Some of dance music’s biggest names pay tribute to Ibiza legend Tony Pike…
If ever there was an embodiment of ‘living life to the fullest’, it was arguably Tony Pike, the proprietor of Pikes Hotel in Ibiza, who died yesterday at the age of 85.
A former yachtsman and adventurer, Pike opened Pikes Hotel in 1978, and arguably played a role in Ibiza’s rise to hedonistic infamy, with Freddie Mercury, Grace Jones and others hosting debauched parties at the lothario’s San Antonio venue long before the first clubbers set foot on the White Isle.
“I don’t believe in God, I believe in destiny, that’s two different things,” Pike told the Oi Polloi blog in 2014. “I’ve always chased the rainbow. I’m not stupid. I work hard and I play hard. I learnt at a very early age that you can’t play hard if you don’t work hard.”
With news of his death emerging over the past day or so, some of the biggest names in dance music have lined up to pay tribute to the great man.
Writing in Mixmag earlier today, dance historian Bill Brewster said, “if Tony Pike had not existed, it’s doubtful whether even the best screenwriter could have written his extraordinary life into being. With his luxurious moustache and reputation with women, Pike often seemed more like a phantasmagorical Peter Sellers creation than a flesh-and-blood person.
“But exist he did: just ask the more than three thousand women he claimed to have slept with, Grace Jones among their number. His hotel, Pikes, in Ibiza, has also left an indelible mark on the culture of the island and rubber-stamped its claims for excess and hedonism, both of which Tony lived for.”
On Instagram, Danny Rampling was similarly effusive in his praise of Pike’s legacy.
“Very sad news to wake up to the passing of Mr Ibiza and friend the legendary Anthony John Pike. […] Always had so many laughs banter and just the odd great story, and always a party in his company. I thought to ones self last year really hope he’ll be here again next year to see him as his health wasn’t great, and sadly he’s moved onto the other side.
“The end of an era in Ibiza, bless Tony loved by so many and what a life he led, truly amazing character. Profound legacy of his contribution to Ibiza, and feel very grateful for many years to have known this great man. Tony sharp witty fun creative stylish, outstanding host perfectionist, rock n roll pop star Casanova. Ibiza just isn’t going to be the same without Tony, bless his soul, onto the next journey. We will miss you and thank you for everything and all the good times. Deepest loving condolences.”
Fatboy Slim, aka, Norman Cook, who played an intimate gig at Pikes Hotel last August, took to Twitter to describe Pike as “larger than life and twice as entertaining. You will be missed.”
Tony Pike. Larger than life and twice as entertaining. You will be missed. Xxx pic.twitter.com/kYb7mjj3CA
— Fatboy Slim (@FatboySlim) February 25, 2019
Elsewhere, Tony Hannan, promoter of Up Yer Ronson and Soak, wrote on Instagram, “God bless you Tony Pike! Always had time for everyone, what a life and what a man! It’s the mark of a person when so many people have story’s to tell, how he made time for everyone!
“I booked out the entire Hotel when we produced the Ronson tour of Ibiza, MPeople at Privelege and he looked after me with a great deal, it was party central to which Tony was in the thick of it! He loved it very special memories and when they say they don’t make them like they used to in this instance it’s spot on…god bless Tony & thank you for the memories.”
There were also a series of tributes on the official Pikes Hotel Instagram page, with Felix da Housecat (“Thnk u for thee lessons and amazing tales”), Tommie Sunshine (“May he enjoy the infinite beyond as much as he enjoyed Ibiza”) and Nightmares on Wax (“Wishing Tony a safe journey home”) among those paying tribute.
Back in 2015, Ibiza-based blogger Danny Kay interviewed Pike, with the then-80 year old revealing that upon the event of his death, Andy McKay of Ibiza Rocks, who purchased Pikes 11 years ago (and played a key role in its refurbishment), had an important task to undertake.
“When I die Andy wants to have my body stuffed and have it sit at my usual spot by the pool bar. He wants to have a motor installed that opens my mouth and says, G’day mate… throw another shrimp on the barbie, whenever a guest passes by…”
Whether Andy fulfils the great man’s wishes remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that in death, as well as life, Anthony John Pike is anything but conventional.
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