On June 14, 1972, the first concert at the Tower was Dave Mason and Buzzy Linhart, a sold out show. For the next few years, the concerts here became the stuff of local legend. The Tower introduced America to David Bowie and The Spiders from Mars in 1972 as well as the then-unknown Genesis with Peter Gabriel that same year.
In September 1974, Bruce Springsteen introduced the world to his new E Street Band, with Max Weinberg and Roy Bittan here. Other regular headliners included Jackson Browne, Lou Reed, Steve Miller and Jerry Garcia.
David Bowie recorded his “David Live” album on the 14th & 15th of July 1974 here and an image of David from these concerts graces the album cover. The Average White Band’s live album, Person to Person, was recorded here as well.
Other noteworthy Concerts Held At The Tower Theater
3/31/2018 – Pretenders
10/20/2018 – Tower Of Power
8/8/2017 – Yes
6/7/2012 – Crosby, Stills & Nash
11/26/2011 – The Allman Brothers Band
10/29/2010 – The Black Crowes
5/17/2005 – Bruce Springsteen
6/3/2003 – Lou Reed
10/21/2002 – David Bowie
2/14/1988 – Frank Zappa
1/23/1987 – Hot Tuna
12/2/1983 – Jerry Garcia Band
Tower Theater
69th Street and Ludlow Street
Philadelphia PA 19082
CORRECTIONS:
TEN BOWIE SHOWS
Bowie and The Spiders friom Mars was November 30, 1072 and December 1 and 1…followed by SEVEN shows in four days over Presidents’ Day weekend on 2/16 to 19, 1973
SEPTEMBER 1974
Suki played her last show here with Bruce…and NOVEMBER 1 and 2 introduced Max and all…
including the WORLD DEBUT of BORN TO RUN live on 11/2…after a full afternoon of rehearsals.
Band played the MAIN POINT in Bryn Mawr…the night before the two day run.
MORE CORRECTIONS:
The GENESIS show was at MIDNIGHT on 11/16/1973 at the TOWER THEATER. First date on first FULL tour.
Back for three more shows in two days in March 1974.