When Hï Ibiza launched in summer 2017, Eric Prydz was the marquee signing that gave Ibiza's newest super-club the lift off it needed. He wasn't the first resident revealed, but due to his profile it signalled the intent for Hï Ibiza the ground running.
Prydz's initial two year run came to an end after the 2018 season. At the time, it was doubtful we would ever see him back in a weekly residency again.
After a sell-out standalone date at Ushuaïa in September last year, the stratospheric news landed that he would be returning for an extended run in 2023.
Now occupying Monday nights, Prydz had devised a custom club show for his global smash HOLO. The immersive, audio-visual feast had wowed audiences across the globe. Finally, it was landing on Ibiza. The Ibiza Spotlight team had to go along to see what all the fuss was about.
Hurtling towards the future
written by Hayley Morgan
Expectations were met on Monday night as Eric Prydz opened HOLO with a visual feast a booming crowd lapped up.
Dilated eyeballs gazed and astronauts shot lasers across the dancefloor, before runaway trains whizzed past. These special effects really come out at you in 3D. It was like dancing into the future we're hurtling towards.
It's an experience I shall definitely be reliving again later this summer.
A dual audience
written by Stephen Hunt
Few artists walk the tightrope between commercial and underground quite like Eric Prydz. His dual audience was clearly on display at the opening party. The first 45 minutes is a sea of phone lights recording every moment - and why not? His visuals are clearly generated for this.
By the start of the second hour, space starts to emerge as the tourist crowd gradually disperses and the hardcore clubbers remain. Both have a place on Ibiza, but it's rare to see them converge under one roof. But that's just the universal appeal Eric Prydz wields.
Though personally disappointed with the limited run of Cirez D material compared to past shows, at least there was some brand spanking new Pryda releases to gnaw on. If you thought it was just a coincidence that The Return dropped in the same timeframe as HOLO starting, then you haven't be paying attention.
There's plenty more tracks currently flying under the radar though. "ID? ID? ID?" I'm looking forward to more being unearthed between now and the closing party on 4 September.
Relentlessly euphoric
written by Tim Dackombe
Relentlessly euphoric, yet always managing to sound fresh and futuristic is how best to describe Prydz. But it would be a disservice to gloss over the elephant in the room - the stunning visuals.
A succession of curious visitors from other dimensions came to inspect the crowd, at one point even disinfecting us with their cryo-guns - a clever piece of trickery using CO2. Occasionally, Eric flickered into view to conduct the crowd.
The old pro maintained energy throughout his set. Even his latest rework of his classic Pjanoo sounded fresh and, predictably, took the roof off. If the rest of you could only put your phones down long enough to enjoy the drops…
Finishing on a rousing rendition of Allein. Hands unfurled at this hair-raising moment and reached out into the crowd. Seemingly everybody sang along. Alone? Nein! HOLO Ibiza is top quality entertainment with festival-sized production packed into Hï Ibiza's Theatre.
The perfect foil next door
written by Lissy Lübeck
Programmed perfectly to juxtapose the dark, melodic sounds of The Theatre, TRICK label head Patrick Topping has been tasked to takeover the Club Room this summer.
Although Topping could fill the room alone, a carefully selected roster of special guests join him each week. For the opening, the privilege fell to Hannah Liang and Eli Brown to warm up the decks - two artists who he has championed.
Eager fans packed the dancefloor, keen to catch a glimpse of the talented Geordie in his new home. He played all of his classics including Be Sharp Say Nowt, Shake My Booty and his new certified banger Make Me Happy.
He also included tracks from his fellow Newcastle apprentice turned superstar Ben Hemsley, who joins him later in summer.
If we could make any criticism about HOLO Ibiza, it's that at only ten weeks long, it's a case of quality over quantity. With three weeks already down, fans do not have long left to experience this thrillfest.
Head below now to find your date and buy your tickets. You will not be disappointed.
WORDS | by Hayley Morgan, Stephen Hunt, Tim Dackombe and Lissy Lübeck
