‘Electrified’ Highlights Philadelphia’s Place in Rock History
The exhibition at Drexel University explores the impact that Electric Factory Concerts had on American culture, from the 1960s through 2010s
Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory is on display now at Drexel University on Market Street.
Radio SaraPhiladelphia is a city rich with history: not only United States history, but its musical history. When you think of the rock n' roll legacy in this town, Electric Factory Concerts is a huge part of that story.
I am so glad that Drexel University is presenting Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory. It was five decades ago when a young Larry Magid, along with brothers Allen, Herb and Jerry Spivak, as well as Shelly Kaplan, came up with the idea to open a club that would showcase up and coming rock acts. Little did they know, their idea would grow well beyond those walls.
The project was born the same year as WMMR: 1968. The original Electric Factory was located at 22nd and Arch Streets in Philly. It was an old tire warehouse, and they were always getting cited for sound violations. If you were lucky enough to go there, you'd see everyone from the Grateful Dead to Jimi Hendrix to The Who, and so many more.
When that venue closed, they continued to put on shows as Electric Factory Concerts. This included the production of Live Aid in 1985. In rock n' roll's formative years, every town in America had their own individual promoter for concerts. Where I come from in San Francisco, it was Bill Graham. When you came to Philly, it was Larry Magid and EFC. For Live Aid, Bill and Larry teamed up to put on one of the most memorable days ever in Philadelphia music history. JFK Stadium was the only site in the United States for the show, sharing the coverage with Wembley Stadium in England.
The team later reopened the Electric Factory venue in 1995 in a different location, at 7th and Arch Streets. Everyone from David Bowie to the Foo Fighters have played in that building. Today it's known as the Franklin Music Hall.
It's one thing listen to music and play it on the radio, but it's equally important to me to go out and see and hear it. That's where the three-dimensional nature of the songs really shine. This Electrified exhibit covers EFC's impact on the Philly rock scene and on concert promotion across the country. You'll see original art, instruments, sound systems and apparel, some of which is on loan from Larry Magid's personal collection. All of it is displayed beautifully to illustrate this important part of rock history and this city's role in it.
The exhibition is a must-see for music fans in our area. Here's to 50 years of Electric Factory Concerts, and thank you for bringing all those shows to Philadelphia!
Cheers, Pierre Robert
'Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory' is free and open to the public through December 31st, 2023. Find it at the Paul Peck Alumni Center Gallery and Bossone Research Enterprise Center on Market Street on Drexel University's campus. Operating hours are Wednesday through Friday 1-7pm and Saturday 12-5pm. More info here.
More from the Pierre Robert Show
Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory
Radio SaraElectrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory is on display now at Drexel University on Market Street.
1967 Cadillac Coupe Deville
Radio SaraA Cadillac on Drexel's campus is decorated by design students to emulate a similar one that sat outside of the original Electric Factory. On display at Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory.
Pierre Robert with Bob Dylan's Guitar
Radio SaraPierre Robert of WMMR poses with a guitar signed by Bob Dylan. It was a gift to EFC promoter Larry Magid.
The 'Born to Run' Guitar
Radio SaraThis guitar, a Fender-Esquire Telecaster (1953-54), is featured on the cover of Bruce Springsteen's 'Born to Run' album. On display at Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory.
The original Factory
Radio SaraThe original Electric Factory was located at 22nd and Arch Streets in Philadelphia. It hosted concerts by Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix and the Who, among others.
The 'Elvis Board'
Radio SaraPierre Robert poses with a console used on tour with Elvis Presley. It was created in 1971 and is on loan from Claire Global for this exhibit.
Vintage Bijou Cafe Shirt
Radio SaraThis shirt boasts the original Bijou Cafe logo. It was printed circa 1972 and is currently on loan from Special Collections and Research Center at Temple University.
Larry Magid Attends 'Electrified'
Radio SaraLarry Magid, co-founder of Electric Factory Concerts, was on hand to remark on the exhibit on Electrified's opening night. He thanked everyone involved, and added: "It's nice to look at the past, but it's better to look ahead."
REM Guitar
Radio SaraThis Gibson Les Paul was painted by Howard Finster in Georgia. It shows Paradise Garden, which later was the setting for R.E.M.'s music video for "Radio Free Europe".
Immersive Exhibit at Electrified
Radio SaraAttendees are invited to share their concert memories on one of the walls of the EFC exhibit.
Concert Poster
Radio SaraA vintage concert poster for a show in 2000 at the E-Centre, presented by Electric Factory Concerts. The Go-Gos and the B-52s were on the bill.
Memorabilia at Electrified
Radio SaraThese drum heads and this roladex are on loan from Larry Magid's personal collection. The signatures belong to Stevie Nicks and Ringo Starr.
The Psychology of Music
Radio SaraThe Electrified exhibit not only boasts very cool rock n' roll artifacts, but also explores the psychology of music and how it connects us. On display at Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory.
God Bless the Grateful Dead!
Radio SaraA photo of Jerry Garcia performing at the Spectrum. On display at Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory.
Bob Marley
Radio SaraA photo of Bob Marley performing at the Bijou Cafe, on loan from Temple University. On display at Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory.
Elton John
Radio SaraA photo of Elton John performing at the Spectrum, taken by Zohrab Kazanjian. On display at Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory.
Happy Birthday Larry Magid!
Radio SaraThis week marked Larry Magid's birthday, so we celebrated at the exhibition. Part of Electrified: 50 Years of Electric Factory Concerts.
