The founder of Ibiza's Pikes Hotel, Tony Pike, has passed away

Tributes have been pouring in for one of the most-loved characters in Ibiza's history.

Date published: 25th Feb 2019

Tony Pike, the man behind Ibiza's legendary Pikes Hotel, has died aged 84. 

He passed away following a battle with prostate and skin cancer. In July 2018, Pike began to raise money for cancer treatment, but the campaign didn't reach its goal. 

The British-born Australian converted a derelict farm east of San Antonio into a hotel in the late 70s, a space which would go on to be the set for Wham!'s "Club Tropicana" and, in 1987, the place where Freddie Mercury celebrated his 41st birthday. Tony invited 500 people – 700 showed up for a party that lasted three days.

It became renowned as a place for the rich and famous. Spandau Ballet, Led Zeppelin, Jon Bon Jovi, Boy George all became guests at the hotel, and when Grace Jones arrived at Pikes, she and Tony began a year-long affair. 

In the noughties, as Ibiza commercialised, Pikes hosted DJs including Carl Cox, Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold, Erick Morillo, Roger Sanchez, David Morales - who became friends of Tony's.

Tony Pike sold the hotel Dawn Hindle and Andy McKay, who are behind Manumission and Ibiza Rocks, in 2008. Pike said: "People think I am a multimillionaire because the hotel is sold. The opposite is true."

Tributes have poured in across social media, celebrating some of the most memorable Tony Pike moments.