Pete Tong Sessions Start In Style At Blue Marlin Ibiza

It’s been one of the most hotly anticipated music events of the 2017 season, combining the unrivalled atmosphere of the world-famous Blue Marlin Ibiza beach club with the music selection skills and reputation of one of Europe’s most renowned broadcasters and DJs, Pete Tong. So it came as no surprise that the opening night of his new Ibiza summer residency, the Pete Tong Sessions, had the movers and shakers of the island, as well as fashionable holidaymakers and music lovers arrive from all corners of the White Isle.

Stepping onto the beautiful terraced outdoor space shrouded by trees and Cala Jondal’s imposing cliffs, Blue Marlin Ibiza was already bustling with stylish guests when we arrived just before sunset, some toasting the end of another glorious day in Ibiza with a refreshing cocktail, others enjoying a seaside dinner feasting on the restaurant’s mouth-watering fare. Others were already throwing some shapes on the open-air dance floor, with the excitement for the night ahead and the appreciation of the quality music coming from the booth palpable.

Behind the decks, up-and-coming turntable talent Cristoph was getting the evening off to an upbeat start, keeping the pace steady but the beats irresistible as he took guests on a musical journey through the magical golden hour towards the sunset. Ranging from ambient deep house to hypnotic tracks with a tech-house edge, the dance floor was mesmerised by the British DJs’ selection and remained full until it was time for the main man to take to the booth.

Calm, cool and collected, Pete Tong looked utterly at ease in his new Ibiza home as he began his set shortly after sunset. Starting off with a selection of eclectic house tracks that featured world music elements such as South American drumbeats, tribal chants and elegant Italian vocals, it perfectly matched Blue Marlin Ibiza’s global appeal and international clientele, bringing nations together to enjoy the ultimate Balearic experience. But before too long, he changed pace and surprised us with deep and driving beats, immersive melodies and a chunky bassline that turned the tempo up a notch, having seemingly the whole venue up on their feet.

The atmosphere was electric as guests enjoyed letting lose underneath the starry skies, keeping refreshed with the unpredictable bursts from the ice cannons. Blue Marlin Ibiza’s beautiful dancers were a sight to behold as they appeared high up on the venue’s roof, their embellished costumes glittering in the lights and colourful veils flowing in the evening breeze.

A tough act to follow, closing the night was iconic US electronic music innovator Stacey Pullen. Dubbed as one of the ‘godfathers’ of the Detroit house and techno scene, the DJ is known for his unpredictable and atmospheric sets, and many of the knowledgeable guests were excitedly awaiting his arrival. Taking over from Tong, Pullen went straight in with a number of bouncy and infectious tracks that kept the energy high from the outset. With the neon lasers flickering across the night sky and the whole of Blue Marlin Ibiza getting caught up in the beats, the inaugural night of the Pete Tong Sessions went off in spectacular style.