Overview
Like the apex of ancient human architecture in Giza from which it takes inspiration, Amnesia might be considered a seventh wonder of the clubbing world - with its logo a pyramid.
Back in the ‘80s, when the club rose to prominence thanks to storied sets from DJ Alfredo (DJ of the 'Balearic beat'), and hedonistic tales from those lucky enough to attend, a mirrored pyramid was the centrepiece of its rooftop water feature. A place to chill-out, lounge and reflect away from the madness of the dance floor. Today, ornate pyramid models still decorate the club’s terraza.
Following the departures of HYTE and long term custodian Cocoon at the end of the 2017 season, it’s little wonder that Amnesia arrived at the name Pyramid for its new party.
Using Amnesia’s network of DJs, agents and managers, as well as its universal clout, Pyramid took things in-house, giving the club greater creative and fiscal control. Martín Ferrer Jnr, son of current owner Martín Snr, but later assuming the role of el gran jefe himself, would be the main. Having grown up in clubs, the industry - and more specifically Amnesia - was in his DNA.
One of his first acts was signing one of Cocoon’s old star attractions, the legendary minimal DJ Ricardo Villalobos, to an exclusive deal. Next was to secure rare big club bookings for the highly-sought but publicity-averse Romanian crew RPR Soundsystem.
Further coups followed, such as dates for Berghain royalty Ben Klock and rising starlet Charlotte de Witte. By the time takeovers from Carl Cox and Maceo Plex had been added to the mix, Pyramid had amassed a year one roster to make you blush.
Further to these captures, was increased responsibility given to Amnesia’s residents. Luca Donzelli, Cuartero, Caal and Les Schmitz, as well as Martin (AKA DJ Mar-T) himself, all assumed greater roles. Pyramid is an Amnesia production is the most authentic term.
Taking on Cocoon’s old Monday night slot, season one in 2018 was a case of testing the waters. Some dates were spectacular, such as the night with Carl Cox and Adam Beyer or the occasion when Solomun’s Diynamic label rode into town. Other dates failed to hit the mark, with Pyramid coming up against the same obstacles as its predecessors.
Year two was equally haphazard. Cocoon skulked back after a failed fling with Pacha and Pyramid found itself sharing Monday nights on a rotational basis. The lack of continuity thwarted both parties and, in what should have been a year of growth, Pyramid coasted at much the same speed.
Year three was make or break. For 2020 (postponed until 2022), Pyramid made the bold move of moving to Sundays. The ghost of HYTE, which had itself fallen down after three attempts, loomed large.
Enjoying its most consistent season to date, the move to Sunday's proved a success. Pyramid cemented itself as one of Ibiza’s underground strongholds.
Year four is on the cards next, with Pyramid starting in an enviable position and seeking to climb further still up the pecking order.
