Teatro Ibiza, one of the bastions of live music in the city, has closed for good. In recent years, it had become a meeting point for lovers of live music, and almost all the musicians on the island had performed on its stage, along with numerous bands from abroad.
The venue, managed by Juangui Harmsen, had been closed since early October after being seriously affected by the floods that hit the Vila neighbourhood of es Pratet and, in particular, Carlos III Street, where the venue is located. At the time, a temporary closure was announced to recover from the damage, but the shutdown has now become definitive. According to Diario de Ibiza, the final decision is due to a unilateral breach of contract by the company that owns the hotel where the space is located, Eurostars Puerto de Ibiza.
Reactions from the sector have not been long in coming. “What bad news for music in Ibiza, the closure of my beloved Teatro Ibiza. One of the few places left on the island where you could listen to quality live music several days a week throughout the year. As a musician and as a spectator I found there a refuge full of good vibes and good people, especially all the staff who always treated me incredibly well. Hugs and my thanks to Gabri, Matteo, Yeshe, Aaron, Alain, Michael and so many other musicians with whom I shared incredible nights there, now great friends. I wish, hope and know that my dear and incombustible Juangui Harmsen will soon give us back our happiness. Brother, you know you have my unconditional support. Això és només una aturadeta… Love U”, wrote renowned instrumentalist Joan Barbé on his social media.
Musician Iván Doménech also noted: “Very sad that Teatro Ibiza is closing. A wonderful and beautiful place that exuded music, culture and camaraderie, and a reference for all of us who work in this field. A big hug and all my strength to Juangui Harmsen, who has done so much to establish a key venue on the island, with exceptional treatment and quality”.
Members of the band Uncle Sal expressed their dismay: “We received with great sadness (and also anger!) the news of the final closure of one of our favourite stages on this island. We keep indelible memories of the times we played at Teatro Ibiza, and of how incredibly Juangui treated us, with that unbeatable enthusiasm and good vibes. We wish him all the luck in the world for the future, as well as the guys in the band. You have won us over forever, and although this is a hard blow, you will succeed in whatever you do, and we will continue to meet on the road. Thank you”.
Metal guitarist and singer Marc Riera, among many others, added his message: “Very sad news. The biggest of hugs to Juangui Harmsen and his family, and to the musicians and workers. We will always remember Teatro Ibiza”.
The closure of Teatro Ibiza leaves an immediate gap in the regular programming of small- and medium-format concerts, and is yet another blow for music lovers on an island with fewer and fewer stable venues offering live music throughout the year.