The One-Season Wonders: Ibiza Residencies That Never Came Back

Ibiza’s club scene is legendary for its iconic residencies and unforgettable nights throughout summer, but not every new venture turns into a lasting success. Over the past decade, several ambitious residencies debuted with fanfare only to disappear quietly after a single season. Here’s a closer look at the most memorable (or maybe unmemorable) Ibiza residencies that lasted just one summer, and why they never returned.

1. In The Dark - Hï Ibiza (2017)

When Hï Ibiza opened in 2017, replacing the iconic Space Ibiza, it aimed to establish itself with a strong underground reputation. "In The Dark," featuring underground heavyweights like Joris Voorn, Luciano, Kölsch, Nic Fanciulli, and Steve Lawler, sought to cater to purist techno fans. Despite decent reviews and performances, the night lacked a clear identity, overshadowed by more defined residencies at other venues, and was ultimately replaced the following season as Hï refined its programming strategy.

2. GangStar - Hï Ibiza (2018)

Helmed by Cathy Guetta, GangStar aimed to bring a glamorous hip-hop and R&B experience to Ibiza, a bold departure from the island’s usual electronic focus. However, the theme felt outdated, reminiscent of early-2000s club aesthetics, and struggled to resonate with Ibiza’s core audience who traditionally preferred house, techno, and EDM. The lukewarm reception ensured it was dropped after a single run, with Hï quickly pivoting back to its electronic music roots.

3. VIBRA! - Amnesia (2018)

Amnesia’s attempt to diversify its musical offering saw the launch of VIBRA!, a Latin and reggaeton-themed party led by social media celebrity Gianluca Vacchi. Featuring stars such as Becky G and Karol G, VIBRA! aimed to capitalize on the global Latin music boom. Despite some early enthusiasm, attendance was inconsistent, as the Latin genre was still somewhat niche among Ibiza’s regular clubbers. This mixed reception led Amnesia to revert to its successful techno-centric programming the following season.

4. Tuesdays on Mars - Pacha (2018)

Pacha experimented with "Tuesdays on Mars," a space-themed residency featuring popular DJs such as Fatboy Slim and Martin Solveig. Despite high-profile names and elaborate theming, the concept didn’t resonate strongly enough to sustain consistent crowds throughout the season. Pacha, under new management at the time, quickly shifted strategy the following year, favoring mainstream pop and EDM acts over abstract, thematic nights.

5. Cocoon at Pacha - Pacha (2018)

Sven Väth’s iconic techno brand Cocoon made headlines by moving from its long-standing Amnesia residency to Pacha in 2018. The shift surprised many, as Cocoon’s identity was deeply tied to Amnesia’s spacious layout and underground vibe. Unfortunately, Cocoon never quite adapted to Pacha’s smaller, glitzier setting, resulting in inconsistent attendance. After a single season, Cocoon reverted to special events rather than another full summer residency.

6. Transmoderna - Pacha (2019)

Curated by renowned DJ Dixon, Transmoderna offered a blend of art, technology, and electronic music. The night built momentum towards the end of its debut season, featuring an immersive audiovisual experience designed to elevate Ibiza’s nightlife offering. Plans to continue the residency at DC-10 in 2020 were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic, Dixon moved onto other projects, leaving Transmoderna as a one-season wonder.

7. Bodyworks - Hï Ibiza (2019)

CamelPhat, Solardo, and FISHER’s collaborative residency, Bodyworks, was one of 2019’s most successful new ventures, consistently drawing packed crowds. Ironically, its popularity led to even bigger opportunities elsewhere for the DJs involved. CamelPhat and Solardo transitioned to a larger venue at Ushuaïa the following year, while FISHER secured solo headline opportunities. Bodyworks, therefore, ended after a single successful season due to its stars moving onto bigger stages.

8. RichBitch - Hï Ibiza (2019)

Ale Zuber’s urban and reggaeton night RichBitch attempted to capitalize on the growing popularity of Latin and urban genres in Europe. However, launched mid-season, it struggled to break through Ibiza’s traditionally electronic-dominated club scene. Hï Ibiza quickly recognized the limited appeal and redirected its programming towards proven electronic genres, making RichBitch a brief experiment.

9. MUCHO Ibiza - Ushuaïa (2019)

MUCHO Ibiza marked Ushuaïa’s ambitious venture into the Latin music market, featuring heavyweight artists like Daddy Yankee. Despite significant promotion and high-profile artists, the logistics of hosting large-scale live acts proved challenging, and attendance varied greatly between events. Ushuaïa reverted to electronic-focused programming the following summer, though it occasionally continued hosting Latin artists as special one-off concerts.

10. IDOL - Eden (2019)

IDOL at Eden, featuring veteran acts Orbital and Timo Maas, garnered critical acclaim for its forward-thinking approach to progressive house and techno. However, its location in San Antonio and fierce competition from established nights elsewhere on the island limited attendance. The subsequent pandemic reset Eden’s programming priorities, and IDOL never returned.

Why Didn’t These Residencies Return?

Common factors include mismatches between themes and club identity, inconsistent ticket sales, intense competition from established nights, artist availability and evolving careers, and strategic shifts by clubs aiming to optimize their lineups. The global pandemic in 2020 further exacerbated these challenges, cutting short plans for several promising residencies.

Despite their short-lived existence, each of these residencies represents Ibiza’s continual quest for innovation. While they didn't last, they left behind valuable lessons and unique moments that continue to shape Ibiza’s vibrant clubbing landscape.