24 August 2010 (gig)
14 September 2010
For this Music News reporter, Ibiza has generally been a holiday destination to avoid, the clubbing scene and the legions of raucous teens not really this girl's cup of tea.
But throw the word "rocks" into the equation and my ears instantly pricked up, and before I could say "where's my plectrum?", I found myself on route to the party island, ready for a whirlwind 48-hours of hot sun, happy people and a live gig courtesy of Florence and the Machine.
Her concert was just one of many that were thrown by the now world-famous Ibiza Rocks Hotel, a young person's party paradise set in the heart of San Antonio, and which plays host to a number of live gigs every summer from early June to mid-September.
This year has already seen shows from Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris, Pete Doherty, Maximo Park and the Prodigy, to name just a few. And thanks to the BlackBerry Bold 9700's brand new app, Ibiza Rocks, I had all the information I needed at my fingertips, bringing me the line-up, interviews with the bands and exclusive news, including a chat with The Kooks front man, Luke Pritchard, Tinie Tempah and DJ Rob da Bank, updated each and every week by Ibiza Rocks's team of intrepid island reporters.
But tonight we were here for the delectable Florence Welch and as we arrived at the hotel on a balmy Wednesday night, the party mood was already rising rapidly as guests and fans clamoured for the best spot in the house.
Kicking off events to get the crowd really jumping was DJ Kissy Sell Out, who heightened the feeling of excitement and anticipation among the hundreds of party-goers.
Support band The Drums kept the place jumping with their post-punk sound but while they may have gained a new fan in me, there was only one person I was here to see on this gorgeous August evening.
Miss Florence Welch and her Machine came on stage just after 10 and instantly all eyes were on this redheaded beauty, whose blue glittery leotard, complete with trains of chiffon billowing around her, had her audience completely mesmerised. She played a selection of songs from her award-winning, critically-acclaimed album Lungs, which had the 2,000-strong crowd singing along in delight with full encouragement from Miss Welch, who was also celebrating her 24th birthday.
And with a view from one of the bedrooms right opposite the stage, it was the only place to be as I looked down on the band, the heaving crowd and the shimmering swimming pool, complete with Ibiza Rocks plectrum mosaic on its floor. If you can afford it, it's a definitely must for next year's event.
Ibiza Rocks comes to its finale this evening with a gig by punk-ska legends The Specials. But those still enjoying a late bit of summer sun in Ibiza can still take full advantage of the Ibiza Rocks app to make their stay even more pleasant. Not only does it allow BlackBerry smartphone users - I was lucky enough to have been given a Bold 9700 to play with, a nifty and light little device at my fingertips. The app also allows those with it to be the first to hear about all the latest Ibiza happenings, with weekly island news and recommendations from celebs, DJs and island promoters from the most vibrant club to the most picturesque beach to the most delicious restaurant.
It certainly helped me navigate my way round this island and took me to some of the best places this Balearic paradise has to offer - and on good recommendations - including a day trip to Cala Conta beach and lunch at S’illa des Bosc, which came recommend by BBC 6 Music DJ Mark Jones, as well as lunch at the exclusive celebrity-hang out Blue Marlin and drinks at the Ibiza Rocks bar, one of the top five recommended.
The app also allows users to create their own Ibiza Rocks guide via the ‘Your Ibiza Rocks’ feature, which allows you to upload your own place recommendations and photo galleries. It also keeps their Twitter followers fully up to date on all the fun they're having on their Ibiza adventures.
So whether you are out there tonight for The Specials and the end of this kicking summer on the paradise island, or planning a party trip out there next year, don't forget to download your Ibiza Rocks app - I know that I for one won't be without it.
