Latest news with #PeteTong
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE DJ Pete Tong makes rare comments about his kids as he admits his family have kept him 'grounded' throughout successful career
Pete Tong has opened up on how his family have 'kept him grounded' throughout his successful career. The DJ and Radio 1 star, 64, has become one of the biggest names in dance music over the years, and jets across the world to perform for adoring fans. And despite keeping his family life relatively private, Pete made rare comments about his kids in an exclusive interview with MailOnline this week. Pete shares three children with his ex-wife Deborah. Their marriage broke down in 2003. Pete also has another child and two step-children with his second wife Carolina Acosta, who he married in 2006. He explained how he tried to created a 'more regular environment' for his kids growing up, and admits they are the reason he still has a successful career. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Speaking on how he juggles the fame with his family life, Pete shared: 'It is definitely a challenge, and you learn a lot along the way. It also keeps you really grounded as well with that responsibility and that to go home to, and I would like to think that is a big reason why I'm still doing what I'm doing. 'When I started DJing, I made a decision early on that I would only do the bits I really wanted to do and loved. 'I didn't want to be on radio seven days a week and I didn't want to be gigging seven nights a week. I wanted to pick and choose. 'So I kind of always had a day job when I first started, as DJing wasn't seen to be the be all and end all and the money wasn't the same from when I started to what it is now so that created a more regular environment around my kids.' Speaking about his kids supporting him at sets, he explained: 'When they were young they started coming to things like Café Mambo. And then when they were too young to legally go to clubs is when the demand was highest that they wanted to go. 'When they first could go, they were around quite a bit. They've moved on and have their own lives now and are not necessarily interested in what I'm doing. 'Now I'm like, "do you want to come?" They tend to show up for the orchestra, I don't force them.' Several of Pete's kids have followed in his footsteps, including daughter Becky who is also a DJ. Pete and Jules are celebrating a decade of their Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall Meanwhile, his oldest son Joe is a music producer, while his other son Matt also partly works in the music industry. Pete is currently celebrating a decade of his and Jules Buckley's Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall. The pair first teamed up in 2015 to perform for BBC Proms, an annual summer series bringing daily classical music to the Royal Albert Hall, but have went on to tour Europe with the orchestra. Each of the four shows will feature unique programming, including appearances from guest vocalists Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas, and Barbara Tucker. Guest DJs Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, and Paul Oakenfold will also join the show. Speaking about returning to the Royal Albert Hall after ten years, he said: 'It is surreal and inspiring to come into such a historical place doing what we are doing. 'But it isn't a nightclub, so you treat it in a different way. We are all super excited to be back.' And fans will be thrilled to hear that Pete has no plans to stop after ten years: 'There was a time five years ago when we said we would probably end it if we made it to ten, but now we never want to end it!' Pete Tong Ibiza Classics is at the Royal Albert Hall, London, May 29-Jun 1. The broadcaster is also due to bring his acclaimed show to six UK arenas in December 2025. Kicking off in Glasgow on December 4, the upcoming run of shows also includes stop-offs in Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The tour will conclude with two gigs at The O2 in London on December 12 and 13.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Pete Tong on life as a legendary DJ: How the music star went from playing £100 sets in Kent villages to taking over the Royal Albert Hall
Despite his name being slang for things going wrong, it has all gone right for Pete Tong and his career. The veteran DJ, who over the years has become one of the biggest names in dance music, as well as being the BBC 's longest-serving DJ, started out by playing village halls in Kent and earning just £100 a set. Now, the 64-year-old has once again taken to the iconic stage at the Royal Albert Hall to perform his Ibiza Classics with Jules Buckley and the Essential Orchestra, as it celebrates its tenth anniversary. But life wasn't always big stages and crowds for Pete, as he shares with MailOnline how his first gig was at a school disco, where he performed for free and had to work a 'normal job' on the side. During an exclusive interview, Pete explained: 'The first time I ever played was a school disco, and I got paid nothing because I was learning how to do it. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Then I rented a village hall. It was quite entrepreneurial looking back, and I stuck posters up around the village and did this party and ended up with £100 on the kitchen table. 'I was around 16-years-old at the time and that was quite a lot of money back then.' While finding his feet in the music industry, Pete worked at Blues & Soul magazine, before landing a day job as an A&R man at London Records. 'My way into raving was being the DJ. I was out a lot, looking back at my old diaries I was playing six or seven times a week, but I wasn't raving I was playing. I obviously did go to clubs occasionally,' he added. Pete grew up in Dartford alongside his father who was a bookie and mother who was a former publican. Despite neither of them being musicians, Pete's love for music started to show at a young age. He shared: I didn't come from a musical family, but my dad did collect a lot of records. It just became a hobby early on in my life, then became a passion and then a life. 'My parents told me I was attracted to music as a baby, banging things, strumming things. I got a toy drum kit and then a real drum kit and went from there.' Recalling the moment he knew he wanted to be a DJ, he said: 'I saw a school DJ and it changed my life. A humble DJ at a school disco and I thought, "that would be fun to do". Pete admits 'staying healthy and relevant' has been the biggest challenge throughout his career. 'I don't lose sleep over it, but certain opportunities come along and you kind of reinvent yourself in ways you never thought,' he says. 'The best example being right now with the orchestra. If you had asked me 20 years ago, "what are you going to do in 10 years, how can you take your career to a whole other level?" I can guarantee I wouldn't have said an orchestra. 'There's lots of different challenges but it is just making the most of the opportunities and being grateful.' Pete said it was also hard juggling his busy schedule with family life, but admits it was his kids who kept him grounded. He shares three children with his ex-wife Deborah. Their marriage broke down in 2003. Pete also has another child and two step-children with his second wife Carolina Acosta, who he married in 2006. The broadcaster explained: 'It is definitely a challenge, and you learn a lot along the way. It also keeps you really grounded, with that responsibility and that to go home to, and I would like to think that is a big reason why I'm still doing what I'm doing. 'When I started DJing, I made a decision early on that I would only do the bits I really wanted to do and loved. I didn't want to be on radio seven days a week and I didn't want to be gigging seven nights a week. 'I wanted to pick and choose, and so I kind of always had a day job when I first started, because DJing wasn't seen to be the be all and end all, and the money wasn't the same from when I started to what it is now so that created a more regular environment around my kids.' Now, Pete and Jules are celebrating a decade of their Ibiza Classics with a string of shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall. The pair first teamed up in 2015 to perform for BBC Proms, an annual summer series bringing daily classical music to the Royal Albert Hall, but have went on to tour Europe with the orchestra. Each of the four shows will feature unique programming, including appearances from guest vocalists Becky Hill, Jacob Lusk (Gabriels), Jazzy, Clementine Douglas, and Barbara Tucker. Guest DJs Seth Troxler, Damian Lazarus, David Morales, and Paul Oakenfold will also join the show. Speaking about returning to the Royal Albert Hall after ten years, he said: 'It is surreal and inspiring to come into such a historical place doing what we are doing. 'But it isn't a nightclub, so you treat it in a different way. We are all super excited to be back.' And fans will be thrilled to hear that Pete has no plans to stop after ten years: 'There was a time five years ago when we said we would probably end it if we made it to ten, but now we never want to end it!' Pete Tong Ibiza Classics is at the Royal Albert Hall, London, May 29 - June 1. The broadcaster is also due to bring his acclaimed show to six UK arenas in December 2025. Kicking off in Glasgow on December 4, the upcoming run of shows also includes stop-offs in Nottingham, Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham. The tour, which Pete describes as a 'giant mobile disco', will conclude with two gigs at The O2 in London on December 12 and 13.
Times
21-05-2025
- Times
18 of the best hotels in Ibiza
Ibiza is a glittering actress in the Mediterranean Sea — an island that plays every role to perfection, whether it's a family-friendly resort, a playground for neon-clad ravers, a historian's picturesque ruin, a gourmet traveller's treasure trove, or a heat-flooded haven for beach lovers. The so-called White Isle's party reputation hasn't disappeared by any means, but has evolved over the decades to include something for everyone. Now, renowned DJs such as Pete Tong combine nights at the decks with days cycling the island's peach-coloured paths. So whether you're looking for a wellness retreat in the serene north or a chic beach club serving up sunset cocktails in the south, Ibiza has you covered. Here are some of the island's best hotels. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for a rustic retreat Pressed into the very centre of Ibiza's north is Balafia, a fortified hamlet built in the 14th century. This smattering of domestic-meets-defence buildings is easy to pass by, perched at the top of a tree-lined gravel track, but now there's good reason to visit. One of Balafia's medieval stone towers has been made into an agriturismo, sunk into green gardens wreathed in creepers, flowers and soft blue sky. Can Quince, with six rustic rooms, is a hushed haven with private terraces, a swimming pool, locally sourced breakfasts and engaging pop-up workshops. What's more, the hotel is surrounded by chilled walks that take in citrus orchards and gorgeous island panoramas. • Discover our full guide to Ibiza £ | SPA | POOL | Best for gourmands This bucolic east coast getaway may sound like many others — traditional 17th-century architecture, delightful solitude, winding woodlands, sun-dappled terraces and calming natural-toned interiors — but Can Domo has an extraordinary culinary trick up its sleeve. The hotel's restaurant's menu was created by Javier Sanz and Juan Sahuquillo, two young Spanish chefs that share two Michelin stars and one green star between their two restaurants in Madrid and Casas-Ibañez. Can Domo's menu is boosted by its own olive oil production, an organic, on-site orchard and a garden, where they grow seasonal crops, all of which are served alongside wild meats and fish. • Read our full guide to the Balearics ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for all-inclusive style On Ibiza's west coast, with airy spaces and quirky artwork crowned by a rooftop infinity pool and bar, this adults-only spot is perfect for sunset views. A short stroll from idyllic sandy coves and the town of San Antonio, TRS Ibiza provides a five-star, all-inclusive experience with swim-up suites, expansive pools (often featuring a DJ playing chilled beats), and a spa with a serene terrace sheltered by tall grasses. Dine at à la carte Argentine delight El Gaucho and locally focused Helios, or international buffet Capricho, stroll to the nearby sandy cove, or upgrade to the Signature Level for VIP extras. Read our full review of TRS Ibiza ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for bohemian bliss The ultimate example of Ibiza's bohemian-luxe offering, this spacious retreat blends into the pine-clad hillside on the island's northern tip. There are sensational sea views from the infinity pool, an organic farm supplying the hotel kitchens, a stylish boutique and an impressive spa serving up high-tech treatments and personalised wellness programmes. Then there are the multiple restaurants and bars offering everything from Middle Eastern cuisine to sushi, tapas to beachfront cocktails accompanied by live music. The resort may be vast, but it's cleverly designed to still feel like an earthy retreat, complete with palm-thatched roofs, rattan lanterns and muted rust and taupe hues. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for sustainable style This upmarket, environmentally friendly boutique hotel has panoramic vistas from the adults-only rooftop infinity pool, feng shui-inspired spaces and a vast Revival Spa. There are two other garden pools alongside the relaxed Mediterranean restaurant, Alabastro, while rooftop Maymanta is where the chef Omar Malpartida serves up fresh dishes inspired by his native Peru. Rooms are decorated in muted colours with bright splashes, and the whole hotel is bathed in light, with plenty of relaxed patios and chillout zones. Read our full review of Aguas de Ibiza £ | POOL | Best for retro Ibiza vibes Blending Italian flair with nostalgia for the Ibiza of the 1960s, a golden decade when Spain's restless young people escaped to the White Isle to live it up as bons vivants, this hotel is a retro riot of colour and style just steps from the beach. Think fresh blue and white floor tiles throughout, creamy whites with splashes of scarlet and curved mirrors. Spaces include Lola's, an ode to one of the island's first nightclubs, the Sorella restaurant and terrace, and sun-drenched cocktail spots with sea views. An adults-only hotel focused on 'the art of living', it has 167 rooms and suites that all come with balconies, Marshall speakers and old-school telephones. Several are named after Ibiza's most notable characters, including artists, designers and the founder of Pacha nightclub.££ | POOL | Best for a rooftop pool This former cinema is one of the most exciting boutique hotels in Ibiza, courtesy of the Standard, whose London outpost is a notorious celebrity magnet. A white cubist exterior keeps it inconspicuous from the outside, while inside there are lots of nods to local tradition in its 53 rooms, with blinds constructed from fishing nets and cosy rugs produced on the island. Art by up-and-coming talent add bursts of colour throughout, but the main event is undeniably upstairs: a buzzy lavender-filled rooftop with an infinity pool and bar where guests can toast the striking views of Dalt Vila fortress. When hunger strikes there's ultra-cool Jara, open year-round and switching between cocktail-fuelled bingo brunches and slick dinners, or Up, a buzzy Japanese-Mexican bar that opens on the rooftop in summer. The exclusivity is dialled up along the road at Casa Privada, a 14-room private residence complete with outdoor hot tubs, a yoga studio, rooftop bar and glorious plunge pool.£| SPA | POOL | Best for a chic retreat Pristine, palm-dappled grounds and a gleaming white exterior give way to art deco design at Hotel MiM Es Vive. Not far from Playa d'en Bossa and the historic Dalt Vila, this trendy hotel is an adults-only retreat that keeps its Ibiza essence with sea views and a stylish Sky Bar where a DJ spins chilled tunes. Spend your days relaxing by the pool, enjoying a restorative massage at the wellness centre or taking a yoga class. Then, as the sun sets, head to the sultry Experience Bar and on to dinner at Restaurant Deco for fresh Mediterranean cuisine. ££ | POOL | Best for partying Both a stylish hotel and jumping nightspot, Ushuaia has become the place to stay on Playa d'en Bossa. All-white with quirky decor (check out the oversized ants in the foyer advertising the club night of the same name), this vast hotel is divided into two. Ushuaia Tower is quieter, positioned around a sleek, red-tiled pool, while the Ushuaia Club looks out over a separate pool and the stage where you can watch top DJs do their thing. Expect chilled beats, day parties and a whole selection of bars and restaurants, including Hell's Kitchen, Mediterranean-meets-Pacific the Beach, Japanese fusion Minami and the Oyster and Caviar Bar. ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for unbridled glamour A fusion of Coco Chanel's monochrome aesthetic and the epicurean philosophy of indulgence, Bless Hotel in Cala Nova is big on elegance and coastal tranquillity. Clean lines and plush amenities adorn each space of this luxury hotel. There are endless sea views, vast lagoon-like pools and a luxurious spa with its own indoor garden. Then there's the sleek rooftop pool with its Epic Infinity Lounge, as well as cocktail bar Llum Pool Club. Definitely reserve a table at Etxeko restaurant, created by lauded Basque chef Martín Berasategui and awarded a Michelin star in 2023. • Best things to do in Ibiza• Best luxury villas in Ibiza ££ | SPA | POOL | Best for rustic luxury On a 32-acre estate in the rolling countryside of Ibiza's interior, this agriturismo property manages to be rustic yet truly decadent. The centrepiece is a 300-year-old whitewashed farmhouse with gnarled wooden beams, tiled floors and antique furniture. There are 24 rooms and suites, with hidden courtyards, rolling lawns and a beautiful pool area. The spa is in the orange groves and gardens, with a pool, hammam, sauna and treatments topped off with yoga and Pilates sessions.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for a back-to-nature stay Contemporary rooms and suites come with furniture made by local artisans at this rural retreat in the sun-kissed Ibizan countryside. Terraces have views of the surrounding olive, fig and pine trees, there's a T-shaped aquamarine pool, a spa with hot tub and soothing waterfalls, a hammam, an ice bath and a serene sundeck. The chic Salvia restaurant works wonders with Mediterranean ingredients and has glass walls with countryside views and an outdoor terrace. ££ | POOL | Best for beachside living Not far from Ibiza Town, in the bay of Talamanca, the handsome Ocean Drive hotel comes with a split-level pool and impressive views across the Mediterranean views towards the Dalt Vila old town. With 117 rooms and suites, you have a choice between sea views, private terraces and even your own private rooftop with a pool. Sip cocktails at the poolside bar, or treat yourself to oysters and champagne. The OD Sky Bar has exquisite views across to the island of Formentera in the distance.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for laid-back luxury With its natural wood and stone, this Japanese-influenced boutique hotel is a study in what it refers to as 'bohemian minimalism'. Just a short walk from Cala Gracio and its beaches, and surrounded by pine-covered hills, OKU has two pools and luxurious swim-up rooms, a spa and wellness area for treatments and yoga classes, and (this being Ibiza) a resident DJ. The juice bar keeps things healthy by day; the rustic, thatched pool bar supplies signature cocktails after dark. The two restaurants are headed up by the executive chef Mark Vaessen, who joined from the renowned Sushisamba. Read our full review of OKU Ibiza££ | POOL | Best for understated elegance Just outside Ibiza Town, this designer agriturismo has been lovingly renovated from its milk-farm roots by the owners, with soft brushed stone, wood, neutral tones and elegant minimalism designed to let the setting take centre stage. A 15th-century watermill overlooks the gleaming infinity pool and there is an open yoga temple with retreats hosted throughout the year. The restaurant is in lush gardens where Mediterranean-Asian fusion dishes are prepared using the hotel's own organic produce.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for family fun Carefree luxury is the order of the day at this five-star resort, designed like a whitewashed village in a pine grove on the cliffs of Ibiza's west coast. Looking out over the mystical rocky outcrop of Es Vedra, this all-suite luxury hotel sits between the beautiful coves of Cala Comte and Cala Codolar with uninterrupted views of the turquoise waters. An infinity pool seems to jut out into the Mediterranean, plus there's a family pool and a kids' club. Then there is the spa, ready to knead you into a state of bliss with various wellness retreats and services. Meanwhile, the View restaurant delivers just what the name promises. Read our full review of 7Pines Resort Ibiza££ | POOL | Best for eccentric A-list style Freddie Mercury once held a legendary birthday party here, Grace Jones has stayed and so has Jon Bon Jovi. And more than 40 years after it first opened, the rock 'n' roll approach to Ibiza living continues in the San Antonio hills. There are just 26 rooms, a pool that you may recognise from Wham's Club Tropicana video all those years ago, and an atmosphere that captures the original carefree hedonism of Ibiza. Relax by the pool by day or play a game on the hot-pink tennis court by day, then in the evening dine in candlelight at Pikes restaurant and enjoy live DJ sessions and cocktails at the Sunset Terrace Bar.££ | SPA | POOL | Best for bohemian vibes Embrace the island life at Pure House Ibiza, a bohemian 19th-century estate tucked into a lush hillside lined with orange and olive groves. The hotel is conveniently located near Ibiza Town for accessing great beaches and parties, yet its gardens — populated with apricot, mango and fig trees — offer a sanctuary from the island's buzz. The 30-acre property combines wood, natural stone and sandy tones. Splash around the pool, try a serene yoga session and spa treatment, then head to dinner for a healthy, organic meal. Additional reporting by Lucy Perrin and Jo Davey • Best family hotels in Ibiza• Best all-inclusive hotels in Ibiza
CairoScene
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
IMS Dubai Presented by Beatport Returns 13th-14th Nov, 2025
IMS Dubai Presented by Beatport Returns 13th-14th Nov, 2025 The two-day summit aims to be a key meeting point for fostering growth, collaboration, and sustainable development across the region's rapidly expanding music markets. International Music Summit (IMS), a leading global platform for electronic music in Ibiza, is returning for a second edition in Dubai, presented by Beatport, from November 13th to 14th. Building on the success of IMS' MENA debut in Dubai last year in 2024 and its mission to foster conversations and connections within the rapidly evolving region, IMS Dubai 2025 will feature two days of expert-led panel discussions, keynotes, and networking opportunities, plus a curated evening programming. The summit will celebrate the region's thriving electronic music scene, bringing together a slew of artists, collectives, and visionaries driving its growth and evolution. It will also explore the future of the music scene and its broader impact on the creative and commercial industries, offering valuable insights on opportunities in investment, gaming, and evolving technology. Last year, IMS Dubai was packed with discussions and keynotes on various topics, spanning trends, innovations, and challenges facing the music community, with speakers from YouTube, Warner Music Group, Anghami, Tomorrowland, CAA, and Defected. The exclusive evening parties also featured a stellar lineup of artists such as Deep Dish, Cosmicat, Saliah, Yas Meen Selectress and Stryv, with a series of exclusive evening parties. 'It's exciting to see how IMS Dubai has already become a vital touchpoint for the region. The energy, curiosity, and ideas we saw last year made it clear that this is a place that can provide lots of knowledge and value.' Pete Tong, Co-founder of IMS, tells SceneNoise, 'We're really building momentum and giving a platform to local and international talent who are moving the needle and pushing boundaries. Dubai is fast becoming a hub for forward-thinking creators, and IMS is right at the heart of it.' This year, IMS Dubai, presented by Beatport, will take place at the 25hours Hotel One Central, positioning the summit at one of the city's most vibrant hubs for music and culture. With its focus on investment, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends, IMS Dubai aims to serve as a vital meeting point to foster growth, collaboration, and sustainable development across the region's fast-growing markets. Early bird tickets for the summit are now available on Stay tuned to SceneNoise for announcements about the IMS Dubai 2025 speaker roster, artist showcases, and evening program.
Evening Standard
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Evening Standard
Best Garmin Watches 2025: Top picks for every adventurer
Best for: Grappling with the whole sport gamut. Including grappling… The Garmin Forerunner comes in, at last count, over 80 different iterations, catering to all comers from the low-level user with shallow pockets in their Lycra leggings, right up to those with no need for pockets at all because they keep all cash digitalised and ready to be accessed over Garmin Pay. And it's in this latter camp that the latest Forerunner, the 965, lingers, waiting to be let off the leash. At a relatively small 35.4mm (1.4-inches) in size, the 965 features a clear, bright AMOLED display with a 454 x 454-pixel count, a whopping 32GB of memory, and a big ol' battery that'll see you good to go for up to 23 days, dependent on usage, obviously. Built from titanium for strength and lightness, Corning Gorilla Glass DX takes good care of the display, while the bundled silicone strap will fit all but the most elephantine of wrist sizes (135-205mm) and the colour options run from the subtle to the, well, not so. Inside, meanwhile, is an exercise-obsessed Aladdin's Cave of cutting-edge tech, including an absolute array of sensors for pinpoint GPS tracking and monitoring of your heart rate, respiration rate, stress and blood oxygen saturation, alongside a barometric altimeter, gyroscope, compass, thermometer, accelerometer and ambient light sensor. These all work in glorious union to unerringly measure your metrics and track every step, swing, stroke of any of the seemingly endless number of sports it can cover, whether that's a triathlon, indoor rowing, cycling, swimming, motocross, ice skating, martial arts, or cricket. In fact, the only sport it appears not to work with is Octopush, but I may have simply missed that in the option settings. Naturally, all the usual suspects relevant to all those exercise options are present and correct, too, such as step counter, calories burned, swim speed, distance travelled, reps achieved, etc., tracking and recording every inch you travel on your journey to Olympian-like status. With various safety features also in place, such as Incident Detection and Group Live Track available to keep an eye on you in case anything goes Pete Tong while you're out pushing your boundaries in the wild, you can run, ride and race secure in the knowledge that a snapped ankle or bad fall won't see you simply become another victim of Britain's bear population. And as this is king of the Forerunners, it also comes rammed to the rafters with day-today dynamics, like Bluetooth for connectivity with your Android or iOS smartphone, thereby allowing for notifications, text response, call rejection (Android only), calendar access, smartphone/memory-based music control, Vibe camera remote, and more besides. A truly great watch for those keen to achieve their own greatness, the Forerunner 965 is all things to all athletes.
