Once one of the largest movie theaters on the East Coast, this venerable space has hosted everyone from David Bowie to U2.

by Contributor

In Short
Before the Keswick and the Scottish Rite started hosting pop, folk (and even the occasional rock) concert, there was Upper Darby's hardy jewel of a venue, The Tower. Built by architect William Friehofer in 1928 for a quarter of a million dollars--nothing to sneeze at in those days--the Tower went up in record time. The theater, strategically located in the heart of Upper Darby's shopping hub, drew 5,000 people to the glittering opening night ceremony. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, the 3500-seat theater, with its two balconies, hosted vaudeville and movies.