It’s always a cliché to call a single event the end of an era — especially before it has even happened — but in the UAE nightlife world it doesn’t get much more monumental than Audio Tonic’s last-ever night at 360°.
Today’s clubbing scene looks nothing like the one Mike Bufton shone a bright light into ten years ago, when the much-loved DJ/promoter also known as Mr Mr hosted his first party on that iconic, circular dance floor, 1km out to sea.
The industry has evolved at a blistering rate since then, living through peaks and troughs, trends and fads. And throughout it all, Audio Tonic has remained a true constant, serving up a connoisseur’s brand of house music week-in week-out; never afraid to embrace new sounds, but always comfortable enough in their own groovy identity to father what became known as “the Audio Tonic” sound.
But now, after a decade of good times, ahead-of-the-curve international guests and enviable sunsets, this Friday (May 20) Audio Tonic hosts its “last ever” party at 360°. For regulars, it’s difficult to imagine that venue and those beats apart — a nasty break-up of what seemed to be the most perfect couple. And as with all divorces, we friends must pick who to follow.
Bufton is yet to reveal where Audio Tonic — which also hosts weekly parties at Abu Dhabi’s Pearls & Caviar — will be reborn after summer, but he’s promised it will be special. I know which side of this conscious uncoupling I’ll be on.
But first, of course the AT team are not leaving without a bang, welcoming a packed bill of regular residents to the decks for one last hurrah — deep breath: Jason Dodds, JC Pinto, Megadon Betamax, Rich Showell, Russ Cooper, Tobie Allen, Wisqo, Mr Mr (of course) and the return of Julian Jinx — for one last, epic 11-hour shindig. To turn in another cliché, I can say there’s no place I’d rather be.
Audio Tonic’s Last Dance at 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Friday May 20, 4pm-3am.
Register for guest list by sending full names to guestlist@audiotonic.net
Table reservations and information: +971 (0)55 500 8518 (daily from 3pm); www.audiotonic.net.
