24/12/2024
RIP Alfredo Fiorito, the great Balearic DJ of Ibiza, who has died aged 71. He had been in poor health for a time, and last March a crowd funder was set up to raise money for his ongoing healthcare needs - the club/dj community rallying around him.
Born in Argentina, Alfredo emigrated to Spain in 1976, aged 23, making his way to Ibiza, a favourite location of travelling hippies since the late ’60s,
He began DJing at Bebop in 1982, and soon attracted the attention of the island’s renowned underground club, Amnesia, making his debut in 1983.
Inspired by DJ Carlos, who played at Es Paradis, Alfredo was revered for his eclectic selections, including pop, indie and rock alongside US & European dance releases, which he served up to a decidedly diverse audience, creating an uninhibited atmosphere within the venue.
Trevor Fung, a London-based DJ who headed over to Ibiza whenever he could, having originally fallen in love with the white isle whilst working for the Club 18-30 package holiday company, provided the key to Alfredo’s global legacy. Initially, inspired by the music he’d heard on the island, he attempted, but failed, to bring the Balearic approach to the nights he held at Ziggy’s in Streatham with his friend, Paul Oakenfold. Then, in 1987, Oakenfold headed over with fellow DJs Danny Rampling, Nicky Holloway and Johnny Walker to celebrate his birthday along with Fung and his cousin Ian St. Paul, who were working on the island. The friends went out to Amnesia and, having taken ecstasy together, experienced a communal Damascene conversion that would have a seismic impact on the course of club culture.
Alfredo would become artistic director at Amnesia, staying there for two years before moving to Pacha, whilst also DJing during the winter months in mainland Spain, and in 1988 DJ Mag dubbed him ‘DJ Of The Decade’. Subsequent Ibizan residencies at Manumission and on the Space Terrace would underline his legendary status.
This is from the closing party of Amnesia, Ibiza -- 3rd of October '89. Not much to say really other than it's one of the best things I've seen for summing u...
