plugs in Ibiza Will the recent twangs of rock ’n’ roll on Spain’s raving island spell the death of the dance scene? s by jo gifford Word photos: © getty images photos: photo: © everynight images photo:

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With rock roots already on the shores and a resurgence of indie popularity humming away in the zeitgeist, 2005 saw the birth of Ibiza Rocks, the brainchild of Andy McKay, the man behind island institution Manumission. Maxïmo Park, Hard Fi, The Futureheads, Kaiser Chiefs, Audio Bullys and relative unknowns the Kooks took to the stage despite early criticism. Andy feeling to be entering our third year and remembers, “When we launched, many a proud moment to be launching with people laughed at the idea of bringing such a strong line up,” says McKay. live bands to Ibiza and it was very And what a line up indeed. Having hard to book them.” Now, in its third opened with Scottish rock favourites year of incremental success, bands The View on 19th June, other confirmed previously featured as unknowns return acts for later in the summer include as platinum-selling artists, and Ibiza CSS, Arctic Monkeys, The Fratellis, LCD Rocks, now recognised as a festival in its Soundsystem, The Enemy and a return own right, has the backing of partners to the stage for Mika and Kasabian. Ibiza Channel 4, Radio 1, Xfm, Sony Ericsson, Rocks also includes this year, for the Myspace and Freedm2. “It’s an amazing first time, London’s Camden LockT avern

Manumission’s message is don’t stay away, bring your recent emo fringe to play. transformation Rock is certainly no stranger to the of Ibiza into a Balearics. Close neighbour Formentera is a new mecca for head- a celebrity haven for the likes of Philippe nodding beer swillers Starck, Simon Le Bon, Elle Macpherson, influx of marks a grand gesture uber cool groupie Kate Moss and rock away from the ‘house’ chick-by-birth Jade Jagger. A hippy heritage on the Balearic’s tidal wave in the 60s brought to shore raw rock White Isle of excess. musical innovators Pink Floyd and the Don’t ditch the lycra just yet though, infamous Mr Bob Dylan, who took up talent the clubbers haven’t left the room. a bizarre residence ensconsed in a Indeed, the summer season in Ibiza windmill on the island. In later years, as still throbs with DJ’s and throngs of Ibiza continued to build on a reputation indicates a die-hard dancers at the hub of the as a choice for clubbers it played host to house scene. However, a new influx of the legendary Freddie Mercury at the Ku shift in the raw rock talent indicates a shift in the Club in 1987. His famous footsteps were party vibe opening up the stages for a then followed by songwriter/perfomer party vibe new generation. If glow sticks and furry Mika, in 2006, as he made his live debut boots make your skin crawl and chill- at Manumission, just one of the acts

out tunes get you agitated, then the returning to the stage this summer. © getty / images photos: reuters

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venue featuring sets from superstar radio DJs Zane Lowe, Simian Mobile Disco, Rob Da Bank and Noel Fieldings (from acclaimed The Mighty Boosh by bringing a new alternative comedy duo) as well as Team Disgusting collective. With stunning element to ibiza. rock has beach-side settings and glorious weather, this all seems a bit far removed from darkened tar-laden taverns, yet opened the floodgates for McKay muses that: “Perhaps, in time, people might consider the west end of innovation and variety San Antonio as akin to Camden.” Perhaps surprisingly, the two music scenes seem to complement each other. Although the image of Doherty- like to get your groove on or just listen have a place in the future of the White esque beings co-habiting an island with to live music. A bit of mix and match Isle, and theatre, cinema and the arts ravers might seem bizarre, the addition in the options is a true reflection of might come forward as new contenders.

of rock to Ibiza underlines the factor the diversity occurring regularly in our One thing is for sure, the future is s which ultimately both groups have in culture, and as much is reflected in the exciting for Ibiza. After all, after sex and common—a love of music. As explained music scene. drugs comes rock ’n’ roll. by one island regular: “The mentality It also offers an injection of new life to www.ibizarocks.com of gig-goers and clubbers is essentially an island holding reign over the dance the same—to listen to music and have a scene for several years. By bringing a good time”. new element to Ibiza, rock has opened People who have long ago hung up up the floodgates for innovation and their dancing shoes and would prefer a variety. Promoters will have noted few beers with a band might now relish the success of a new concept and as the idea of flying to an island that offers the rock scene has been successfully gigs as well as sun, sand and surf. It also adopted, who knows what we will see in offers an element of choice—you may the future. Perhaps soul, jazz and fusion photos: © / everynight images i b z a photos: ro ck

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