Space Ibiza: An Iconic Chapter in House Music History
Space Ibiza. Space Ibiza. Space Ibiza.
We’ve heard of it… but have you been to it?
Most likely your generation missed out on the incredible aura that surrounds the original club Space in Ibiza, Spain.
But let us try and indulge in this era that once was… an era that will forever live on for the house music lovers.
Take it back to 1986, when Space first opened. The venue that captured the sweet goodness of house music, love, freedom, soaring beats, endless nights, all under the Ibiza skies.
Pepe Rosello, Ibiza nightclub owner, took control of the venue. Initially, the venue was constructed as a conference hall with a discotheque. But Rosello transformed it into the iconic Space that we all know and love up to this very day.
At the time there were licensing laws in Spain that required establishments to close for a minimum of two hours each day. But at the onset of the season, with the closure of three clubs in Ibiza, local authorities began discussing potential changes to licensing regulations that allowed clubs to operate for up to 22 hours per day. The proposals being considered included the possibility of clubs opening at noon, but they would still be prohibited from opening before 8 a.m.
I guess we can see where Club Space in Miami gets its craziness from now, huh? Ibiza party-goers wanted to party non-stop, and Rosello provided just that. For a club to operate for a minimum of 22 hours out of the 24 hours a day, you know it must be hell of a venue. Space came to be a destination hotspot not just for travelers, but for DJ’s as well.
Artists like Black Coffee, Armin Van Buuren, Josh Wink, DJ Koze, Maceo Plex, Carl Cox, and many many more all got to experience the energy of Space Ibiza. Carl Cox ended up becoming a resident DJ at Space for 15 years, come on, how f*cking iconic?
On the final night of Space’s existence, back in September at the end of summer 2016, Carl Cox played a nine hour set to end the era. Watch this snippet, just so you can get a glimpse of the vibes…
The music at Space Ibiza was a mix of all genres, but there was a heavy focus and influence of old school disco. These tracks have knowingly become classics and live on until this very day. These tracks still circulate clubs all over the world today, Ibiza included. For a taste of an Ibiza Summer in Space back in 2016, check out our playlist here - M&M: Ibiza Summer - Spotify Playlist
It was no secret that Carl Cox, along with the rest of the Space goers were upset to see Space go in 2016. Fortunately, Space was re-occupied by Ushuaia and now goes under the name Hi Ibiza. Ibiza remains a hot-spot for those amongst the electronic music community. But unfortunately for us modern-day house music lovers, those who experienced Space in Ibiza are lucky enough to have experienced an iconic era in house music history. The vibes cannot be replicated, though Ibiza and the rest of the world sure can try.
Space was awarded "Best Global Club" at the International Dance Music Awards in 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013, and 2014. It's evident that the energy and atmosphere of Space will live on forever, and only those who have been there themselves can vouch for it.
The people, the place, in Space are irreplaceable.
