The Legacy of Manumission: Revisiting Ibiza’s Most Uninhibited Era
In her evocative new memoir, The Motel: High Times in ‘90s Ibiza, Claire Manumission offers an unfiltered look back at the island’s most liberated decade. By revisiting the chaotic, vibrant energy of the era, the book captures a moment in time when the White Isle served as a global epicenter for unbridled hedonism. We’ve curated a selection of excerpts and rare imagery from the book, showcasing the unique atmosphere of the legendary party that transformed a former brothel into a sanctuary for the avant-garde.
- Author: Gemma Ross | Photography: Josean
- Published: 14 July 2026
A New Dawn for Balearic Club Culture
Long before the polished, VIP-heavy landscape of modern Ibiza, the island operated as a playground for pure, unadulterated escapism. It was a place where the boundaries between sunset and sunrise dissolved, fueled by a collective desire for total liberation. At the heart of this cultural shift was MANUMISSION, a visionary project birthed by brothers Andy and Mike McKay. Originally hailing from the Manchester club scene, the duo brought their high-octane, theatrical approach to the Mediterranean in 1994, forever altering the trajectory of electronic music culture.
From Massive Arenas to Intimate Subversion
The MANUMISSION phenomenon initially found its home at the colossal Ku Club. As the world’s largest nightclub-later rebranded as Privilege and currently evolving into the cutting-edge [UNVRS]-the venue provided the perfect canvas for the brothers’ grand, ecstatic vision. These events were more than just parties; they were immersive spectacles that set the gold standard for what a “superclub” could achieve.
However, the true soul of the movement often thrived in the shadows of the mainstream. Seeking a space that felt more personal and subversive, Claire Davies (known to the world as Claire Manumission) and Mike McKay acquired a property on the outskirts of the island that had previously operated as a brothel. This unconventional venue allowed them to strip away the artifice of the mega-clubs, fostering a queer-friendly, intimate environment that prioritized raw expression over commercial spectacle. It was here that the true, visceral spirit of the Manumission ethos was most clearly defined.
