The sound of Ibiza has undoubtedly changed over the years, from it's hippie history to the new kids that grace the island looking for the latest modern take on a party to go to. So, when 6 and a bit years ago a new event called Ibiza Rocks came on to the Ibiza scene promising to bring bands back to the island, some of the more hardcore electronic dance music fans were a little sceptical. Luckily though, throughout that time Ibiza Rocks has grown in to one of the most recognisable and respectable brands on the island, taking up the Ibiza Rocks Hotel, Ibiza Rocks House (Pikes), the original cafe/bar, several shops, a boat party and now another bar/restaurant. Considering the size of Ibiza, that's a huge presence in a relatively short space of time. Testament, we think, to a party with intention and direction.
We featured Ibiza Rocks on Spotlight pretty heavily last year, spending a fair amount of our time slipping between the comparative luxury of the VIP balcony overlooking the crowd and pool area and mixing in with the crazed lunatics that occupy said crowd during the many gigs. Some of the best nights we had were at Ibiza Rocks, and taking a quick glance over the 2012 lineup, we're pretty sure we'll be doing more of the same this year. In fact, we're going to aim to be at all the events.
OK, so highlights? Well, taking the events in chronological order we will of course start with the opening party. Ed Sheeran - man of the moment. A phrase used all too often these days, but through his successes with his debut single 'A Team' through to the Brit Awards, it's a phrase justified. Hopefully he'll be beat-boxing and sampling his way through a few tracks too.
What we are pleased to see is that there is a huge presence of big stadium playing bands this year, with the Kaiser Chiefs and Kasabian playing the Ibiza Rocks stage on separate dates. These gigs
will be relatively small for them, and so quite the achievement to have secured their presence. When you factor in the likes of Bloc Party to all of this we're pretty much all set for great bands
for the summer. But then you see further down the lineup that New Order are playing and you begin to think that that perhaps we have been spoilt just a little bit. Everyone should appreciate what
the members of New Order, formerly Joy Division, have done for the music industry.
On top of all these great bands we have some true sounds of the moment in the form of Maverick Sabre and Labrinth, with Professor Green, Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah, and Example some of whom
are making more than welcome returns after playing hugely successful events at Ibiza Rocks in 2011.
The closing party last year was somewhat different from the previous events in the season, slightly more laid back, possibly to reflect the more laid back September weeks as the season comes to a close, and this years will be no different. Two Door Cinema Club is a band you can equally sit back and appreciate, or find yourself bouncing around with a big grin on your face... a great way to finish off what we think will be their biggest season yet. And there's more to be announced yet! Crikey.
Credit is due of course to Zane Lowe, Creative Director, and performing artist again this year, who has clearly stamped his tastes on the sound for this years events. You can expect to see more of him at Ibiza Rocks new Friday night party 'We Are Rockstars'; a 'new electronic fuelled, DJ led night that will see an incredible mix of the most influential and exciting names in electronic music take over the famous outdoor Rocks' stages.'
Ibiza Rocks
June 6th - September 19th
Wednesday Nights
We Are Rockstars
June 8th - September 21st
ibiza-spotlight.com/hotel/hotel/guia-hoteles/san-antonio/hotel-pikes-ibiza
