We've been escaping reality with the Pacha brand for fifty heady years, and we're celebrating its monumental milestone anniversary this weekend. While the first Pacha opened in Spanish beach town Sitges in 1967, and has since become a global player, the celebration couldn't be anywhere else other than its most iconic venue – Pacha Ibiza.
Brought to the White Isle in 1973 by founders, Ricardo and Piti Urgell, it landed before the word 'nightclub' had even been invented. In those early days, it was a small farmhouse in an area that was then considered to be the outskirts of town. Pleasure seekers looking for a taste of its addictive experimental spirit had one bar and a dancefloor surrounded by cushions, which is far removed from the 3,000-capacity superclub that now stands staunchly in its place.
It's a big dance floor to fill, and this Saturday 20 May we'll see clubbers occupying the cherry-topped haunt in hopes of catching a slice of what is a rather excellent billing. While many of you have undoubtedly had this date in the diary for weeks, some might have missed this absolute gem in the clubbing calendar.
Here's our lowdown on the artists set to descend with a celebratory big bang. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom and get that ticket in the basket.
Róisín Murphy
Former frontwoman of Moloko - the English-Irish music duo behind club classic ´Sing It Back´ - will take to the stage with a very special live performance. In 2013, the critically acclaimed vocalist was billed to close Solomun's +1 residency, which was unfortunately cancelled due to ill health. Needless to say, we've been waiting to see her back on the White Isle for some time and we're finally getting our Murphy dosage for this very special occasion. Since going solo in 2004, Murphy has released mainstream pop album Overpowered, an EP of classic Italian songs called Mi Senti, electro-prog-disco opus Hairless Toys - which was nominated for the Mercury Prize - and her fourth studio album, Take Her Up To Monto. As someone who admits to being a bit of a drag queen, and a performer who never steps on stage without an avant-garde arsenal of masks, props and unique costumes to hand, we're expecting something just that little bit outlandish. Get in there early as she'll be on from 12.30AM.
Carl Craig
The Detroit techno producer is an Ibiza regular, and in 2017, he has a blistering season ahead, including gigs at Maceo Plex's and Hot Since 82's Pacha residencys. Before we unearth techno filth with him later in the season, we're looking to get our fix now. Fans of Carl Craig will know that he offloaded new material earlier this month with the release of Versus, a techno-meets-classical collaboration with pianist Francesco Tristano and Les Siècles Orchestra. Exciting stuff indeed. While he's proven he can do orchestral masterpieces, here in Ibiza, he gives it to us good and proper on the dance floor.
Moodymann
Kenny Dixon (a.k.a Moodymann) is another Detroit export that we have the pleasure of witnessing this weekend. The elusive musician is considered a cult hero among the thousands of critics and fans who subscribe to the opinion that he rewrote dance music. He took a great disliking to the clean sounds of the mid-90s, and replaced them with nasty, filthy house and techno. His social media channels will tell you where he's playing and when, but other than that he cuts an enigmatic figure within the dance music bubble. Unlike Carl Craig, he isn't an Ibiza regular, which makes this opportunity unmissable.
Magdalena
An essential member of Solomun's Diynamic crew, Magdalena has been in the family since the very beginning. She used to run the imprint's renowned EGO club in Hamburg, and later switched to the booth after being exposed to some of the most prolific artists in the underground scene. In 2016 she bolstered her profile on the island with her very own residency, along with a regular radio show on Ibiza Sonica Radio called Magdalena's Pony Farm - a reference to her 'ponies', the group of party girls that accompany her at every party and after party she visits.
Angel Linde
This Pacha resident is as seasoned as they come. With more than 25 years in the DJ world, he is an artist renowned for his great versatility, which has allowed him to remain at the peak of the industry. Not only is he a formidable presence at the iconic nightclub, but he also flies the flag for the brand with his own Pacha radio show on Ibiza Global Radio. He's shared the line-ups with Willie Graff, Tania Vulcano, Solomun, Âme, Dixon, Heidi, Steve Bug, Luciano, Locodice, Guy Gerber, John Digweed, Frankie Knuckles, Erick Morillo and Sasha, among many others.
