Pikes Hotel, an iconic Ibiza establishment, achieved legendary status as a hedonistic playground for the rich and famous during the 1980s and 90s. Its vibrant history, filled with wild parties, celebrity encounters, and a pervasive atmosphere of excess, is now being adapted into a major film. The late owner, Tony Pike, a flamboyant character who claimed to have bedded Grace Jones and indulged in drug use with Freddie Mercury, will serve as the inspiration for the film’s central figure. The hotel itself, the backdrop for Wham!’s “Club Tropicana” video, will be portrayed as a character in its own right, embodying the uninhibited spirit of the era. The film promises a nostalgic journey back to the heyday of Ibiza’s party scene, complete with a soundtrack featuring classic Ibiza anthems and chart-topping hits from the 80s and 90s.
The project, spearheaded by actor Tamer Hassan, aims to capture the essence of Pikes’ legacy. The hotel’s neon-lit dance floors and infamous poolside gatherings witnessed countless outrageous stories, which the film intends to bring to life. Beyond a mere retelling of events, the film is envisioned as a tribute to a bygone era, celebrating the hotel’s unique place in pop culture history. The mere mention of having been a part of the Pikes experience became a badge of honor, and the film seeks to recreate the atmosphere of those wild nights for a new generation.
Tony Pike, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 85, remained an outspoken figure even after selling the hotel in 2008. He relished in sharing anecdotes of the extravagant parties, describing the pervading scent of “sex and marijuana” and boasting about his numerous sexual conquests, including a purported encounter with George Michael prior to the filming of the “Club Tropicana” video. The hotel, which has also hosted celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Liam Gallagher, became the subject of numerous myths and legends, adding to its mystique. One such tale involved the rumored practice of serving cocaine with breakfast cereal, a claim that Pike dismissed, albeit with a hint of amusement.
Beyond the Pikes narrative, other snippets of music and entertainment news add to the tapestry of pop culture lore. A close friend of Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose offered an explanation for the singer’s notorious tardiness, attributing it to a need to authentically embody his stage persona before performing. Zara McDermott, recently single after a split from Sam Thompson, embraced a glamorous Jessica Rabbit-inspired look during a trip to Paris. The Strictly star, who is embarking on a series of BBC documentaries, is praised for her genuine off-screen personality.
Meanwhile, the second series of the Sidemen’s reality show, “Inside,” will feature former Manchester United footballer Patrice Evra. Evra will join other celebrities and influencers in a competition for a £1 million prize. The show’s success on Netflix has led to a second series commission and a US adaptation. Robbie Williams and his wife Ayda Field, after evacuating their Los Angeles home due to wildfires, appeared on the US talk show “Watch What Happens Live.” The appearance sparked speculation about Ayda potentially joining the cast of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.”
Finally, the Sex Pistols are releasing three live albums recorded during their 1978 US tour, shortly before Johnny Rotten’s departure from the band. The recordings, captured in San Francisco, Dallas, and Atlanta, offer a glimpse into the band’s final days and include a telling on-stage moment where Rotten hints at his impending exit. The albums, available on CD, vinyl, and digital formats, provide a historical record of a pivotal moment in punk rock history.