Exclusive interview on Ibiza’s first ever festival
Dan Prince speaks exclusively with co-organiser Danny Whittle
Welcome back to DMCWORLD Danny. Well, you’re never out of the news at the moment. If it’s not announcing Tiesto taking over Mondays at Pacha it’s all of the huge IMS plans. And then 123 appears magically. So when did the idea for this festival begin, who is the team behind it?
“Well the idea came about last summer. Pino Sagliocco approached myself and my partners in the IMS – Ben Turner, Pete Tong, Mark Netto and Simeon Friend. We all loved the idea and it was great to get to work with Pino.”
Did you have a lot of resentment / opposition from the San An residents, I have seen police serve boats with petitions with hundreds of San An’s locals names’ on their due to big sound system’s out at sea…
“Well so far we have had nothing but support although you never know in Ibiza, there is always someone who wants a moan. The reality is that San Antonio needs something, last year with the opening of Ushuaia, San Antonio has been emptying to the Playa Den Bossa area. When the Swedes played on Wednesdays in Ushuaia San Antonio was like a ghost town. It needs some attention putting back on this great part of the island – and if we put 60,000 people there over three days, all the businesses in San An should benefit. Hopefully therefore, everyone will support the event.”
Why was the decision to cross rock and dance artists over the 3 days, Sting and Tong, Kravitz and Tiesto?
“We wanted to do something a little different. The reality is, most DJs in the world play Ibiza in one way or another. So to cross the stars of rock with the stars of electronic music worked well for us. Dance music is here to stay and it’s great to see the recognition it has deserved for years, even in America now.”
And Bacardi are locked in as main name sponsors…
“Yes although other sponsors will be joining the event. Bacardi were the first to support and we are grateful for that.”
What can we expect lay out wise from the festival – how many musical arenas for instance, what is the capacity and opening times?
It’s one main arena with a cacity of 20,000 per day over three days and is open from midday until 1am.”
Why has no one put on a festival before on the biggest party planet in the world?
“Because it’s not easy. We have had to wade through a mine field of political opinions. Ultimately though the powers that be and the other businesses involved can see it is good for Ibiza.”
What will be the involvement of the clubs on the island, Pacha, Amnesia, Ushuaia etc.?
“We are not sure yet, but we are working on it.”
Is the idea to perhaps put on Rocktronic in other destinations around the world?
“Yes we would love to Ibiza 123 all over the world to promote Ibiza and the other venues and clubs on the island.”
Now, Danny we are friends. Let’s be honest. Sting or Tiesto?
“Pete Tong.”
I bet Lenny was right up for this gig…?
“Yes totally. The fact that him and Luciano are working in the studio together worked perfectly for the whole Rocktronic concept and Luciano is a real musician and loves to work with inspirational people like Lenny.”
What has the response been to the event now that news has leaked out?
“Awesome. So many people in Ibiza are happy about this sort of event being here. It’s great to have other options and other ideas, it’s just another reason for people and a different kind of people to visit the island that we all love.”
And finally, what are you really looking forward to the most about the event?
“Well there is one major announcement that is on the way. But until then, ithas to be Sting at sunset, or Luci with Lenny. Or Tinie Tempah, or Tiesto, or Guetta, Axwell…oh shit! All of it!”
www.ibiza123festival.com
