Clockwork Orange WAS the story of Ibiza 2014. Well guess what, they’re back
For three glorious days and nights last summer there was only one name on everyone’s lips in Ibiza. It was as if we had all been transported back in time to the 90s when one club brand stood head and shoulders above the rest. One club who said it loud and proud in the streets of San Antonio enticing us all to their devilish midweek adventures at Es Paradis. Here Dan Prince checks in with Danny Gould, the man who with partner in crime Andy Manston is slowly but surely putting their beloved Clockwork Orange back where it belongs. Right at the top. Bring on the summer. Ooof!!
Time : 7.30am, February 19th 2015.
Location : The car park, Stock Brook Country Club, Essex.
Weather : Fucking freezing.
Danny, has there ever been a posting on an Ibiza Facebook site so far removed from the Balearic madness about to happen later that year? You took a photo of your gym as you headed in for your weekly Pilates class a few weeks ago, you were obviously having a white isle moment!! How soon after last year’s incredible Clockwork Ibiza Weekend did you start looking forward to this year’s three dayer?
“Straight away Dan. My brain never stops thinking of the future, how to improve, where to go, who to use and how to improve…”
There isn’t much I can add that hasn’t been said about the Mambo, Es Paradis and Sands parties from last year. In all honesty, did you ever think those three days were going to be that good?
“I knew it would be really good but then Ibiza always adds an additional 50% with the sun, the sea and the Balearic connection. It’s our spiritual home so it’s always gonna be better than expected. It’s pure hedonism, the connection to the past and freedom, three special venues with an army of like minded peeps who don’t want any bullshit.”
Tell me about the first time you and Andy sat down after Ibiza and discussed just what the hell had just happened. The dust had settled. Your tans were fading. The smiles were still big and Orange. What was that conversation like, you must have been on cloud nine…
“At Sands I was buzzing like I have never ever truly buzzed…all natural without the chems or potions. We are always on the phone, like little kids getting excited, that’s the attraction of promoting and creating a spectacle that blows people away. Es Paradis and Mambos was special, Sands was a raw beach party and a day I’ve never experienced before in my life.”
You hit the island early…how did you spend the few days before the craziness. Where did you revisit, who did you catch up with, what was going through your mind?
“Can Pujol, Sa Capella, chilling at Bay Bar, lounging round the pool, meeting old friends for coffee, talking Spanish again for the first time in years with all the old lingo coming flooding back. I literally breathed it all in and every second of the day I thought.I’m home. X.”
What were the biggest changes on the island that hit you straight away?
“It’s been a natural progression. First the roads to motorways, then the new clubbing laws but the old infrastructure is still there and the underlying wonder and beauty of Ibiza which I first fell in love with 26 years ago aged 17. However, I must admit that driving through Playa d’en Bossa at night was like a zombie movie, there where kids everywhere.”
Let’s rewind to those very special day and nights of last summer, kicking off with Café Mambo. You obviously have a lot of memories from this place thanks to your halcyon days in the 90s. Was there any sadness going back and putting on a party there?
“Mambo’s is an incredible story all down to one man and his intelligence. It was our playground, we did what we wanted and hung with the crazies of the 90s. Going back nice and chilled last year, all serene and full of Clockwork magic was always gonna be special. No sadness at all.”
Who was your star of the sunset at Mambo DJ wise?
“Chris Powell. Musically amazing, old with new and the final track from ‘Once Upon A Time In America’ was one of my mother’s faves. Powerful stuff.“
I loved your post on Facebook a few weeks ago when you asked your Orange faithful for their Balearic masterpiece tune. You chose Izit ‘Stories’, the wonderful cover of the Chakachas early 70s tune. What were some of the tunes your Clockwork massive sent back to you that got your feet twitching?
“Vangelis, ‘For A Few Dollars More’, ‘The End’ The Doors, ‘Life’s A Beach’ (Todd Terje Remix)…where does the list end? Chill out music has millions of choices available, there’s some truly beautiful sunset music out there.”
I think it is fair to say that your party has injected Es Paradis into life again. Rumours of all sorts of happenings this summer. When I walked through the entrance it was like I had been transported back in time…there was Danny Gould sitting on the front desk welcoming in everyone. This time without a drink inside him! What was it like for you returning to the scene of so many adventures…did it feel like you had never been away?
“Funny enough yes. The owners are the same as were most of the staff and I was allowed to do what I wanted, so no different. Nowadays though I just talked about the old Clockwork and madness…I don’t get up to any. It’s all fun without the madness. It was my home for many years and when it all ended in 2001 it broke my heart. There was a lot of ego and pride crushed when it happened, that took a lot longer to rebuild.”
DJ stars of the night?
“What was great at last year’s party was we had the DJ back on the dancefloor and all the walkways were gone. It was back to the real old Es Paradis. As for the star of the night? I think Jeremy Healy just about nicked it. He is always a show man, he may not be the king any more, but is still a prince.”
The funniest Clockwork story of the night?
“My friend was a tad pickled and could not move to go to the toilet which he kept telling his girlfriend. ‘Well just go to the loo and shut up’ she kept saying to him. An hour later she said, ‘well are you going to go the toilet or not?’. He said, ‘too late now, I’ve wet myself’. He’s 45 years old, ha ha ha.”
Which brings us to Sands. The highlight of the weekend. A proper beach party with everyone going loop the fucking loop. It was pretty special huh, what was the one moment you caught yourself, looked round and thought, ‘yes Danny…you have only gone and done it again you bugger…’?
“I never thought I had gone and truly done it. It was more of a case of all my dreams coming true, the party was as good as a party can be and everyone was smiling with an incredible buzz that I have not felt for 20 odd years. True, I had to pinch myself as I thought I was off my head, but I wasn’t. It was also a case of all my old demons being put to rest from the year 2001 when it all went wrong.”
Lovely words sir. Well let’s kick off with the big change to begin with. Sands was sold over the winter to the Nassau crew, re-named Naussau Pink Beach and you will be the first ever party there. Was there any doubts when the sale was going through that you would have to look for another venue?
“Of course, you’re hanging around waiting for answers that are out of your control. Nassau and Cristobal are fantastic and all they keep saying is how much WE are all going to love it…he’s such a cool dude.”
How different will the place look this summer, what have they done to the venue?
“Totally revamped Dan. New roof, toilets, beds, bar and flooring etc. Cannot wait to see it.”
How carefully do you and Andy choose the Sunday DJs? After last year’s party EVERYONE will be expecting the same, if not better. So who is playing and why did you pick them for Sunday?
“It’s a feeling, always has been. Paul ‘Trouble’ for his unique old skool cool, Brandon and Alex (the kings of Ibiza Sundays in the 90s), Jason Bye and Jon Ulysses back to Back 95 stylee, myself and Keith, Andy and Tall Paul, Clara da Costa (the queen of Clockwork Ibiza), Paul Lomax such a dude, Charlotte Gilpin Moss, 2 Good Souls – the list is endless and it’s all funkin’ free.”
Mambo Sunset on the Friday. Who has the honours this time round?
“Myself and Andy may have a spin, 2 good souls, Chris Powell, James Prentice and Von.”
I love the support you have been giving Paul Lomax of late. His mix he sent you last year you played every day for 10 days. Why is this guy so special in your eyes?
“It’s his music, it’s unique, it’s commercial mixed with vocal and cool.”
Which brings us to Es Paradis and another old skool line up of sheer beauty. Jungle don Grooverider. One of the world’s first ever house DJs Marshall Jefferson. Superstar of the 90s Jon Pleased Wimmin. Nutbags Blocko & Peasy. Who are you really looking forward to hearing in Ibiza?
“Marshall Jefferson and Grooverider I’m looking forward too, as well as Jon Pleased. Then all the DJs at Sands as I will switch off then and dance in the heat of Ibiza.”
You must have been inundated with people asking you to come back to Ibiza for a weekly residency. That was never the idea though was it?
“Never was and never will be. What we have is special and special as we only hold a few parties. When the magic finishes so will I.”
The Clockwork Orange stage at the amazing WEAREFSTVL on Saturday May 30th where you two will be playing alongside the likes of Tall Paul, Trevor Fung and Alex and Brandon. Just how important is this festival for Essex? Last year was off the hook…
“We have always been Essex boys with the massive parties at Hollywoods in the 90s etc. We always wanted to be part of a festival and this was our chance.”
Tell us about future UK plans for Clockwork in 2015…
“September 12th in London, but it’s a secret…x”
And finally. One sentence to explain to all the people out there reading this who haven’t yet bought their tickets for Clockwork in Ibiza this Summer. Why is this trip unmissable…?
“It’s an opportunity to experience the glory and good old days without a cliché. The days of freedom and happiness beyond comparison, a crowd without ego, venues to die for and an atmosphere unsurpassable. The masters of Ceremony return.”
