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Pete Tong - OVO Hydro 5/12/2024

09 Dec 2024
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Pete Tong - OVO Hydro 5/12/2024

A spellbinding trip to Ibiza

Thursday night saw the Hydro in Glasgow transformed into a pulsating haven for 12,000 plus fans of dance music, as Pete Tong brought his iconic Ibiza Classics set to town. In a week of Spotify Wrapped being shared everywhere on socials, this was an experience that might just rewrite those playlists entirely for anyone who was there. A spellbinding trip to the White Isle, reimagined in the heart of Scotland, left the crowd elated, energised, and utterly exhausted-in the best way possible.

From the very first beats, it was clear this wasnt just another DJ set; it was a meticulously crafted celebration of club culture, with one hell of a backing band. Tracks like Rhythm Dancer and Freed from Desire set the tone for a euphoric evening. The anthemic singalong moments had everyone jumping, and with hits like 9pm Til I Come and Another Chance weaving seamlessly into the mix, the Hydro quickly turned into a dancefloor of memories and unity.

Pete Tongs mastery as a selector was undeniable, but the true magic lay in the synergy between his mixing, the live orchestra conducted by Jules Buckley, and guest vocalists who elevated each track to a new dimension. From Everybodys Free to Benediction, the set paid homage to timeless classics while infusing them with fresh vitality. The visuals and stage production added layers of immersion, as if you were on the Island!

One standout section was the audacious request to "do techno with a tuba," which turned into a surreal and hilarious rendition of Zombie Nation. Filters across the crowd turned the audience into a sea of zombie faces, adding a unique blend of humour and innovation. Later, a heartfelt tribute to Maxi Jazz during an extended version of Faithless Insomnia provided an emotional high, reminding everyone of the enduring impact of electronic music legend.

Jules Buckleys orchestra shone throughout, whether elevating the chill vibes of Cafe del Mar or reworking high-energy tracks like Prodigys Out of Space. Even unexpected moments, like Sonique seemingly going off-script during a verse, were handled with charm and professionalism, showcasing the teams ability to keep the energy flowing seamlessly.

Sonique was absolutely brilliant and amazing to see her onstage! A shoutout to each and every singer on that stage, who all brought a different dimension and range - all excellent!

As the night progressed, the set transitioned into an evocative section that captured the essence of Ibiza: the relaxed sunset vibes turning into the chaotic, unforgettable nights that define the islands spirit. For many in the audience, this was more than music-it was a gateway to their own treasured memories of lost phones, made friends, and missed flights. (We have all missed our Ibiza flight yes?!!?!)

Ending with an emotional rendition of Dont You Worry Child, the set left the crowd basking in the glow of shared nostalgia and uncontainable joy.

Pete Tongs Ibiza Classics was a testament to the enduring power of dance music to bring people together. With a stunning combination of orchestration, epic visuals, and a perfectly curated tracklist, this was more than a trip down memory lane. It was a reminder of why Ibizas magic has captivated generations and why Pete Tong remains a master of his craft.

For those lucky enough to be there, this was an unforgettable night. And for the rest? Consider this your FOMO warning-catch it next time.

 

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Review - Pete Tong - OVO Hydro 5/12/2024 - Glasgowmusic.co.uk