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Say Goodbye To The Spectrum
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 @ 11:27 AM :: 2239 Views :: 98 Comments ::

It is with sincere and reluctant sorrow, that we must bid adieu to our beloved Spectrum. The "Powers That Be" have decided to demolish our hallowed venue at the end of the 2009 Hockey & Soccer Seasons.

That being said, what is your favorite memory of the Spectrum? Favorite Concert, Sporting Event or even if you want to jot down any memory - go right ahead.

Listen to what Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson says about the Spectrum

(audio courtesy Denny Somach)

View the Official Press Release Here

Comments

By Gina @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 6:09 PM

Naturally all of the great concerts, monster trucks, motorcross, rodeo, x-games, and of course hockey.
But the memory that will always stick is, about 9 or so years ago, before a Phantoms game my son played a "Mites on Ice" game. It was huge for him to play on the same ice the Flyers and Phantoms played. To see the official scoreboard and their names announced was awsome. He's 17 now, and still playing hockey. He still remembers the feeling he had being on that ice.
It's sad that another part of history (JFK) has to go....

By PeteyPete @ Wednesday, July 16, 2008 10:00 PM

My fondest memory of the Spectrum is one that I attended personally. It was my first concert I ever attended and it was Billy Joel's River of Dreams Tour in October 1993. When the lights went out and he performed Goodnight Saigon. Awesome

By lovetron @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:50 AM

I will miss very much the Spectrum. I was a huge fan of "the Zink" I still imitate him today. My favorite moment would have to be a Flyers/Rangers saturday matinee and I lost my virginity in between the 2nd and 3rd periods of that contest just outside the concourse. I think Poulin scored the game winner.

By thunderbolt @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:55 AM

Many great years going to the Spectrum. The circus as a kid, 1st sixers game was awin versus the bucks 110-107, no joke that was the score. many U2 concerts, wing bowls, last game I saw there was a Phantoms vs Admirals game that the phantoms won in OT and this dope in front of us kept saying Do you believe in miracles I think it was Jim Trexler! Great times and cold beers, remember the sixers song" come on in everybody.

By FlyerJoe @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:51 AM

I have many fond memories of the Spectrum. My first Flyers game was the one against the Russian Red Army team in 1976. I can't tell you how many concerts I saw there: Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, Kiss, Journey, Ozzy, Bruce Springsteen, just a few off the top of my head. I was there when the Phantoms won their first Calder Cup. This place will be missed and a part of Philadelphia history will be lost!

By BOB PACE @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 8:59 AM

SAW MANY GREAT SHOWS AT THE SPECTRUM. FIRST WAS JANIS JOPLIN . FACES,THE WHO,LED ZEPPLIN,ROLLING STONES,U2,THE DEAD OF COARSE,WINGS,SO MANY MORE. LOVE THE SPECTRUM,WILL BE MISSED .THEY SHOULD TEAR DOWN THAT ELEPHANT WACO CENTER THAT ECHO CHAMBER

By Ross Gillis @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 9:41 AM

My best memory was seeing Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers with Bob Dylan at the Spectrum in 1985. I've always loved this venue for it's versitility & and wonderful hockey memories.

It's sad to see it go.

By Pat E. @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:12 AM

Ahh, To many memories to say,but my best one was my first concert back in 84, Dio/Twisted Sister,what a great show.... It will be missed!!!

By Bob @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:23 AM

Anyone remember waiting for guns and roses to come on stage, it must of been 10:30 when axl rose finally decided to come out!

By Jackie Warner @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 1:32 PM

It's such a shame to see it go. I met the one and only Boys from Boston there back in 1998! Actually, my husband won the backstage passes from WMMR an hour before the show! They were great. We went into a back room and had sodas and snacks, then All 5 members of Aerosmith came into the room. Tom Hamilton leading the pack with Steven and Joe following up the rear!!! It was a great time!!!

Well, at least I can keep the memory! Fairwell!!

By Mike Coz @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:30 PM

Gonna miss her! I think it was my 16th B-day Flyers vs. Rangers game 2. Kevin Haller wins with a shot form the blue line in OT. Then I got to meet some players and get autographs in the restaurant downstairs. Great night!! And Kate Smith, still gives me goose bumps when they show her singing God Bless America.

By Anthony @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 3:28 PM

We all are going to miss this great building !! I grew up with this building seeing the flyers win two cups and going to the first ever flyers wives fight for lives, it is going to be a sad, sad day in Philly to see this go. I got to play on the ice this passed year and I tell you what, when my team and myself hit the ice it was like a "chill" went up my spine and thats not from the ice being cold, it was cause of just the history in this building. As we bid it a farewell, I say "We love you Spectrum, you will always remain in our memories"

By Rhys @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 4:06 PM

In yet another case of "paving history" (a new favorite national pastime), The Spectrum's giving way to a shopping center is an all-too-common-scenario that we're all constantly confronted with. As a uniquely Philadelphian symbol of sports, music and all things social, our Spectrum will be soon be razed - to quote Pierre - "for the sake of the bottom dollar." C'est la vie.
It's quite tragic that the process of these demolishions cannot be more democratic, so as a City, we can choose to keep these footsteps that reflect what once was, before they (The Vet, JFK Stadium, nameless other structures) become 'no longer'.
Ever-passionate about our sports and music - and the venues they are held within - Philadelphia worships heroes like Mike Schmidt, Randall Cunningham and The Who every time they take the field or the stage in our arenas. Tearing down The Spectrum is like amputating a limb of Philadelphia. There is no greatness to bear witness to in a shopping mall.
Although my words and the petitions of those who don't want to see the Spectrum give way to "progress" can't stop what will soon happen, perhaps we can make our voices LOUDER to prevent situations like this from occuring before it comes to this point in the future.

By Kurt Ruediger @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:01 PM

My favorite moment of the spectrum would be seeing alot of concerts there like Bad Company,Black Sabbath,Foghat,Kansas,and many more but the best moment that i will never forget is seeing Pink Floyd "Animals" Tour since It was not my only 1st concert that i went to but also the best concert out of many.

Bymargie dooley @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 7:31 PM

my first concert was Bon Jovi. I took my younger cousin with me and we got drenched with beer (what a waste). my fave moment was when the Wings won their first of many championships.

By Het @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 7:43 PM

I saw sooooo many concerts @ the Spectrum that it is hard to remember which was first. I think it was ZZTop, then Def Lepoard, Reba Mcintire, the Eagles, Megadeath & Metallica. So I'M diverse..... I love music. These are just the ones that I remeber now.

I would love to see this venue preserved. It is a staple of history from alot including the Rocky movies!!!!!!!!!!!! Who in Philly & NJ doesn't have memories of the Spectrum. OH Yeah,... what about the WHO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Use some of that money to rebuild to refurbish the damn building. Start preserving instead of destroying!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ByAngie @ Thursday, July 17, 2008 10:45 PM

Wow, that sucks, but I hold alot of memories dear to me! I have been to many concerts there and all of which are still vivid in my head.Mid-80's early ninty's: The Crue, Bon Jovi, KISS, but the one I am thinking of right now has to be the one back in Aug. of 88. Picture it:Hot summer day and the line up was Guns N Roses and Aerosmith!!!!!! That was a bad ass show. I still see Aerosmith's drummer doing that solo with neon lights attched to his body walking around the stage... Not to mention prior to the show the news was filming all of us tailgating the parking lot, man what a day that was. Man, we will miss you Spectrum but hold memories
Angie

By andrew @ Friday, July 18, 2008 1:56 AM

i have three things....my first hockey which was in 98 it was a phantoms playoff game.....my first wings game in 99 when jake bergey beat sum guys face and hit the ref when he pulled his fist back to hit they guy again.....and my first concert which was new years eve of 03(i think tht was the year) and it was creed...im only 17 and have these memories.....feel bad 4 the ppl who grew up in the spectrum

By Matthew @ Friday, July 18, 2008 9:24 AM

I remember my first Flyers game in 1994 that really cemented by love for the sport. those were the days my heroes were in their prime. When Lindros began tearing up the ice. then my first phantoms game. i went to the innaugrial game in 1996. It was awesome! 5 rows from the ice watching guys playing that were like the unknown heroes of Philadelphia hockey. that and i could see them up close unlike the Flyers I only admired at a distance. The phantoms made me dream of playing hockey. It was awesome. when I finally got to step out on that ice during an exhibition game it was chilling. The feeling that I was stepping on holy ground, the same arena that experienced two stanley cups back before I was born. The tales of hockey at it's baddest! When the Flyers were the toughest presence on ice. writing this actually brings a tear to my eyes. I'll miss the spectrum, nothing can replace it.

By joe @ Friday, July 18, 2008 11:26 AM

I remember my sister's dack taking us us to the pphantoms hocky games and going to the monster jam when i was little. I went to the flyers games and got tickets for free and along with Eric l's jersey signed. that was all possibly because my mom's boss also worked at the spectrum

By bonz @ Friday, July 18, 2008 1:52 PM

This is truly a sad occasion and I will miss the Spectrum. My 1st visit to the Spectrum was an 8th grade class trip to see Ringley Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus back in '78. 4 yrs later, my high school played a rival high school before a 76ers vs Celtics game - I scored 2 pts on a jump shot on the same floor Dr J, Darryl Dawkins, Mo Cheeks played on! Then the concerts - VH, Yes, Robert Plant, etc... Then, it came full circle when I took my daughter to see the RB&B&B circus when she was 3. Thanks for the memories.

By Barbara @ Friday, July 18, 2008 2:27 PM

This is yet another sad moment in Philly's history. Over the years, I have seen many, many concerts and games in our beloved Spectrum and again in stead of fixing or refurbishing the answer is to tear it down. WHY? To build a hotel and restaurants. I was sad when the Vet went down, BUT NOW the Spectrum, talk of Independence Hall and the old Boyd Theater. When will these money mongers stop to think about something other than the almighty buck. The stand -up/ actor Eddie Izzard once said "this is why people travel to Europe, instead of knocking buildings down, they call it historic and let them stand". This makes more sense to me.

By mike @ Friday, July 18, 2008 4:20 PM

I have so many memories of the Spectrum, there is no way to list them all, but a few that come to mind are all the great bands I have seen there. First concert there was Blue Oyster Cult and Blackmores Rainbow back in 79. What an awesome show it was. And then all the bands ive seen since then, Aerosmith, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Supertramp, Nugent, Boston and one of the best guitar players I have ever seen live, the late great Stevie Ray Vaughn. What a shame to lose a place with such great acoustics. I am certainly going to miss "The Spectrum"

By Shawn @ Friday, July 18, 2008 5:49 PM

The Spectrum is going the way of The Vet and will be missed. My fondest memory of the Spectrum is going to see the monster trucks with my dad when I was a kid. Now that I am older I have seen many great concerts played there. From Nine Inch Nails, to Linkin Park, to Roger Watters. The Spectrum will be missed and if they sell the seats like they did for The Vet, I'm gonna try and get my hands on a pair.

By Curt Melhorn @ Friday, July 18, 2008 11:23 PM

OK - My 1st concert was Aerosmith with Styx opening up....this was the concert where an M-80 was thrown and Steven Tyler's cornea was burned and Joe Perry's hand was burned. Flash forward a few years to another concert I attended where Aerosmith's concert was cut short by someone who threw a beer bottle (yes, they let glass bottles in!) and hit Steven Tyler yet again. Joey Kramer comes to center stage and states, "Philly, you suck" and Aerosmith vows to never play Philly again. Those memories will never fade - fortunately Aerosmith toured incessantly and Philly has been almost an annual event on their tour itinery. Memories of the Spectrum will never fade - Queen, Foghat, Robert Plant, The Cars, The Police, The Kinks will live forever!

By Brendy @ Friday, July 18, 2008 11:30 PM

I agree 100% with what Pierre said in regard to the demolition of The Spectrum. I don't like it, I loved every experience there, and mostly, any arena that housed The Grateful Dead 50 times should not be taken away from us. Come the day of implosion, I won't be able to go and watch -- too too painful.

By wassamatta4u @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 9:06 AM

It's sad, indeed! My very 1st concert was David Bowie at the Spectrum in1979, as well as many other conerts, tennis and shows over the years.

By zach shaw @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 10:45 AM

its sad to hear this news. going there as a kid to see the circus and phantom games, and to later go see concerts there (now im 19). ive seen velvet revolver, motley crue, system of a down, and ozzy osbourne w/ rob zombie there, each time having a great experience!!!!!! rest in peace spectrum!!! while our past stadiums might be moving on now, let us all treasure the arenas we have left, including the Wacho center(still one of my fav places), lincon field, and citezen bank field!!!! let us mourn the lost of the loved past and move on to care for our current places for their beauty, size and the passion it shares for all types of events (the same reasons we originally loved the spectrum)!!!!!!

By kevin @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 12:00 PM

wow, the spectrum, too many memories, 76ers games, circus's, globetrotters, flyers, toooooo many concerts, i now live in florida, and all of philly is changing, they really should preserve not destory, remember JFK, live aid, phill collins helicopter. it is like saying goodbye to a old friend. along with the vet, JFK. for another stripmall, don't we have enought as it is?????

By anthony @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 12:44 PM

this goes out to all of us who shared in the joy and wonderful memories of the spectrum....there have been plenty of flyers hockey games to the many amazing concerts...i remember the ace Robert Plant shows to Sting....REM and Pearl Jam....i hope we all can remember every minute about the spectrum...thank you and cheers....

By scotty k @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 1:53 PM

Man….years of great sporting events and amazing concerts….. As a kid trips to the annual circus….in the early 70’s (Pre Cup) my Dad would take me and my brother to see the Flyers (10 Game Pick-a-Plan)…we saw the big bad Bruins, hated NY Rangers, high flying Canadiens, Blackhawks, Blues….tons of future Hall of Famers on Spectrum Ice…..only handful of Sixers games….two of note….early 70’s game against a stacked NY Knicks team….game was played even though there was a horrible snow storm…..only about 2,000 fans in the joint that night….Dad still talks about that game…..1979 Senior Prom Night and me and my high school buds had no dates….so we got wasted and saw the Sixers beat up the Pacers……me and Joe and our mid 70’s Saturday morning Flyers Clinics…all you needed was Abbott’s milk carton or Tastykake wrapper for (Free) admission into the event…..Flyers practice session…then autographs…. followed by a local college ice hockey game…..1976 game against the dreaded Soviet Red Army team….on day my parents celebrated my birthday #14….FIRST Springsteen concert…..on the floor…..July 19, 1981….The River Tour with then girl friend…future wife Marie Mazzochetti…..I was 19 years old…..opened with Thunder Road…..played Sandy and Jungleland that night….my personal ROCK MOMENT….Bowie and Genesis early 80’s shows….first and ONLY Grateful Dead show with Sue Syd….band’s show (#50) at the Spectrum......Page/Plant in the early 90’s….Yes “Union” show “in the round” with Marie, Sue Syd and Jimmy Mac and all 8 past and present YesMen…we got to hear “Awaken” that night…..90’s solo Peter Gabriel shows…..few games with my daughter Lauren during the Phantoms inaugural season in 1996…..ALL those heartbreaking losses to the hated NJ Devils…..racing down to hockey games after work with Marie sitting high up in Section 4…. Eagles and Steely Dan reunion shows in the 90’s…….Springsteen’s 1999 Reunion Tour…… what became know as his “Lost in the Flood” (Hurricane Floyd) show which was rescheduled from the “new” FU Center to the “old” Spectrum…that night Bruce’s turns “50”…..we’re 7 rows side stage….he opens with “Growin’ Up”….plays “Sprit in the Night”….closes with “Blinded by the Light”…..WOW…..few more 90’s Yes shows……2004 Yes 35th Anniversary show with Sue Syd and one Rick Wakeman …….Back in the day….It was America’s Number One Showplace……Long live that “Sardine Can”…..Da da….da da da….Let’s Go Flyers….Kate Smith and Gene Hart….”Bobby Clarke scores for a case of tasykakes…..”

By Mary Jane Powell @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 5:23 PM

Having worked there for almost 23 years, I have a boatload of spectacular memories of meeting a lot of my sports heroes and music heroes and a bundle of awesome experiences, am I going to be sad when the building comes down, YA THINK??? Absolutely, RIP

ByJohn Doan @ Saturday, July 19, 2008 10:14 PM

WOW!! Where to start. My musical life took place and developed at the Spectrum. The KISS concert where my younger brother Rick and I had seats up high and was invited by one of the lighting crew to climb the ladder affixed to the back of the Spectrum, and work the lights during the opening song!!! The 2nd time I ever saw the Dead, I vividly still remember a spot where both drummers were playing and the thunderous sound of the bass drums echoing through the Spectrum was amazing. The Quiet Riot/Black Sabbath show where we were in the front row (general admission) and my buddy tossed a pack of smokes up on stage and Rudy Sarzo of Riot picked them up and helped himself. The Aerosmith show around '83 when they opened with Back in the Saddle and the black curtain in the front of the stage rose as the begging of that song started (so cool). Tommy Lee's drum solos at the 2 Motley Crue shows we saw. Springsteen's Born in the USA tour, Bowie last tour("Say goodbye to this one Philly" as he broke into "Changes"), The Doobie Brothers Farewell tour, and now that I am a parent, the Red Hot Chili Peppers me and my daughter Britt last year. I can keep going on and on. So many good shows, so many great memories. THANK YOU SPECTRUM!!!!!!!!!

By Shelby @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 2:16 PM

This is sad news to find out they are tearing down yet another Philly landmark. I saw so many concerts there but there are 2 that stick out in my mind. First is Springsteen back in 1981. This was my first Springsteen show. I was just a teen then and our parents had to drop my friend and I off !!! ha ha I still remember "Devil in a Blue Dress " as the encore and being drenched with sweat in a 3/4 sleeve Bruce shirt. Remember those ? The lights were all on and I don't think there was one person sitting . Everyone was up and dancing. That show turned me into a life long Bruce fan. I also saw the last show Creed did on NY Eve 2002. Was on the floor general admisssion and 3 Doors Down opened. Will never forget that night either All the hours of waiting paid off ..I was the closest I have ever been for a concert.

Also saw Heart, VH, Bonjovi, Def Lep several times to name a few.

Save the Spectrum !!!!!!!

By smiley @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 4:35 PM

ther goes more history just what we need
more shoping malls

By FishtownChaz @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 4:47 PM

If you've lived in Philly for more than the last 10 years what isn't there to love about the Spectrum. For me it has been home to all the following firsts: sixers, flyers, phantoms, kixx games, concert, circus, sesame st live and the like, haunted arena and so much more. I can't wait until they start to auction off things from inside before it is demolished. Its sad to see it go. Deep down inside I wish that they would just refurbish it to make it what it needs to be for this Philly Live thing. Maybe with a little luck Dave Grohl will be able to keep his word and have a closing out party for it like he mentioned at the concert.

By Guido @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 5:34 PM

One of my favorite times at the spectrum, was when we bought tickets from a scalper to see Foghat. they scanned our tickets at the door and since they were counterfiet they wouldn't let us in! So here we are the concert is starting Sweet and cheap trick were the opening acts. We went around to the back door where the tour busses were parked and tried to get the gaurds to let us in the back door. It started to rain, but we hung in there because we could here the music and could get small glimpses of the rear of the stage through the small square window in the door. "Sweet" finished their set and came out to get on their bus, we asked for autographs, but they pretty much blew us off. Still hanging in there to hear Slowride, Cheap Trick finished their set and came out. They saw us hanging at the back door soaked ,and invited us on to their bus! Wow that was cool. we got on ,and did a little "Partying" Most of the time the drummer just sat in the back smoking not to social. the other guys were really cool, and they told us they were playing in New York the next night. they said they could use some help, and offered us jobs as roadies! We were like, my mom would kill me! I have to go to school tommarow! Besides this was before Live at Buddikan came out. we barley new who these guys were. Well the rest is history If I knew they were gonna be that Big maybe I would have risked skipping school for a chance to tour the world! I saw many concerts in the 70's and 80's mostly , but may favotite memory, is the time I could't even get in!

By Kevin Romer @ Sunday, July 20, 2008 11:03 PM

It is going to be hard to see this place go. I'll never forget three great days that I spent at The Spectrum. The first was in 1993 when the Flyers played the Kings during the blizzard of 93. No one went and my dad and I moved down to the 1st level to watch the game. My first time seeing The Great One play the game and the window blows out and they reschedule the game for a later date. Second in 1999 my high school team made it to the Flyers Cup. We played at the Spectrum because Wrestlemania was at the Center. We lost, but it was best feeling to play a whole game where the Flyers brought home two Cups. Three: The Foo Fighters concert this past year. Floor admission right next to the stage. One of the best shows that I have ever been to. Long Live The Spectrum!!!

By Bob Carter @ Monday, July 21, 2008 7:12 AM

I'll never forget my first concert The Kinks live at the spectrum 1981, I got so smashed i had to go outside not knowing i couldn't get back in, I'll always remember laying on the spectrum steps looking up at the stars and listing to Lola, it was amazing!

By Andrew Sorgi @ Monday, July 21, 2008 7:31 AM

I have had a lot of great memories at the spectrum, one was when every year since i was five i would go to the monster truck jams with my two older brothers. And the best part of the night was when new jersey and philly would battle each other in the motocross race. Other then that the only other good part was seeing Grave Digger race one opponent and then crash.lol. I will always remember the spectrum for what it was and that is a great monument for a great city!

By Cheech @ Monday, July 21, 2008 9:04 AM

I went to my first Pearl Jam show at the spectrum, it was an amazing experience that i will never forget.

By Tony DeGuiseppi @ Monday, July 21, 2008 10:00 AM

When i was a kid, i went to the monster truck show every year held sometime in Feburary. Those massive trucks on the little floor of the spectrum was the BEST!!!

By Barbi @ Monday, July 21, 2008 10:52 AM

My 1st memory was seeing Elvis Presley in concert I was not even a teen yet but my Mom and her friends loved him and they took me to my 1st concert with them. I loved concerts ever since and have seen many a great artist perform there. I have also been to many sporting events. And I will sadly miss Spectrum a great part of Philly history!

By Gary @ Monday, July 21, 2008 1:08 PM

I remember I saw my second concert ever here. It was linkin park, hoobastank and POD. It was awesome.

By Rob B. @ Monday, July 21, 2008 1:35 PM

First JFK, then the Vet, and now the Spectrum,,DAM!! There goes another fine place where history was made.
I've been to at least 20 concerts that I can remember, George Thorogood was the first back in '82 or '83. Seen God nows how many Flyers games too. I don't reside in Philly no more, in GA for the last 7 years. And when I would come up to Philly to visit, riding up 95 and seeing the Spectrum, the last of the 3, I knew I was home, it was a great feeling. Kind of leaves an empty feeling in you when you see part of where you grew up in your hometown disappear.
MMR ROCKS!!! miss yo guys too ;)

By giovanni @ Monday, July 21, 2008 3:39 PM

wow, i cant believe it is getting replaced by a shopping center, but then again south philly really needs it for some money coming in...i grew up in s.w.p( southwest philly for all you non-philadelphians,lol) i remember going there to see the monster trucks, i seen my 1st concert which was def leppard hysteria tour and then there wa rage against the machine battle of philadelphia tour...

Bymike watson sr. @ Monday, July 21, 2008 4:50 PM

Sure they can take the spectrum away from us but they can't take our great momories away from us. I remember my first concert.the band came out and they were introduced as ERIC CLAPTON, GINGER BAKER and so forth. They had a rotating stage,(which was great) for the audience.The band was then introduced as BLIND FAITH. It was great. Another concert that sticks in my short memory mind is mid seventies JUTHRO TULL, we had obstructive view, however Ian Anderson would turn around and play to the back of the audience very nice of him. Well life goes on and so do the great memories.MMR ROCKS.PS For kathy YOU GET WHAT.

By keith zimmermann @ Monday, July 21, 2008 10:12 PM

i will miss the spectrum badly. this year i saw the last foo fighters concert and its also were i saw my first hockey game. it will be missed dearly.

By wendy beebe @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 2:34 AM

after winning a trip to lodon, from pierre, we headed to an areosmith concert, arriving at the gate, i told the attendent, i was late for an interview w/pierre, he directed me to park, 3 spots from the entrance in, how cool was that! it was a lie, once in we went to the bar, and was telling the gentleman who bought us drinks, the story, he laughed, told us to turn around, there was pierre robert, laughing! sometime shortly after that, my husband and i managed to get to the same bar, for the 30th, it was a closed bar, but somehow we got in and drank for free. mmr, and p- u so rock, thanks for comming to our town

By bill croak @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 12:54 PM

march 19, 1995 the first unbroken chain enough said

By Jillv92 @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:37 PM

there are way too many memories in the spectrum, but one of my top ones is when i attended the flyers wives carnival in 1989 when i was in 8th grade and i waited forever in line for a picture with Rick Tocchet (my all time favorite flyer!) and after our picture i kissed him on the cheek and he thanked me. :-)

By Dan-o @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 3:47 PM

The best thing about the spectrum was that my first concert was there--Ted Nuget weekend warriors tour--now I take my kids to Monster trucks and have memmories to last 2 gnerations---thanks for thr high

By Paul @ Tuesday, July 22, 2008 8:48 PM

One of my most memorbale moments seeing a concert at the Spectrum was the GNR/ Areosmith show.. The preshow tailgate party we were just hanging out have a few cold ones with just a bunch of guys in the parking lot and next thing we know it, AXl Rose himslef was standing there having a cold one with us till one of Philly's boys in blue started giving AXL some grief and words were exchanged and next thing you know AXL is being hauled away, and then the maddness started. Fans were going nuts heading towards the wagon banging on the wagon and more PHilly cops were rushing towards the fans. The concertt started late & got AXL so fired up he rocked like I have never seen him rock before .

By Gern Blanstein @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:11 AM

honestly, it doesn't bother me that the building is being brought down - life goes on and history remains - the building being gone doesn't take away any of the memories or accomplishments that took place there... as for my favorite memory - it's really all of the great times i had there with my dad - concerts, hockey games, sitting on the floor at a sixers game. My dad is gone now and i miss him very much, but my memories remian and i love them more than ever. When the building is gone, my memories will remain and maybe even take on a greater meaning as they have with my dad.

By DiverJohn @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:35 AM

I remember the first time I saw a Hat Trick was at the spectrum. I saw many Flyers games there when I was a kid, Now that I am older I have worked at many of the other events in this arena. It is sad and it will be missed.

By jared @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 9:54 AM

my fav memory of the spectrum is during the 96-97 Phantoms season there was a bench clearing brawl against the Bears and Frank 'the animal' Bialowis(sp) cleaned house. Man i love hockey fights, i miss them!

By JoAnn McCArthy @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 10:59 AM

Grateful Dead...front row...1st concert after Jerry came out of the coma...he walked out alone, in the dark, with a single spotlight and started singing Tennesee, acapella, as the band trickled out and joined in. AWESOME.

By Raina @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 5:46 PM

I have seen so many great bands at the Spectrum like my favorite, Pearl Jam. But, my favorite memory of the Spectrum is when I was working there and Phish was in town. Not being a big fan I had no idea what I was in for. The aroma alone was enough to get high! I love it ! and the band was good, too.

Byby kenneth @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 5:47 PM

my favorite memory of the spcetrum is when a.i crossed over jorden in his rookie year i was at that game 12 years ago

By Nygil Hoch @ Wednesday, July 23, 2008 8:40 PM

HEAVEN & HELL 2007

By Misdirected Hostilities @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 10:06 AM

Wow... still in disbelief.... All of the greats have played there, I've seen Guns N Roses, Grateful Dead (many times), Rush, tons of sports events, Billy Joel, you name it. Truly a piece of history will again be reduced to rubble, along with JFK Stadium and the Vet. But the worst part is it is for a shopping center.... at least if it were another venue the traditions could continue....

By Michael Geyer @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 2:34 PM

Im sorry to see the Spetrum go after working Event Medical Staff there for many years seeing the GreatfulDead many times & the great people of Phila. The support staff that was working security & the venders also. I had meet a lot of different groups of people Like Metallica, Ozzy, & Many more. It will shurly be missed. I had a lot of great times & time will be lost with out it.

By Michelle @ Thursday, July 24, 2008 8:25 PM

So many memories of the Spectrum. I attended many Flyers, Phantoms and Sixers games there over the years. My favorite memory is seeing the Phantoms win the Calder Cup. The atmosphere was electric! I will be sad to see it torn down. I wish there was a way to save it!

By Denise @ Friday, July 25, 2008 8:25 AM

I really wish they wouldn't take down another part of history. Traffic is bad enough in that area it is only gonna get worse cause now you will have 6 different teams playing in one house. Now that is crowded. But there is nothing we can do so SO LONG SPECTRUM YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. SO MANY MEMORIES

By anthony @ Friday, July 25, 2008 9:51 AM

Iam from arizona, in 1982 while working in wildwood over the summer, we went to the spectrum to see Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Didnt have enough money to go in so was oustside partying. Damn ,I missed my chance!! So I have never been Inside the Spectrum!!

By Michele @ Friday, July 25, 2008 4:16 PM

Lets see aside from my very first Rolling Stones show in july 1972 and all those weekends of dan concerts 3 bands on the bill 4.50 give or take a few dollars over the years . from 1970-73 the Flyers , the Sixers the're all great memories, one inparticular .. aside from the best concerts was sitting sect S row 3 in the Flyers game to find out as I was going to my seat for my very first Flyers game that Row 1 & 2 were the Flyers Penalty Box awesome the conerts were the Best .. there all great memories adn i think the souond there is far better anyway That Place will live forever in my heart and mind it was the best.. and you could bring a camera in too!!!!

By Rob Udell @ Friday, July 25, 2008 4:18 PM

The times I had w/ good buddy Ben down in S.Philly before a classic dead show will never be forgotten. There was nuthin' better then hangin' out in our van b4 the show playing a classic game of Figging and eaten a steak from Lukes. The time I feared the pickle is from the Dead/Dylan show and Ben convinced me pickles are better when you eat them out of his hip holster, instead of with a sandwich.....he was sooooo right. I will truly miss the Spectrum!

By Michele @ Friday, July 25, 2008 4:27 PM

I saw every one there .. from the 1970's my first Rolling Stones show in 1972 was there ..I have Pictures which are no more.. the flyyers. the Sixers. and every weekend 3 bands $4.50 it was Phemon.. it was the best.. and one of my best memories weremy very first Flyers game I had sect S row 3, myface light up like a Christmas Tree when we got to our seats to learn Row 3 was the Flyers Penalty box the Broad Street Bullies. the sound ther is far better I think . as i have seen concerts there too.. this is one Venue i wish they would use more.. then tear down it ROCKSs still... HAve we even won antything since we moved out of there?? The Spectrum ws the place to be on any given weeknd in the early 1970's... and will remeina foreer in my heart as I grew up musically tehre .. and OUR Beloved FLyers and SIxers won..

By Martagnan @ Friday, July 25, 2008 8:34 PM

February 14, 1988 ... Electric Factory Concert's 20th Anniversary ... Got the tics for free at a 'MMR ticket Raid. Dave Mason ... America? Bread? etc. Had a head full of acid so things aren't too clear but I DO remember Iron Butterfly and hearing them play In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida LIVE ... LIVE man ... and not the radio 3:05 version but the whole mind-blowing hypnotic +30 minutes of it. If I concentrate really REALLY hard and listen closely I can still hear the drum solo going on ... Thanks WMMR!

By Jon Cohen @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 11:11 AM

The Spectram brings back some great memories for me. None would be greater than my first Peaches and Herbs show. When they were serenating the crowd with "Reunited" I was in the bathroom. Later that night I met the man I would fall in love with, Chris Johnson. That song has become "our song", and each time we hear it a little tear wells up inside our eyes. When the Spectruim is blowed up, it will be like a little bit of my soul is bloweding up with it. Love you CJ

By Mikey B. @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:07 PM

The Spectrum is a place that I will forever remember fondly.

It was the first place I ever watched a game. Amid golden showers, hot lunches, expensive beer, rough embraces, and good friends, I found a happy place to where I could retreat from the everyday grind.

The Spectrum was my home away from home and it shall be missed.

By don @ Saturday, July 26, 2008 12:14 PM

going to the spectrum seemed to be a big part of our teen years. seen many,many shows there. sabbath & van halen in 78, ac/dc & ted nugent in 79...and everyone in between since then....last one was ozzy & rob zombie this year with my 20 year old son.....25 years ago, i would never have believed id be sitting at a ozzy concert with my kid!!....wow.....im gonna miss this place!!!!!!...cheers to you!!!

By Jon E @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 2:59 PM

my favorite moment was in 97 i was 8 and i saw my first wwf/wwe show when stone cold freakin opened a can of whoop as on vince mcmahon

By Sheila @ Sunday, July 27, 2008 9:33 PM

My dad took me to the circus for many years and I had to sit on the end seat in hopes I'd be one of the kids picked to be in the circus. Well, one year I was picked to be the "queen"!!! Seeing the Cure. David Bowie in '92 with my mom just after graduating from college and scalping tickets with her! That show rocked! And countless Villanova basketball games from the upper levels. My last time there was in 2006 when I took my kids to see Sesame Place Live and realizing that the place is really old. It's sad to see it go, but we must remember that it is only a building and our memories will live on. Sure, I miss the Vet, but I've moved on and come to love the Ballpark.

By Katie G @ Monday, July 28, 2008 1:02 AM

I, too, am extremely upset that the Spectrum is being replaced by a strip mall, of all things! Some of my earliest memories are of going to see the Flyers at the Specturm with my parents when I was just a few years old. I saw my first concert there when I was fourteen and I also remember going to see the circus, ice shows, and a few phantoms, wings, and kixx games at various points in my life..I have not been to the Spectrum quite as many times as others who have commented, but the times I have been there have left me with such a distinct feeling that this is the way that a venue should feel that it goes to show how great of a venue it really is. This is not even taking into account its enonormous history and its importance through the fact that it brought hockey to the city. For all of these reasons, I am very disappointed that it is being replaced by something that will allow people to buy things to put on their shelves, not hold in their hearts, and I wish it could have more years ahead of it. At least the great MMR is here to stay!

By Janine @ Monday, July 28, 2008 9:19 AM

My favorite memory is when my best friend and I were chosen to be in the All-City Girls Basketball game and played in the Spectrum back in 96!

By Ron Ramer @ Monday, July 28, 2008 2:34 PM

The Spectrum truly holds some of my finest memories. I remember driving my good old '93 Ford Ranger pickup (with flaresides) going to see Strawberry Shortcake on ice with the Blumpkin twins. Afterwards me and my partner went to the nearest ice cream shop, i think it was "Figgins", and gave each other strawberry shortcakes and reminsiced about what a great spectacle we had just witnessed. Seeing the expression on all the kids faces as they watched the Blumpkin sisters skate around the ice was truly magical. I also enjoyed the circus there too. I liked in the lobby when they had a performer dressed up as a donkey and the kids got to punch him playfully. Donkey Punch is what they called it I think. I will shed many tears over that building coming down.

By Eric Rundstrom @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 8:41 AM

I have a couple memories, first playing in a roller hockey tournament when the Philadelphia Bulldogs existed, another would be being at all those phantoms games with my friends getting the family pack and unfortunately having them actually put us in the family section, lastly I saw Gretzky play on the king from my seats in the rafters. I'm going to miss this building.

By Kim @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:27 AM

I saw my first real concert there. Jefferson Starship in 1975 when they released Dragonfly. I was only 15 and blown away. I will miss it because there was not a bad seat in the house.

By Ann-Marie McWilliams @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 11:19 AM

AUGUST 5, 1979 AC/DC, SCORPIONS, & NUGENT!!! Yes, I saw Bon Scott at this concert. It was general admission and a hot humid day. We sat and baked in the sun waiting for the doors to open, then bolted to the floor. Scorpions opened, and by the time Bon hit the stage, we were crushed up against the barricades in front of it, with only one arm free. Angus was all over the place - it was amazing. We rocked though Nugent, and it is a wonder that no one died from heat exhaustion. On our way back home we stopped at every HoJo's along the way to get 32 oz Iced Teas we were so dehydrated. Back then, gals carried macrame handbags, and everything in mine (including my cigs) was completely soaked through with sweat (yuck). Ah, but it sure was good............
Rock In Peace Bon!

By John @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 11:54 AM

My first concert was Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Bank on the Born in the USA tour. no opening act, just pure BRUCE for over 3 hours and many encores!!!! I was never the same since! Bruce is by far my #1 all time concert and I would love to see him there one more time!!!!!!!!

By Denise @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 6:39 PM

EFFING A SAD!! Whata huge loss to Philadelphia`s music and sports memories! I saw the Flyers many times back in the 70`s . Too many concerts to even list. I heard Bon Jovi put a bid on for the final concert at our beloved Spectrum.....I`ll be there!! :::::::remembering with love::::::::::::
Denise

ByJason @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 7:10 AM

My buddies and I saw Phish at the spectrum many many times. One year we actually had tickets where the seats did not exist! Not a single usher could tell us where they were. Oh magical mystical mysterious Spectrum, where O where are our seats?!?!

By Bill Mumford @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 1:34 PM

The best time I ever had at the Spectrum was the night of the George Thorogood concert and they showed on the jumbotron that Villanova won the NCAA basketball championship.

By Yoda @ Wednesday, July 30, 2008 10:56 PM

We always fondly refered to the Spectrum as "the Rectum". All of the memories have become a blur of fun and party and -who am I gonna run into and party with tonight?- It is a crime that it all is going to come to an end !

By Jason @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 7:11 AM

Man, the Spectrum is going. It's always sad to see a staple of a city that also holds so many memories for so many people come to the end of it's life. I saw my first Flyer's game there when i was a small child. The 76ers, 7th row seats. I saw the Black Sabbath Reunion tour there with Pantera and Sabbath. Great show. And I took my wife to her first real concert there just this past May (The Cure). 13th row seats on the floor. I think she had one of the best times of her life there. I'm gonna miss this place. But with The Wachovia Center for the sixers and flyers and the Link for the Iggles (that's right, The Iggles) and CBP for the Fightin Phils I think we're more than satisfied with our venues. Maybe the Shopping Plaza will be worth it. It' will still bring money into the city and wii be something new to do and be easier to get to (for us in Delaware and Jersey at least) than fighting the traffic in Center City. So long old friend. We'll surely miss you.

By Sean Williams @ Monday, August 04, 2008 2:39 PM

My fondest memory of the Spectrum has to be the last Foo Fighters concert there. Back in February, dave grohl and the rest gave a great send off to the building and rocked out for damn near 3 hours. it was a helluva show and a great way to remember the spectrum. now i can say i saw the last foo fighters show there and that it was awesome

By Melanie @ Saturday, August 16, 2008 3:09 PM

I didn't live in Philly had to drive three hours to get there, First show at the Spectrum was Rush. I was so close to the stage I could see the sweat on Neal Pearts forehead. I was deaf for three days after that. We had a terrible snowstorm that night and have to drive back up to Willliamsport. But it was worth it.
In all I've seen quite a few shows at the Spectrum. Including Metallica, Ozzy, Bon Jovi, and my favorite the Grateful Dead. Saw them there several times. The last time was their 30th anniversery show, which was one of the best shows I've ever ever. Our friends daughter came with us even though she didn't have a ticket. She bought one from a scalper and couldn't get in. She thought we were going to blow off the show to hang out with her. Instead we smiled and said see ya. She had a softer security guard that the other guy cause she told them she got ripped off and her Mom was inside waiting for her. They let her in believe it or not.

I'm sadden to hear that yet another of Phillys great venues has come to it's end. At least all of us have our memories and that's something no one can take away from us.

By STEVE @ Tuesday, August 19, 2008 4:08 PM

UNREAL? I DONT GET IT? GREAT CONCERTS ,METALLICA IN 89 ,CLASH OF THE TITANS, MEGADETH,SLAYER,ANTHRAX, . SO MANY GREAT ONES.DAMN.

By John Pryor @ Thursday, October 02, 2008 2:20 PM

This is really a kick in the ass to loyal Philadelphians who honestly " Grew Up " in the Spectrum. She was an escape for myself and many of my friends in the old neighborhood.
My first show at the Spectrum was Chicago Transit Authority in 71'. Over the years I have been to so many concerts and have great memories. The Who, Allman Bros. in 73', Foghat first show with West, Bruce and laing.. Foghat got 3 encores that night..I have never seen that happen since. James Gang was supposed to be there but got snowed in NYC.. Rush opening for Robin Trower and Montrose. The Stones, Aerosmith, Pink Floyd with the incredible Roger waters, Eric Clapton, Ten Years After, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath in 74' Uriah Heep, Nazareth, on and on and on. I spent most of my time at our beloved Spectrum in the 70's and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. It's a Damn shame that Ed Snider sees dollar signs rather than keeping a true part of Philly History intact.. Shame on that Asshole!!!

By anthony bateman @ Monday, October 06, 2008 11:18 AM

hey this has nothing to do with music or rock concerts but this has to be my greatest moment when i was growing up i played cyo basketball game at the spectrum when i was in like i think 7th grade it was great just all the concerts,classic basketball and hockey games,that were on that same floor that i made my presence just think about it i was on the same floor has DR JAY and all the other great philly sports players theres only one spectrum
GOD BLESS THE SPECTRUM IN ITS NEXT LIFETIME

WERE GONNA MISS YOU PE@CE

By Valerie Roeder @ Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:22 PM

Watching the Spectrum go down will be even harder to stomach than watching the Vet go down. The Vet and the Spectrum were like Philly's right and left arms, alternating between the two with every sports season. But I think it will be harder to see the Spectrum go down for all of us. I would never be able to physically push the plunger. I don't blame Ed Snider for not wanting to be there; he probably doesn't agree with Comcast Spectacor. ESPECIALLY putting up a ritzy shopping venue that no regular person will ever be able to afford to shop in after spending gobs of money on tickets and parking. A parking lot would be better. In fact, to make the most sense AND the most money, why not just build a whole new Spectrum? I don't understand why an upscale shopping mall has to go there - don't they have enough of those uptown? Why can't it just be THE SPORTS COMPLEX!!! It would make the most sense to put up a whole new Spectrum.
I just saw my first game there - the last Flyers game (vs the Phantoms). I specifically bought 4th level tickets where the roof blew off 40 years ago. And EVERYONE is right - it's a much better building to watch hockey in.
I will miss the Spectrum. It was a part of my hockey life growing up (adoring Ron Hextall in goal in the late 80s and wanting to be a NHL goaltender just like him) and I don't want to see it go. When the Vet went down, the wind was blowing in a most ironic direction...The dust of the Vet covered the new ballpark and the Link, as if to say, "I will not go quietly." But it deferred to its brother, the Spectrum, and kept it nice and clean. Yeah. I'm crazy.

By Valerie Roeder RN @ Wednesday, October 08, 2008 4:26 PM

Remember this?

"THIS SUNDAY AT THE PHILADELPHIA SPECTRUM.....SEE BIGFOOT, GRAVEDIGGER, AND ALL THE OTHER MONSTER TRUCKS IN A FOUR HOUR EVENT THAT WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!

AND REMEMBER KIDS TICKETS ARE JUST FIVE BUCKS!!

SUNDAY!SUNDAY!SUNDAY! AT THE PHILADELPHIA SPECTRUM!SPECTRUM! BE THERE! BE THERE! BE THERE!"

By Greenniblets @ Thursday, October 30, 2008 11:06 AM

The BEST memory I have of the Spectrum is the very first Flyers' game I went to. I went with my uncle, he won tickets at work. I was about 12 or 13. They played the Pittsburg Penguins. We had 3rd row seats!!! It was great to see them SO close!!!! The Broad Street Bullies won that game 10 to 0! Also my neighbor was there a few rows behind us and caught a puck!!!!

By Katy @ Sunday, November 02, 2008 1:06 AM

Hey! How about Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers rockin' the Spectrum!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rNaw7ESU9M

By thomas cherry @ Friday, November 07, 2008 4:43 AM

the airconditioned spectrum was and will be americas showplace.best accoustic venue in the world

ByMichael Hyatt @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 11:17 AM

When Tool comes to town, they play at the Spectrum. What now??

By mary jane powell @ Sunday, November 16, 2008 8:53 AM

The Spectrum has been a major part of my life and it will be sad when it comes down but I will say the memories of the shows, the people I've met and made friends with and just all the history will be many and wonderful.

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