8 tracks that lit up Carl Cox at Privilege, a truly legendary Balearic party

After his 15-year love affair with Space came to an end last September, Carl Cox announced to the world that he would be relocating to Privilege in 2017 to host an exclusive two-date summer residency. When we spoke to Carl in May, he promised us that he and his crew were going to take Ibiza clubbing back to the old-skool. On Tuesday July 11, he and his team went one step further. Not only did they make good on their promise, they delivered one of the greatest Balearic parties of all time.

We arrive early – 9pm. There are around 300 people in the Coco Loco, perhaps 50 more puffing away on the smoking terrace – menthol slims and red Marlboros and electronic pipes spewing chocolate-orange scented vapour. By 9.30pm the Coco Loco is rammed. Island residents Jason Bye and Andy Baxter are dolling out tough, groove-laden tech-house. Right now, this is the only room open. Fuck, to make it down to the toilets we’re going to have to grab hold of this tree, jump this railing. The party hasn’t even started, but already anything goes.

Compared to Space, the capacity here at Privilege is at least double. You can get more punters through the door, but the added girth doesn’t necessarily guarantee more custom; you sill have to fill the venue. And on a night like this, you need to fill the multiple dancehalls with genuine ravers – young educated dance heads – otherwise the party won’t go off like it’s supposed to. It’s key to get the island workers in and get them in early. These kids are your techno fanatics, the aficionados. They direct the holidaymakers. They know the score and you want them on your side.

A few minutes before 10am, upstairs in the Thunderdome, a five hundred-strong brigade of workers come flocking into the venue via the long gangplank. They each wear a yellow wristband which allows entry into the venue for 15€, providing they arrive before 10am. Nobody can complain about Ibiza ticket prices tonight. Even if you’re completely broke, even if you’re not the sharpest needle on the tone arm, you can still manage to scrape together 15€. That’s approximately £12 to access a 10-hour rave-fest headlined by the best DJ in the world. If you want to be here tonight, on this momentous occasion, clearly Carl has made it affordable for everyone. From the youngest workers to the most affluent millionaires, everyone is invited. And by the look of the queues gathering outside, everyone is coming!

Journey through the night via the eight biggest tracks played below.