Pete Tong presents biza Classics

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Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics at First Direct Arena, Leeds

Wednesday, 10 December 2025

Get ready for an unforgettable night as the legendary Pete Tong brings his iconic Ibiza Classics show to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. This is more than just a concert; it’s a spectacular celebration of the anthems that defined a generation and continue to electrify dancefloors worldwide. Prepare for a mesmerising fusion of world-class orchestral arrangements and the pulsating energy of the greatest Ibiza tracks, reimagined for a breathtaking live experience. Witness the magic unfold as Pete Tong, alongside a magnificent orchestra and special guest vocalists, transforms the First Direct Arena into a cathedral of sound, delivering a night that promises to be a definitive highlight of the 2025 events calendar.

About Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics

Pete Tong is a name synonymous with electronic music. For decades, he has been a driving force behind the global dance music scene, not just as a DJ but as a tastemaker, innovator, and ambassador for the genre. His journey began in the vibrant club culture of the late 1970s and early 1980s, where his passion for eclectic sounds quickly propelled him to prominence. Tong’s early career saw him championing new sounds on pirate radio stations before landing his seminal BBC Radio 1 show, Essential Selection, in 1991. This programme became a global phenomenon, introducing millions to cutting-edge electronic music and cementing his reputation as the ultimate curator.

Beyond the airwaves, Tong has been instrumental in bringing dance music to mainstream audiences. He founded the influential label FFRR Records, nurturing artists who would go on to achieve international stardom. His productions and collaborations, often released under various guises, have produced numerous chart-topping hits that have become ingrained in the cultural fabric of dance music. Tracks like “Your Love” with Frankie Knuckles and Jamie Principle, “Age of Love” with Jam & Spoon, and his own iconic instrumental “Go” are testaments to his enduring talent. He has a knack for identifying and elevating tracks that resonate deeply, turning them into timeless anthems.

The Ibiza Classics concept emerged as a natural evolution of Tong’s deep connection to the White Isle and its unparalleled musical heritage. By collaborating with orchestras, he aimed to reimagine the emotional power and euphoric build-ups of seminal house and trance tracks in a grand, live setting. This project has seen him perform at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, always with a focus on delivering an experience that is both nostalgic and groundbreaking. The show is a masterclass in how electronic music can transcend its club origins and be presented with symphonic grandeur, proving that these timeless tracks possess an enduring appeal that crosses genres and generations.

Venue Information

The First Direct Arena in Leeds is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose entertainment venue renowned for its innovative design and capacity to host some of the world’s biggest artists. Its distinctive architectural style, with its distinctive tilted ellipse shape, is a landmark in the city. Inside, the arena boasts a flexible seating configuration and a cutting-edge sound system, ensuring an exceptional audio-visual experience for every concert-goer. The venue’s commitment to providing a comfortable and accessible environment for all its visitors makes it the perfect setting for a spectacular event like Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare yourself for an evening that pulsates with the very essence of Ibiza. Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics is not merely a concert; it’s an immersive journey through the most defining moments of dance music history, brought to life with breathtaking musicality. The setlist will be a carefully curated selection of iconic tracks that have soundtracked summers and dancefloors for decades. Expect to hear anthems that have been re-arranged and orchestrated to soar to new heights, blending the raw energy of classic house, trance, and progressive house with the rich textures and power of a full symphony orchestra.

While the exact setlist remains a delightful surprise, you can anticipate iconic tracks that have been synonymous with the Ibiza experience for generations. Think of the euphoric builds of trance classics, the soulful grooves of house anthems, and the driving beats that have moved millions. These beloved tunes will be reinterpreted by a world-class orchestra, breathing new life into them with sweeping strings, powerful brass, and intricate woodwind arrangements, all underpinned by the driving force of electronic beats and percussion.

Pete Tong himself will be at the helm, acting as conductor and curator, guiding the orchestra and audience through this sonic landscape. His passion for these tracks is palpable, and his ability to connect with the music and the crowd is second to none. Alongside him, a host of talented guest vocalists will grace the stage, adding their incredible voices to the anthems, delivering goosebump-inducing performances of tracks that you know and love. The performance style is one of pure celebration and musical excellence. It’s a sophisticated yet deeply visceral experience, where the raw emotion and energy of the original tracks are amplified by the symphonic arrangements.

The duration of the show is typically around two and a half hours, including an interval, allowing ample time for the orchestra and Pete Tong to deliver a comprehensive and unforgettable programme of music. This is an opportunity to relive your favourite clubbing memories, discover the orchestral beauty of these timeless tracks, and be part of a truly unique musical event that bridges the gap between the dancefloor and the concert hall.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Pete Tong? Pete Tong is a globally renowned DJ, producer, and radio presenter, widely considered one of the most influential figures in electronic dance music. He is best known for his long-running BBC Radio 1 show, Essential Selection, which introduced millions worldwide to cutting-edge dance music. Tong has been a pivotal force in shaping the perception and reach of electronic music for over three decades.

Q2: What is the “Ibiza Classics” concept? Ibiza Classics is a unique live show where Pete Tong collaborates with a full symphony orchestra and special guest vocalists to reimagine iconic dance music anthems. The aim is to present these beloved tracks with symphonic grandeur, blending orchestral arrangements with the original electronic elements to create a powerful and emotional live experience.

Q3: Will there be guest vocalists performing? Yes, Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics consistently features talented guest vocalists who lend their voices to many of the classic tracks. These vocalists are integral to bringing the songs to life with their powerful and emotive performances.

Q4: Can I expect to hear specific songs? While the exact setlist for each show is a carefully guarded secret to build anticipation, you can expect a selection of the most iconic and beloved anthems from the golden eras of house, trance, and progressive house music. These are the tracks that defined Ibiza and continue to be celebrated globally.

Q5: Is this a traditional DJ set? No, this is not a traditional DJ set. While Pete Tong is at the heart of the show as the curator and conductor, the performance features a live symphony orchestra playing orchestral arrangements of dance music classics, complemented by guest vocalists and electronic elements. It’s a hybrid live music experience.

Q6: How long is the performance? The total performance time for Pete Tong presents Ibiza Classics is typically around two and a half hours, which includes a scheduled interval. This allows for a full and comprehensive programme of music to be presented.

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