They say there’s no place like home and as my home is in Ibiza, this couldn’t be more true. I’ve spent the last ten years soaking up the sun, sand, and spirit of this magical island, and fully participated in all it has to offer. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Like many, I live by the ethos work hard and party hard, have seen it all, done it all and by God it’s about time I tell it all!
And this is what I plan to do... Right here. As the island is slowly, and sleepily, waking from its lifeless winter months, summer’s here, you can feel the change in energy, and something in my gut already sings to me, Ibiza summer of 2011 is going to be a cracker.
Hopeful workers scramble off planes, pile onto the disco bus and are actively, frantically, searching for jobs and accommodation, and competition couldn’t be fiercer. Today I strolled past the Ibiza Rocks Bar (formally Bar M) and witnessed hundreds of pretty, and not so pretty, youths, all lining up to potentially bag one of those all important positions in promotions, bar staff, dancers, security.... I remember being one of them- poor sods - but the rewards, though not in money, are well worth the fight.
I sound old don’t I? I’ll admit I’m somewhat of an Ibiza veteran, thank f*ck we don’t age. I’ve reached my late 20’s and here I plan to stay. For the more established employee, like me, we’re in full work mode, preparing for the inevitable... carnage.
Pacha has already transitioned from being a weekend only winter venue, to opening every night. Es Paradis already just had her opening party on Friday, and the other superclubs are not far behind. First come the club openings, then the club night openings; a crafty marketing arrangement to coax hundreds of tourists in early, and every year, it never ever fails.
Amnesia has upped its game this summer with two killer new nights. Tuesday’s Tonight, brought by London’s Together promoters have headliners Annie Mac and Eric Prydz with DJ sets from the likes of Chase & Status, Erol Alkan, Skream, Fake Blood, Boys Noize... keeping it cool and current. And I Want My MTV on Friday’s from July has undoubtedly jumped on the Ibiza Rocks band wagon but in my humble opinion pipped them to the post in terms of line up. Snoop Dogg, Primal Scream, Duran Duran... Jesus it’s like they’ve brought Glastonbury to San Rafael. Ibiza regulars Mark Ronson and 2 Many DJs will also be playing live, those workaholic Dewelee brothers don’t half get around this island. I’m looking forward to catching them this Friday (27th) at our yearly International Music Summit. The talented twosome are an eccentric and very likeable pair, and complete polar opposites in personality. Whilst one likes to party hard and insists on champagne whenever he plays, the other is tee total, choosing to sip lemonade, or cups of tea, whilst performing to his adoring crowd.
After a successful season last year, Playa Den Bossa’s popular beach bar and restaurant Sands is back open for business. A little dicky bird told me that owner Jason Bull has gone into partnership with none other than one of the islands most popular DJs, Carl Cox. I hear they’re going to keep the vibe really chilled, am sure it’ll still attract all the up market island folk and celebs.
Speaking of celebs, part-time Ibiza resident, Jade Jagger, is back on the island. She’s just thrown a birthday bash for her new man last Saturday at chez casa. As usual it was full of the who’s who of Ibiza, sweetie daarhling!!
And I hear the Manchester club Sankeys are bringing their raves to another Playa D'en Bossa establishment, Kiss. The question is, with all that the neighbouring superclubs have to offer will this venue ever come good? Sounds like Sankey’s kiss of death to me...
Until next week.
Adios Amigos.
Gossip Girl x
