Ibiza is the clubber's holiday heaven, a heady mix of sun, sex, drugs and dance music in the shadow of the world's biggest DJ names. For all you Ibiza virgins, here's the essential guide to Balearic fun. Words: Jim Byers
14 THELIST lI--24 Jul 1997
IBIZA HAS PLAYED a tnomentous role in the development of Britain’s dance music. The little Balearic island with the large reputation for hedonism was one of the main ingredients in the scene which later became known as acid house.
Before then. in the 603 and 70s. Ibiza acted as a retreat for hippies and draft-dodging Americans attracted by the island’s Iaidback
Ibiza acts as a kind of spiritual magnet for clubbers from all over the globe. If dance music is their religion, then Ibiza is their Mecca.
and open—minded way of life. lbiza’s first nightclub opened its doors in l964 and. by the 80s. the island‘s reputation had spread as liar as the international jet-set who arrived in luxury yachts and indulged in the nightlife.
The hippies continued to arrive. as did a sizeable gay community and ordinary package holiday-makers from all over the world. By the time the Brits (and in particular a handful of DJs led by Paul Oakenl‘old. Danny Rampling and others) reached Ibiza in the iate 80s. the cosmospolitan cultural and musical mix was firmly in place.
Combine this with the beauty of the island. the good weather and a recently discovered drug called Ecstasy. and you have the inspiration for the acid house phenomenon which swept Britain soon alter.
And so it is that each summer. Ibiza acts as a kind of spiritual magnet for clubbers from all over the globe — and from this country in particular. ll~ dance music is their religion, then Ibiza is their Mecca. Ilouse music may have been created in New York and Chicago. but it was Ibiza that ignited the mix and united the disparate elements. creating a world—wide phenomenon.
Anyone going this year for the first time should head for a number of legendary Ibiza highlights — club venues such as Amnesia. Es Paradis. Pacha. I’riviledge (for- merly Ku) and Space. These places will be invaded by a host ol‘ British clubs including Cream. {VlanumissiorL (iarage City. Miss Moneypennies. Renaissance and Colours.
Oh. and there‘s some nice beaches and it‘s hot as well. but who the hell cares about that?
Hot stuff: Ibiza here we come
ASH'L E WALKE