There’s something about the island of Ibiza that draws people in.
It’s a place where you may only expect to visit once in your lifetime, but you end up coming back, over and over again.
This tiny little rock in the Mediterranean is truly something special.
From the mid 30’s, tourists would venture to the up and coming ‘white isle’ to enjoy a relaxing break in the sunshine, along with the warm Spanish hospitality. It was (and still is) a ‘home’ for musicians from around the world, a creative hub basking in glorious sunshine.
As the years went by, Ibiza became more fashionable, it became the place that everyone wanted to be seen.
By the 60’s & 70’s the island was THE place to be in the summer months, a new getaway for free-spirited hippies. A haven that was so accepting of everyone, a retreat for the hedonists, a paradise for those in search of something different and fabulous.
Paving the way for what was very soon to be the ‘party capital of the world’, saw the start of an era that is still celebrated today.
Pikes – Ibiza
The legendary Tony Pike (1934-2019) was a character in his own right. An entrepreneur, a lovable rascal, a philanderer and the legendary hotelier of Pikes Hotel in San Antonio.
Opening in 1978, the quirky and pleasantly notorious lodgings became a playground for the rich and famous, and a permenant home to the ‘Playboy King’ of Ibiza, Tony.
Pikes isn’t just a hotel, it’s an institution. A 25 room playground that has hosted some of the best parties in the world, and was the venue which was used to film Wham‘s Club Tropicana in 1983, with Tony himself appearing in the video.
The hotel is also a shrine to one of its most famous guests, Freddie Mercury, who would often stay for months on end.
Using it as a place to hideaway, to record music and party with all the movers and shakers of its time, Freddie even held his 41st birthday there, a party that we hear was quite a show!
Would you expect anything less?
Pikes has had a number of iconic music industry artists stay within its eclectic dwellings, from Grace Jones, Julio Inglesias, Boy George, Kurt Cobain, Led Zeppelin, Kylie Minogue and many more.
Tony Pike and Freddie Mercury
It’s still open today, three years after Tony sadly passed away from cancer in 2019, hosting some seriously fantastic nights, and more personal DJ sessions in their club room, aptly named Freddies.
His memory still lives on however, because as the iconic sign outside in the carpark states, YOU CAN CHECK IN, BUT YOU CAN NEVER CHECK OUT.
Just a few years after the opening of Pikes, Flower Power at Pacha brought a flourishing vibe to the other side the island, celebrating music and freedom, peace and love. A party that is still held today at the unparalleled night club in Ibiza Town, 40 years later.
Flower Power – Pacha
Fans of 60’s & 70’s music continue flock to the venue to show off their best moves, in brightly coloured clothing, big shoes, big hair and some seriously big pizzazz.
It’s a vibe that blends so unanimously with the history of the island, a party that brings people of all ages together to re-live a time gone by once again.
The late 80’s saw the start of electronic dance music taking over the islands club scene.
Pioneers in the industry Paul Oakenfold, Johnny Walker, Danny Rampling and Nicky Holloway travelled over to the white isle for a holiday, a holiday that would evidently go down in history.
Heading to Amnesia for a night out to watch Balearic Ibiza legend Alfredo Fiorito spin tracks from the (now) ‘Godfather of House’, Frankie Knuckles, at what once was an old farmhouse, now one of the biggest and best clubs on earth.
The guys saw huge potential in the islands identifiable sounds.
Original Detroit house music wasn’t currently being played to crowds in the UK, so they decided to try their luck with it back home.
Two pioneering DJs, ‘The Father of Balearic beats’ Alfredo Fiorito & Danny Rampling
A bold and highly rewarding move, one which shaped the islands club scene as we know it today.
We can’t talk about the history of Ibizas music scene without mentioning the one and only club Space, which sadly closed its doors in 2016, after an impressive 27 years of colossal parties, hosting some of the worlds-biggest artists such as Carl Cox and Fatboy Slim.
Now Hï Ibiza, Space was THE place to party.
Space – Ibiza
If you were here during their (nearly) three decade ‘reign’ and didn’t party here, you truly missed out on a piece of clubbing history.
Over the years, Ibiza has evolved dramatically.
It is now one of the most desired holiday destinations on the planet, with people flocking from all corners of the globe, to spend their hard earned cash in style.
With a variety of party and club nights on offer to eager tourists, you’re never lost for somewhere to go and dance the night away.
From Amnesia to Pacha, DC10 to Eden, and a wealth of trendy beach clubs hosting events such as Melon Bomb during the summer months.
From each corner of the island there is a sound of its own.
Whether it be tranquil, calming beats, or getting knee-deep in bass, the incredible island of Ibiza will forever be known as the party capital, because the music and the people have made it what it is today, a melodic and truly inspiring gateway to heaven.
Written by Alexandra Ellis
