George Michael's Ibiza
A tribute to George Michael and his love for the White Isle
Today we woke up with the sad news of George Michael's death. The pop superstar visited Ibiza many summers throughout his life to relax on the white sandy beaches during the day and experience its famous clubs during the night. He will be sorely missed here!
Wham!'s famous Club Tropicana music video was even filmed on the island. The place "where strangers take you by the hand and welcome you to wonderland" and where there's "fun and sunshine" was imagined as the iconic Pikes House, nowadays the Pikes Hotel, just outside San Antonio.
The White Isle had become more and more famous as a summer party destination all around Europe since the start of the 80's, which is probably why George Michael and bandmate Andrew Ridgeley decided to head to Ibiza in 1983 for their music video. The place fastly turned into a celebrity hotspot, especially after Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury celebrated his legendary 24-hour 41st birthday in 1987 with a guest list that included Grace Jones, Kylie Minogue, Robert Plant, Bon Jovi, Tony Curtis, Naomi Campbell, Anthony Quinn and Spandau Ballet. The hotel still plays host regularly to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Idris Elba who has DJed there more than once, Jessie J or Biffy Clyro.
Check out the video below and see if you can recognise the hotel's infamous swimming pool, which has been the setting of more than one unforgettable bash. The house's owner, Tony Pikes, plays the barman with the dense moustache, and Wham! were also filmed driving Ibiza's iconic vehicle, a Citroën Mehari - which has recently made a comeback in Formentera - decorated with Pacha's quintessential cherries, or riding a donkey across the island's olive groves.
Our thoughts go to George Michael's friends and family. Ibiza will always remember you!
