I’m not being funny but… with only weeks away from a new season in Ibiza, I’d like to spare a thought. Who here has had their moment of magic in Ibiza? Or on any dancefloor listening to the sounds of their favourite DJs and creating special memories?
I remember when I made my first trip there. I was barely 18. I went with my friend George on what was supposed to be a whirlwind weekend, and I ended up staying for much longer with no passport or money to my name.
In ’85 I met this DJ called Alfredo. Our relationship started off rocky — I had been booked at Amnesia back when it was a small but unbelievably creative open-air club where you could dance beneath the stars (the idea of a super club at the time was far-fetched). Little did I know this was his slot, so he hated me for a while. In time, we became friends and the amount of respect we had for one another was all too real.
Over the years, Alfredo played a fundamental part in the creation of Balearic house and the development of electronic music as we know it in its many forms today. Ibiza simply wouldn’t be what it is today without the influence of this great man and that’s what I’m here to talk about.
I call on the clubs and businesses profiting from the island to start giving back and protecting its people
DJ Alfredo suffered a stroke in 2021 and has been unable to work since, while regularly requiring private healthcare. At 71, he deserves to be able to retire in peace. The dance scene has started coming together with a fundraiser having been launched, supported by Mixmag and many of my peers.
The man who inspired the likes of Paul Oakenfold and countless other dance music legends is now living day to day without the guarantee of maintaining that care going forward.
It’s well documented that Ibiza has been incredibly profitable for club owners and DJs for a number of years now. Brands and clubs founded on the island are known around the world and their budgets (and profits) are astronomical. Ibiza is to this day at the forefront of global nightclub trends and what I want now is to ask them for help.
It is so touching that fans of Alfredo, former colleagues and fellow DJs have contributed to making sure he gets a better life but that’s not enough. Ibiza has always been a place for club culture but also spirituality. I would like to call on the clubs and businesses profiting from the island to now give back. Show everyone that you are prepared to protect Ibiza’s legacy by protecting its people.
We’re not here asking anyone to “adopt a DJ”, but there’s a certain level of respect that is owed to him and now’s the time. I don’t see how this would even hurt them — hell, they’ll even get a tax write-off. My good mate and DJ Terry Farley told me: “Alfredo helped make Ibiza what it is today. Without that extremely small scene that was after-hours Amnesia, mid/late Eighties Ibiza would be on par with Benidorm or Magaluf. Everything started from there.
“Why the super clubs and high-earning DJs can’t each do a benefit night and look after him now shocks and saddens me.”
Danny Rampling was inspired to start his dance club Shoom in the late Eighties, widely credited with initiating the acid house movement — a genre the world has fallen back in love with in 2024 as we see yet another exciting rise of rave culture.
This pioneer of the acid house movement said: “Alfredo inspired and influenced us all through his music at Amnesia club, which collectively created the Balearic scene and rise in popularity of Ibiza tourism nightlife.
“For his music service, the island tourism council, government and businesses should take care of his needs by providing a home, along with income to support his care and basic needs, as a way of giving back with thanks and respect for the fortunes they continue to make from electronic music tourism. Reward Alfredo with the freedom of Ibiza status, with blessings.”
For those reading this who wish to donate, you are also more than welcome to. Simply search “DJ Alfredo Mixmag” and the fundraiser will be the first result to appear. If you’ve had the night of your life in a club, and can afford to, it would be appreciated by myself and my colleagues.
To the businesses, to the big-name DJs who can afford to make a bigger difference — do so. Step up and show the kindness and dedication to someone who dedicated his entire life towards making people connect.
There is love in music and music is love.
Track of the Week: Electra — Jibaro (Oakenfold Remix)
