The Concert Room
The legendary Philadelphia Spectrum Arena- America's Showplace!
A podcast session about the Philadelphia Spectrum Concerts! From 1967-2009, the Spectrum held and hosted close to 1500 concerts and shows. The Stones, Springsteen, Billy Joel, Zeppelin and the Dead. We will delve in to the performances, recordings and memories. Featuring perspectives from your host Bob Hill and guests, including national and local photographers, the radio, print and media who covered the shows and performers, Spectrum personnel who worked in promotions and the crews... and of course the fans sharing their experiences. Spotlights of bands and performances on the Spectrum stage featuring recordings and archival information. Hit the House Lights and let's rock!
The Concert Room
The Grateful Dead Live at the Spectrum, dedicated to Bob Weir! Hell in a Bucket and Sugar Magnolia- October 19 and 20, 1989
The Concert Room welcomes back The Grateful Dead for another great homestand in the Fall of 1989. Sad news hit us recently when Bob Weir, a founding member of The Dead and popular legendary musician, passed away on January 10, 2026. This show is dedicated to Bobby as we honor him and his band, and the great performances and shows at the Spectrum! The Dead rolled in to the Spectrum during their Fall East Coast tour on October 18, 1989, for a spectacular three nightstand, with each night having standout performances and jams to satisfy the sold-out Philly deadheads. The Spectrum outside and inside for three days was a fun carnival of music and celebration as the decade of the highflying fun 80’s comes to a close. Our dedication to Bobby features two performances of songs he wrote and sang on. The first set evening opener on October 19 with a spirited and set tone tune, "Hell in a Bucket". We bookend a great tune from the last song of the evening of October 20, after a marathon concert of close to three hours with an energetic and stellar performance of “Sugar Magnolia”. Enjoy and celebrate this truly American band and all the members who gave us such timeless music.
Bob Wier Home Page
October 18, 19, 20 1989 full Spectrum shows
https://youtu.be/16V7TbVwqHc?si=D3KawO9fFFXkP0gs
https://youtu.be/ziibZSQ8m5o?si=QI6kTWfRoVFRetXG
https://youtu.be/o63RcJIACN4?si=XbD9mBC7jwASjQJO