I want to share my experience and welcome your thoughts on what could I have done differently for better experience
Got introduced to house music scene in 2008 at Sankeys Manchester. Loved the music, atmosphere soo much that use to rave so regularly that all of the bouncers knew me.
Wanted to visit Ibiza since 2010 but never got the chance, mainly because I stopped raves and night outs completely to sort out my life, I was heading for a downfall in terms of health and life. (Mdma/coke, drinks and excessive smoking). The only way I could give it all up, if I left the scene completely.
So 6 years of cigarettes,alcohol, drugs and rave free life, just living with beautiful memories of raves and listening to mixes during driving and workout.
Totally sudden and unplanned trip
I was in Madrid for some work related meetings, on my way back to hotel, a thought clicked in my mind,
"you always wanted to go to ibiza, this is the chance, been living clean for a long time, It will be great to bring back old memories of raving and maybe 6 years of break is enough to get the magic back for one last time"
Arrived back at the hotel, checked the party calender, parties were still available, straightaway booked the flight and hotel for the same day cause didn't want to miss "Rampa" at 2nd last party of THE FAMOUS DC-10 circoloco (2nd Oct).
I am spotlight forum reader from 2016 and pretty much read how-to-ibiza nearly before every season. (Even though had no plans to go)
DC-10, Circoloco (2nd last party)
Checked-in at hotel around 11ish-pm got ready, bought cigarettes (after 6 years) and straight to DC-10.
Was extremely excited on the way that "I am going to DC-10 for the first time, every one says: it's the best club in the world."
During entry I purchased the band for backstage entry. "€150"
It was busy, packed, sardine fest everywhere, hard to move even in the garden.
Terrace/main room: over crowding, cannot even move, leave dancing to angels, Crapiest sound system I have ever heard. It was just boom boom (bass), straight away I just asked myself, "what's special in this place ? The main thing (sound system) is garbage."
Rampa played a good set. At the backstage area saw a DJ around 5am who played earlier on during the night, sniffing from bullet(obvisouly-snuff tobacco) and trying hard to pull some chick (I was like wish you concentrated hard on your set- "insert famous name").
Final thoughts on DC-10: No table service (great), overcrowded, €20-25 for a drink + tips, crap/garbage/ugly/cheap sound system, can't understand the hype of this place, there was nothing special.
4/10 (if it was less crowded with good sound system, would give 8/10)
Next day, in the afternoon walked around, exploring playa den bossa, beach and town. The town is pretty nice, people are beautiful in ibiza (appearance) and Brits loud as usual.(it's in the blood)
The Looky Looky men gets alot of trolling on the forum but I found them polite and alright. Just a "thanks/no" was fine for them.
Underground Ibiza
The only positive thing from DC-10 was that, found about underground Ibiza (Tini and the gang). At the backstage someone recommended me to checkout this club, cause of it's proper underground vibe, nights are not promoted and no VIP crap.
Choose underground over Pacha, it was great night, amazing sets from everyone, good sound system, friendly crowd and staff.
There should be a bouncer on the floor though just for crowd screening from distance, it seemed there was a group of 5-7 young lads, not really there for the music, something was sketchy about them, even their moustaches and "swag" (pick pockets? Maybe)
Enjoyed the night overall, but still didn't satisfy my need for what I was looking. 7.4/10
Was searching for an after-party after the night but wasn't able to find anything. Upon returning back to the hotel, all of a sudden severe anxiety kicked in, cause of "€150/g" garbage I used, literally it was garbage.
Had big heavy breakfast after few hours and slept.
Next day did some exploring in the afternoon, wasn't feeling that great, had some medication from Pharmacy and just took a break that night so I could enjoy "Afterlife closing party the next day".
Afterlife closing Party
Pretty excited for maceo plex and tale of us, but upon entry same issue " Over Crowding" even it was hard to move in smoking area. Only 4 cubicle toilets for the whole club. Seriously?
Wish I was with friends, atleast would have got table "just to get separate toilets"
Story of the toilet: while in the queue, the guy in the front says to me, "you were here 15 mins ago, I was like.... Yeah, I have bladder issues, then after a little while, I asked: so what are you doing here again, he paused and said I have bladder issues too, followed by wink"
No one was dancing in " Hi" , actually it was soo over crowded that no one could dance. Was not able to enjoy at all, I was not there for some music concert, was there to dance and have time of my life which wasn't possible, left the place in 2 hours after paying 55 euros and headed to underground Ibiza again (because of previous positive experience, at least I could dance there).
Rahodoo was playing there, the club was half empy cause of afterlife and guetta closing probably. His set was pretty good but kinda mellow, maybe the spliff he was smoking contributed to it.
Afterlife: 2/10 (severe overcrowding), sound system: nothing special about it and wasn't loud enough. Massive club, no attachment with the DJ.
Underground Rohodoo: 5/10 (maybe if it was busy would have been better)
I prefer small clubs, it gives feeling of connection with the DJ and crowd is generally better.
It was clear to me that "the night" am after isn't available in ibiza. Back in the UK average night of Sankeys, mint, gorilla, whp, fabric is more fun as compared to ibiza's closing parties. (No offence to anyone).
Observations
The crowd in ibiza doesn't dances at all, maybe they are too conscious what other might think of them, or they have fried all of their brain cells from all the partying and can't process the music-dance connection anymore
Interestingly I found out small Dj's plays better set as compared to heavy weights of DC-10 and Hi, even bora bora had better set than "afterlife Hi" (Mainly small Dj's are giving 110% to put their name in the scene, and the big guys just want to fly private, cash-in their brand only).
The island looks mega fun on videos, stories, forum, newspaper, websites, but in reality it isn't. It's just over rated hype.
Actually I spoke with 8 of my friends who have been to ibiza in the past, they all said it's overrated.
It was apparent, the season is cash cow for everyone airlines, hotels, clubs, bars, restaurants, websites, tickets, Dj's flown in charted planes (the person is just a DJ, comeon) and obviously Cartels backdoor involvement in clubs, bars and even shops for cover-up (it was very obvious).
After visiting the island I could understand why the island is promoted so much everywhere. It's about making £££. No one cares about clubbers having good time. "Charges you 55 for entry plus sardine fest, 25 euros for a drink so they can charter the plane for Dj, one small accident/fire will result in huge loss and also the criminal element operating in clubs(pick pockets)" .
Also am not sure what does the island's resident thinks about the whole summer atmosphere, I was surprised to see small kids coming from school (in town), thought there are only parties and holiday villas in ibiza.lol
I didn't feel really safe in ibiza, felt vulnerable. The atmosphere just didn't feel very great (town atmosphere was great though). Even the crowd in clubs, it wasn't regular happy happy house music crowd.
I have felt more safe in raves which had grabbers and skellies cause they use to be there for music and out of no where they would be high fiving and hugging, very friendly.
Every club had criminal element present in ibiza, which made the night less enjoyable. (I could be wrong)
Departure
So after 5 days I cut my trip short because further closing parties gonna be the same over crowded mess, better to leave and Try Berlin in future to satisfy the little raver in me"for that one last special night."
On the way to airport, I was to myself I am not gonna return to ibiza again, this place isn't for me, maybe I am too old for it. Although The surroundings on the way seemed beautiful and I was to myself maybe I have missed something, the island isn't just evissa, playa den bossa and clubs.
As soon as I arrived at the airport lounge, I see this amazingly beautiful view of can't remember (sea or lake with tiny mountains). The view was seriously like some kinda beautiful melody and kept staring at it for good time and while boarding the plane said to myself are you sure you don't want to return to ibiza again for what you have missed.......
I had extensive discussion with a posh restaurant owner in ibiza about the island, people, atmosphere, my observations. He summed it up: Ibiza is like a theater, don't take it seriously, enjoy it and leave on time. Don't get involved too deep it will suck you in.
Got introduced to house music scene in 2008 at Sankeys Manchester. Loved the music, atmosphere soo much that use to rave so regularly that all of the bouncers knew me.
Wanted to visit Ibiza since 2010 but never got the chance, mainly because I stopped raves and night outs completely to sort out my life, I was heading for a downfall in terms of health and life. (Mdma/coke, drinks and excessive smoking). The only way I could give it all up, if I left the scene completely.
So 6 years of cigarettes,alcohol, drugs and rave free life, just living with beautiful memories of raves and listening to mixes during driving and workout.
Totally sudden and unplanned trip
I was in Madrid for some work related meetings, on my way back to hotel, a thought clicked in my mind,
"you always wanted to go to ibiza, this is the chance, been living clean for a long time, It will be great to bring back old memories of raving and maybe 6 years of break is enough to get the magic back for one last time"
Arrived back at the hotel, checked the party calender, parties were still available, straightaway booked the flight and hotel for the same day cause didn't want to miss "Rampa" at 2nd last party of THE FAMOUS DC-10 circoloco (2nd Oct).
I am spotlight forum reader from 2016 and pretty much read how-to-ibiza nearly before every season. (Even though had no plans to go)
DC-10, Circoloco (2nd last party)
Checked-in at hotel around 11ish-pm got ready, bought cigarettes (after 6 years) and straight to DC-10.
Was extremely excited on the way that "I am going to DC-10 for the first time, every one says: it's the best club in the world."
During entry I purchased the band for backstage entry. "€150"
It was busy, packed, sardine fest everywhere, hard to move even in the garden.
Terrace/main room: over crowding, cannot even move, leave dancing to angels, Crapiest sound system I have ever heard. It was just boom boom (bass), straight away I just asked myself, "what's special in this place ? The main thing (sound system) is garbage."
Rampa played a good set. At the backstage area saw a DJ around 5am who played earlier on during the night, sniffing from bullet(obvisouly-snuff tobacco) and trying hard to pull some chick (I was like wish you concentrated hard on your set- "insert famous name").
Final thoughts on DC-10: No table service (great), overcrowded, €20-25 for a drink + tips, crap/garbage/ugly/cheap sound system, can't understand the hype of this place, there was nothing special.
4/10 (if it was less crowded with good sound system, would give 8/10)
Next day, in the afternoon walked around, exploring playa den bossa, beach and town. The town is pretty nice, people are beautiful in ibiza (appearance) and Brits loud as usual.(it's in the blood)
The Looky Looky men gets alot of trolling on the forum but I found them polite and alright. Just a "thanks/no" was fine for them.
Underground Ibiza
The only positive thing from DC-10 was that, found about underground Ibiza (Tini and the gang). At the backstage someone recommended me to checkout this club, cause of it's proper underground vibe, nights are not promoted and no VIP crap.
Choose underground over Pacha, it was great night, amazing sets from everyone, good sound system, friendly crowd and staff.
There should be a bouncer on the floor though just for crowd screening from distance, it seemed there was a group of 5-7 young lads, not really there for the music, something was sketchy about them, even their moustaches and "swag" (pick pockets? Maybe)
Enjoyed the night overall, but still didn't satisfy my need for what I was looking. 7.4/10
Was searching for an after-party after the night but wasn't able to find anything. Upon returning back to the hotel, all of a sudden severe anxiety kicked in, cause of "€150/g" garbage I used, literally it was garbage.
Had big heavy breakfast after few hours and slept.
Next day did some exploring in the afternoon, wasn't feeling that great, had some medication from Pharmacy and just took a break that night so I could enjoy "Afterlife closing party the next day".
Afterlife closing Party
Pretty excited for maceo plex and tale of us, but upon entry same issue " Over Crowding" even it was hard to move in smoking area. Only 4 cubicle toilets for the whole club. Seriously?
Wish I was with friends, atleast would have got table "just to get separate toilets"
Story of the toilet: while in the queue, the guy in the front says to me, "you were here 15 mins ago, I was like.... Yeah, I have bladder issues, then after a little while, I asked: so what are you doing here again, he paused and said I have bladder issues too, followed by wink"
No one was dancing in " Hi" , actually it was soo over crowded that no one could dance. Was not able to enjoy at all, I was not there for some music concert, was there to dance and have time of my life which wasn't possible, left the place in 2 hours after paying 55 euros and headed to underground Ibiza again (because of previous positive experience, at least I could dance there).
Rahodoo was playing there, the club was half empy cause of afterlife and guetta closing probably. His set was pretty good but kinda mellow, maybe the spliff he was smoking contributed to it.
Afterlife: 2/10 (severe overcrowding), sound system: nothing special about it and wasn't loud enough. Massive club, no attachment with the DJ.
Underground Rohodoo: 5/10 (maybe if it was busy would have been better)
I prefer small clubs, it gives feeling of connection with the DJ and crowd is generally better.
It was clear to me that "the night" am after isn't available in ibiza. Back in the UK average night of Sankeys, mint, gorilla, whp, fabric is more fun as compared to ibiza's closing parties. (No offence to anyone).
Observations
The crowd in ibiza doesn't dances at all, maybe they are too conscious what other might think of them, or they have fried all of their brain cells from all the partying and can't process the music-dance connection anymore
Interestingly I found out small Dj's plays better set as compared to heavy weights of DC-10 and Hi, even bora bora had better set than "afterlife Hi" (Mainly small Dj's are giving 110% to put their name in the scene, and the big guys just want to fly private, cash-in their brand only).
The island looks mega fun on videos, stories, forum, newspaper, websites, but in reality it isn't. It's just over rated hype.
Actually I spoke with 8 of my friends who have been to ibiza in the past, they all said it's overrated.
It was apparent, the season is cash cow for everyone airlines, hotels, clubs, bars, restaurants, websites, tickets, Dj's flown in charted planes (the person is just a DJ, comeon) and obviously Cartels backdoor involvement in clubs, bars and even shops for cover-up (it was very obvious).
After visiting the island I could understand why the island is promoted so much everywhere. It's about making £££. No one cares about clubbers having good time. "Charges you 55 for entry plus sardine fest, 25 euros for a drink so they can charter the plane for Dj, one small accident/fire will result in huge loss and also the criminal element operating in clubs(pick pockets)" .
Also am not sure what does the island's resident thinks about the whole summer atmosphere, I was surprised to see small kids coming from school (in town), thought there are only parties and holiday villas in ibiza.lol
I didn't feel really safe in ibiza, felt vulnerable. The atmosphere just didn't feel very great (town atmosphere was great though). Even the crowd in clubs, it wasn't regular happy happy house music crowd.
I have felt more safe in raves which had grabbers and skellies cause they use to be there for music and out of no where they would be high fiving and hugging, very friendly.
Every club had criminal element present in ibiza, which made the night less enjoyable. (I could be wrong)
Departure
So after 5 days I cut my trip short because further closing parties gonna be the same over crowded mess, better to leave and Try Berlin in future to satisfy the little raver in me"for that one last special night."
On the way to airport, I was to myself I am not gonna return to ibiza again, this place isn't for me, maybe I am too old for it. Although The surroundings on the way seemed beautiful and I was to myself maybe I have missed something, the island isn't just evissa, playa den bossa and clubs.
As soon as I arrived at the airport lounge, I see this amazingly beautiful view of can't remember (sea or lake with tiny mountains). The view was seriously like some kinda beautiful melody and kept staring at it for good time and while boarding the plane said to myself are you sure you don't want to return to ibiza again for what you have missed.......
I had extensive discussion with a posh restaurant owner in ibiza about the island, people, atmosphere, my observations. He summed it up: Ibiza is like a theater, don't take it seriously, enjoy it and leave on time. Don't get involved too deep it will suck you in.