Although we might be well into the 2025 summer season, it's only now that Mau P is starting new residency Baddest Behaviour at Pacha Ibiza. It feels like we just got hit by a fresh wave of adrenaline, right at the start of the second half of summer.
The Amsterdam-born DJ has seen a meteoric rise in the past few years, from underground upstart to global headliner. Monster anthems Drugs From Amsterdam and Gimme That Bounce have become dancefloor staples.
Attending the opening party of a new residency is always a big deal. It sets the tone for the rest of the season; a statement of intent. The headline DJ needs to bring their absolute A-game. No excuses for anything but. We can reliably inform, that is exactly what happened.
Pacha Ibiza rewards Baddest Behaviour
We rolled in just as Patrick Mason was taking control of the main room, and, far out, if there’s a man who understands how to get a crowd going, it's him. Forget your stoic, chin-stroking DJ. Patrick drops the heaters and dances like his life depends on it.
Arms flailing and hips swaying, it’s obvious he relishes his time on stage. Quite honestly, the man is an event all by himself.
After a good hour and a half of Mason’s infectious beats and boogying, Mau P took the reins, rocking a backwards beret like he just rolled in from a Parisian rave. The look was bold, but the music was bolder: chunky basslines, thumping kick drums and tight percussion.
We hadn't expected anything less from the Dutch dance music don.
Later, Mita Gami joined Mau for some cheeky back-to-back madness, with transitions so smooth you barely noticed until you were a few drinks deeper into the groove.
The two had fantastic chemistry, and fed off each other’s energy. The combination pushed the crowd harder, while lacing in filthy vocal dubs that kept the heads bobbing and fists pumping. Baddest Behaviour was living up to its description.
As for the set’s big moments, you probably won't be surprised to hear that Drugs from Amsterdam tore the roof down. Off the back of its official release last week, TESLA was another of our host's own tracks to get a thunderous reaction.
Relentless bullying from his fanbase finally got the better of him. It was nigh time. The release button just had to be pressed. It’s a tough life at the top for a DJ...
Finally, Chris Lake's unreleased remix of Galvanize by The Chemical Brothers nearly caused a meltdown. Mau P and Mita Gami came ready for business, and the crowd ate it all up. Baddest Behaviour didn’t just land, it bloody well slammed.
On the night, DJ sets from Discipline, Patrick Mason, Mita Gami and, of course, Mau P himself, the opener that pulled out all the stops. With a room full of devoted followers, curious locals and peak-season party pilgrims, Mau P showed how he's earned a seat at Ibiza's top table.
The Dutch youngling hasn't so much been put on the naughty step, but put on a pedestal.
For much of the night, the dancefloor was rammed. While almost every inch of space was contested, it didn't put a brake on any dancing. The Baddest Behaviour opening party was one of those rare nights where the energy stayed dialled up right to the end.
With an opener this well received, take it from us that Baddest Behaviour is not one to miss.
Be a little naughty and reward yourself to a visit to Pacha on Wednesday night between now and 8 October.
Tickets and line-ups for the next nine dates can be found below.
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Raul Sanchez
