Partying Island Style

Having spent four whole long weeks in the country since schlepping back from Coachella I was literally gasping for an escape route. Mercifully an invite came in the nick of time before my tan had completely faded and jetted me out to the isle of party fun that is Ibiza for the Xbox 360 Rock Band launch.

After a somewhat inauspicious start – the flight out of Gatwick was akin to being stuck in an episode of Gavin and Stacey – what with the cacophony of pink cowboy-hatted stag and hen dos surrounding me – I was soon back in my natural habitat of a £10 million villa, complete with chef and infinity pool overlooking the bay of Ibiza town. Reader, it was a relief for us all, and I’m not shy to say that I had to buck myself up with a couple of constitutionals to get through it all.

Friday avo and I hauled myself up off the sun-lounger and headed to Blue Marlin - lush little bar a la playa, full of bronzed, beautiful folk, it was like walking in to a mid- 80s Duran Duran video. Except better. And with an impromptu catwalk show on the sand.

Now what with being a girl I am not exactly au fait on the world of computer games (although my knowledge of Rock Band had been bolstered by a recent Gossip Girl episode – Blair’s birthday, Serena has a little rock off with that other girl who’s name I forget…anyhoo, I digress), so this Xbox malarkey was really a whole new learning experience pour moi. But I tell you, after being sold the spiel – I started to get as excited as a geeky 12 year old boy with social issues. Here are some things I learnt – it plays DVDs and you can download movies (no more trudging to Blockbuster in the rain) and upload all your music (and you can even plug in your ipod) and as for the Rock Band game? I tell you I was all over it like Debbie Harry in a striped batwing body con. And cementing the authenticity of it all those bona fide Geordie rock-stars Maximo Park were there playing away and showing off some discernable skill. They’ll also be judging a Europe wide Rock Band competition – winners of which will get to have a little VIP ‘beefa experience of their own - check out the link at the bottom for full info.

So then the Maximo boys (So lovely and sweet, although I was nonplussed as to why their lead singer felt the need to wear a hood up over his baseball cap and sunglasses on - at night – is nu rave still alive in the North?) swung by the Villa for a little bbq action, and then it was off off off to the opening night of the legend that is Pacha. As anyone knows all good nights end up in the kitchen, and somehow that is where I found myself. I am going to squarely lay the blame at the foot of the Dom Perignon magnum.

Check out the Xbox Rockband website right here