lots of these guys drive and every effort should be made to keep them off the road. The 60s killed brain cells, people.
Inside, Tower Theatre has an air of aging grandeur. It has the feel of a classic old theater - molding, rich colors, beautiful architecture. A little weird to come here to see a bunch of old hippies jam out, but weird in a cool way. Especially when they flash the light show on the ceiling.
Downsides: Even before the show began, the bathrooms were a mess. They're small, awkwardly laid out, and a mess waiting to happen. I imagine that toward the end of the night, there were a lot of ladies relying on the communal hippie spirit to get toilet paper passed down to them. Also they charged me $4 for a mediocre soft pretzel. For serious, dudes? There is price gouging and then there is YOU ARE OUT OF YOUR GODDAMN MINDS. In case you needed clarification, $4 soft pretzels are in the latter category.
It was my first time at the Tower tonight after living in or near Philadelphia my entire life (to see Ben Folds!). I was quite pleased that I didn't have to walk more than a block from 69th street terminal to get there. It's convenient (I guess being more central to the city in the first place would be even more convenient, but it's worth the trip).
The outside marquee is so charming. It really makes you feel like you're back in the 40s when it's all lit up at night. The staff is friendly and show you to your seat. It's pretty nice sized inside. All seated (which I sort of like because then I don't have to worry about being early to fight my way to a good spot). There's an upstairs balcony section too, that seemed a little nosebleed-like.
It doesn't have quite the same grandeur as other older venues like The Trocadero, but it's still pretty with a huge stage. The sound is pretty good.
I didn't get any food or drink but it seemed like they had cocktail waitresses coming into the actual concert hall to take orders (you can bring drinks in here, which I was really surprised because of the chance of spillage/underage drinking.
All in all, a cute venue that was big without losing the personal touch that I look forward to seeing more shows at in the future.
I caught Interpol here last Thursday night. This was my first visit to the Tower Theater. The theater has seen better days and reminds me of my old high school auditorium. Seats are the old wooden type and they're very cramped for this day and age. The owners should throw a little love back into the building and update that seating. That would be my only real complaint with the place. Â
The staff was great. Everyone was friendly and helpful from the people working the door and lobby all the way to the ushers. Top notch all the way.
The area in which the theater resides, Upper Darby, is a little on the run down side but manageable. We were parked about 5 blocks and parking ran $10 which isn't bad for the city. However I'd say the more people in your group the better while walking in some parts.
The Tower is one of my favorite venues. Â 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. Â You're never too far away from the performer, and yet, it's big enough to give you a real concert feel. Â Furthermore, everyone gets their own seat, so you have a place to put your purse and designated dancing space. Â 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). Â But my favorite thing about the Tower is the simulated stars on the ceiling. Â They even took the time to recreate the Big Dipper. Â
Despite the area surrounding it, the Tower is straight-up classy. Â Bravo, Philadephia.
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.
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. Â 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...
They did not sell enough tickets on the upper balcony, so they closed it for the show and downgraded my tickets to the back of the theater where the acoustics were poor I could hear the bar for the opening act and the light is also a distraction.
Parking was easy for $5 up the street, but I could see how it would be difficult if it were a popular show.
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. Â Definitely alot of dicks on the dance floor!
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.
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.
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.
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! Â (For watching movies, anyway...)
If the movie you're watching starts at 11pm or later, you will find the place utterly deserted. Â The staff is already trying to close up and is too lazy to sell food or even charge you for a movie ticket. Â 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.
Last weekend was my first experience with the Tower for the Smashing Pumpkins Explosions in the Sky show. Â
This was the largest concert I've attended in years, and I wasn't sure what to expect. Â 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. Â However, I must say, the Tower is pretty sweet.
Our seats were waaayy up there (Aside: How is that possible? Â I was on Ticketmaster the exact moment tickets went on sale!), but our view was still awesome. Â 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. Â 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.
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.
Despite the fact that you have to drive through the roughest part of Philadelphia to get there, the Tower is a really cool venue. Â 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. Â The place holds about 2000 or so people, and the seats are pretty comfortable.
Overall, a good venue, despite generally steep ticket prices.
I'm generally mixed on all the ticket master venues and this is no exception. The tickets can be extremely overpriced but the bands that generally play here can be extremely worth it. If you've already seen a band playing here, then chances are you've already had better concert experience the last couple of times you saw them than here will provide you. and since it only seats about 3000 and houses some pretty well known bands getting tickets can be a near impossibility without Craigslist/Ebay/scalping. so it's usually not always worth it.
The seats are great when there close to the stage. otherwise the view can kind of suck. then again I might be biased since I don't like seated concerts in general.
As Kelly L. says the theater is beautiful and it maintains a lot of it's original charm.
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