In 1987, Oakenfold visited the island of Ibiza with a few friends, discovering a new kind of clubbing experience fueled by DJ-centric dancefloors and rampant ecstasy consumption. Oakenfold brought this vision back to the UK, starting a weekly acid house residency at The Sanctuary known as ‘Spectrum at Heaven in Charing Cross.’ Over the next few years, Britain experienced a full-blown acid house revolution, which later came be known as the iconic ‘Second Summer of Love.’
Now, 30 years on, Paul is paying homage to this iconic era with an expansive world tour and compilation album, titled Generations. The tour finds Oakenfold celebrating the various stages of his career, from downtempo, to house and trance — all of which will be encapsulated in the music played during the tour as well as in an official, 3-disc, 60-track compilation album.
Much of his Oakenfold’s career has been predicated on his desire to take electronic music into new spaces, whether it be the Hollywood Bowl, or Wembley Stadium. His Generations tour will continue the theme, with Oakenfold hiking 17,000 feet to perform at Mt Everest’s Base Camp. “I really want to take electronic music and push it as far as it can go,” he says of the task.
What’s more, Generations will be a precursor to some even more ambitious international plans. “We’re in the process of putting seven shows over a few years in incredibly unique places,” Oakenfold says. “The first place will absolutely blow your mind, because it’s never been done. We don’t even know if the equipment will work.”
Though Oakenfold couldn’t disclose the location, he promised it will be worth the wait. “When they tell you what it is, you’re gonna laugh your head off.”
At over 30 years into his career, one might ask Paul what’s driving him to do all this. He’s certainly made his mark in the dance world and beyond, and could just as easily rest on his laurels. Yet, unhindered by the pressures of success, Oakenfold has perhaps found himself in his most creatively liberated state yet.
“That moment where I went to Ibiza — did I ever think the start of the scene with a couple of friends would lead me to sitting here with you, seeing the world through a box of records? No. I’m very lucky, I’m very fortunate. And I’m in a great moment where I’m just enjoying it. I’m comfortable with who I am and where I am.”
Billboard Magazine Interview
