The evening of Thursday 29th May was a beautiful balmy evening in London and what better way to soak up the last of the suns rays than to imagine one was feeling the warm ambient feel of Ibiza and its long history with music. Along with iconic DJ Pete Tong MBE, Jules Buckley also led the way with the 65 piece Essential Orchestra and oh my goodness what a team Tong and Buckley make. Ibiza Classics has been brought back to the Royal Albert Hall for 4 nights only running from the 29th May until the 1st June. This was my first time experiencing the delights of Tong - 90s dance music was forever being played on my classic Hifi system and boy he did not disappoint! With warm up and support act American DJ and record producer Seth Troxler led the way doing what he does best until Tong stepped onto the stage to the delight of the audience.
When he did enter the stage, the crowd went into overdrive and as someone who has frequently visited the Royal Albert Hall I myself wasn’t sure on the etiquette of do I stay seated? The Royal Albert Hall is not a nightclub but how could I sit with this energetic dance energy happening all around me. I gave a gentle enquiry to those seated behind, in front and around me and we all were in full agreement - this is 100% not a seated gig. In fact I didn’t sit throughout the whole concert - everyone on their feet soaking up the atmosphere and musical energy of the evening. With special guest vocals from some great artists including Becky Hill, Barbara Tucker, Jazzy, Clementine Douglas, Jacob Lusk and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man.
It has to be said Lusk’s set was just astounding! The crowd were begging for more from the American Idol performer. As far as stage presence goes, he has it in bucket loads. I could have watched him all night. Becky Hill, who graced us in a stunning full length red dress and wowed the audience with a singing voice that was on top form. Every note pitch perfect. Tong was in his element up there and explained to us how it all started 10 years ago when he was invited to create an Ibiza inspired performance for The Proms. He went on to say it was kind of a life changing experience as that was when he was introduced to Jules Buckley! I sense they have a real creative bond and it was a privilege to witness them working together so seamlessly and imagine they have a great friendship too.
Another guest vocalist who I really enjoyed was Rag ‘n’ Bone Man singing the impressive song ‘Giant’ - what a power house and talent up on that stage. Soon after we got to listen to the magnificent Royal Albert Hall organ played and which I was mesmerised at. The Royal Albert Hall is an iconic building and with much history so to hear the organ first hand felt a very special experience. As for conductor and composer Buckley what a wonderful opportunity to see him do what he does best with his orchestra. Each and every member of The Heritage Orchestra deserve their own standing ovation for their impressive individual talent and also team work - with Buckley, who oozes a stage charisma, the orchestra were definitively in safe hands. Buckley showed a fun side to his personality wading into the audience standing area to literally conduct his orchestra right from the the depths of the crowd! Barbara Tucker another special vocalist gave an immense performance - a real crowd pleaser. Tong is also due to bring his acclaimed show to six UK arenas in December 2025 which starts in Glasgow on December 4th, other shows include Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The tour which Tong himself describes as ‘a giant mobile disco’ concludes with a two gig end at The O2 in London on December 12th and 13th. Quoting audience members reactions on the evening who I spoke with and were happy for me to share their words, include “I have had the best time tonight, reliving my youth and in such a great venue” and “I’m on cloud nine, how did I leave it this long to see Pete Tong in action - I’m definitely booking for December!”
A great energetic evening had by all! “Classic dance music energy beautifully interwoven with the splendour of live orchestra”
Running until 1st June. Info: https://www.
Reviewer: Mary Fogg
On: 29th May
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