Have the Rich Ruined Ibiza, or Is the Underground Scene Poised for a Comeback?
Ibiza, the sun-soaked party island known for its legendary hedonism in the ‘80s and ‘90s, has transformed dramatically in recent years. Once a sanctuary for ravers and counter-culture enthusiasts, it has now become a playground for the rich and famous. But has this influx of wealth destroyed the very essence of Ibiza? Or could this be the perfect moment for underground brands to rise and restore the island’s wild, unpolished soul?
Ibiza in the ‘80s and ‘90s: The Golden Age of Hedonism
Rewind to the ‘80s and ‘90s, and Ibiza was the heart of underground electronic music. Pioneers like Carl Cox, Paul Oakenfold, and Fatboy Slim made the island their playground, creating a subculture built around marathon DJ sets and euphoric dance floors. The clubs were gritty, the crowd carefree, and the music all-consuming.
Ibiza wasn’t about glamor — it was about freedom, connection, and total immersion in the experience. The island’s beaches and cliffside bars became the meeting point for ravers from around the world, with no care for celebrity status or social media stardom. It was the birthplace of the Balearic beat, and the spiritual home for anyone seeking to escape reality, lose themselves in music, and live in the moment.
The Rich Arrive: Luxury Over Substance?
Fast forward to today, and Ibiza has undeniably changed. A-listers, tech moguls, and influencers flock to the island, drawn by its reputation as a high-end destination. Luxury villas, VIP bottle service, and Michelin-starred restaurants now dot the landscape. Ibiza has shifted from a raw, underground rave scene to a place where yachts and exclusive guest lists dominate the nightlife.
For many, this commercialisation has stripped Ibiza of its authenticity. The underground music scene that once defined the island seems to have been overshadowed by high-end tourism, with some clubs now prioritising high-paying clientele over passionate ravers. VIP sections and bottle service have become the norm, and with the rise of social media, many are more concerned with posting the perfect picture than getting lost in the music.
This shift has left a bitter taste in the mouths of some purists, who feel that the rich have turned Ibiza into a glossy, Instagrammable version of its former self. The focus on status and wealth has diluted the gritty, anything-goes spirit that once made the island so iconic.
The Underground Revival: A Glimmer of Hope?
Despite the influx of wealth and luxury, Ibiza’s underground spirit isn’t dead — it’s evolving. In fact, the commercialisation of mainstream clubs may be creating the perfect opportunity for a countercultural revival. As high-profile venues cater to the rich, smaller underground brands and venues are flourishing, offering a refuge for those who crave the raw, unfiltered experience Ibiza was once known for.
Brands like Circoloco at DC10 and Afterlife are keeping the underground flame alive, showcasing cutting-edge techno and house music that prioritises the beats, not the bottles. These events draw in true music lovers who reject the flashiness of VIP culture in favour of immersive, marathon sets that reflect the old-school Ibiza ethos.
Similarly, secret beach raves and intimate pop-up parties are becoming increasingly popular, offering a taste of Ibiza’s rebellious side. These gatherings focus on freedom, connection, and the pure love of music, giving partygoers a chance to experience the raw energy that once defined the island.
Can the Underground Scene Save Ibiza?
While it’s clear that Ibiza’s landscape has changed, there’s a growing feeling that the underground scene is poised to make a comeback. As high-end tourism continues to dominate, there’s a counter-movement happening quietly in the background. Promoters, DJs, and fans alike are gravitating toward smaller, more intimate venues that prioritise music over money.
This underground revival could offer the perfect antidote to Ibiza’s commercialisation. It’s a chance for the island to recapture its raw, rebellious spirit and remind the world that beneath the luxury yachts and VIP tables, Ibiza is still a place where music, freedom, and hedonism reign supreme.
The Future of Ibiza: Two Worlds Coexisting?
So, has the rich influx ruined Ibiza? For some, the answer may be yes — the island they once loved now feels more like a playground for the wealthy than a mecca for music lovers. But for others, this change has opened the door for the underground scene to rise once again, reclaiming Ibiza’s soul and offering an alternative to the glitz and glam.
In reality, both worlds may be able to coexist. Ibiza can be a place where the rich and famous enjoy their luxury villas, while the underground thrives in secret locations and intimate clubs. As long as there are promoters, DJs, and fans willing to keep the underground spirit alive, Ibiza’s true essence will never be fully lost.
In the end, the rich may have changed Ibiza’s surface, but the island’s underground culture remains as resilient as ever. If anything, the rise of luxury tourism has only highlighted the need for the raw, unfiltered hedonism that made Ibiza legendary in the first place. And for those seeking that experience, the underground is waiting.
After all, Ibiza has always been about reinvention — and this could be the next chapter in its story.