It doesn't get much better than this, party people. Earlier in the week it looked like the world's No. 1 DJ would be in town next week and spinning not once, but twice, as two major promoters and a beer company fought over Tiesto and which house he would play in.
As of press time, however, it was confirmed by all the relevant parties that Tiesto would be playing just one concert, at the World Trade Center on Saturday, April 17, as planned.
But the spat does show that there have been massive changes in the city since Luxy opened late last year and MoS joined the market two weeks ago. From being a relative dance music backwater, Taipei now has some of the best clubs in the region and is drawing not just big names, but the biggest.
It was not always thus. Last year the Dutch master was picked to play at Luxy, but that fell through, so the enterprising promoter Alan Hsia tried again and managed to land Tiesto for a gig at the World Trade Center 3 site this month, as part of the DJ's world tour.
Obviously, the new big dog in the neighborhood, MoS wanted the world's greatest DJ to play at Asia's biggest purpose-built nightclub and used its connections with the beer company and the DJ's management to try and get him to play an extra date at MoS the night before he was scheduled to play at the Word Trade Center.
This bold move, not unnaturally irritated Hsia, caused ructions with the beer company and led to a flurry of memorandums and legal notices between the three parties, including advertisements in the local press.
Hsia said this speculation had to stop: "It's 110 percent certain that Tiesto will only perform on the 17th at World Trade Center 3. That's the only date and the only venue in which you will see him step near the DJ booth in Taiwan."
Hsia added that a big event was planned, with supporting local DJs Jo Hoe and Vertigo playing back-to-back. The winners of various DJ contests would play earlier in the evening, with guest stars such as the singing/dancing and spinning Miss Motif, among others. Tiesto would play for a minimum of three- to three-and-a-half hours and 3,000 to 6,000 people were expected, Hsia said.
He also produced evidence of the deal from the DJ's management company The Music Matrix, in London, which states:
● "Tiesto's only performance in Taiwan will be at World Trade Center 3 on 17th April."
● "Tiesto will not perform at Ministry of Sound on 16th April."
● "Tiesto will not attend the (DJ final) at Ministry of Sound on 16th April."
Contacted by The Vinyl Word, Emma Norris at The Music Matrix confirmed the above information. In a further twist, however, she said there would be another meeting. It was at this meeting that some quarter was given to MoS on the third point, above, according to an MoS insider.
He said it was now settled that Tiesto would be playing his official gig at the World Trade Center and he would be turning up at MoS for the finals of a nationwide DJ competition on Friday.
The Vinyl Word? The competition is good for Taipei clubbers, as it will reduce prices, bring over talent and encourage local DJs.
As for what's on, there's a break to chill out after the excitement of Kenting last week and the Tiesto party next week. The top act is probably Stephane K, with live percussion and the Loop DJs, at Luxy tomorrow. The only other event of note could be The Living Room's event for aspiring DJs tomorrow, from 9:30pm to 12pm. Dubbed "Testify" with DJ Marc, you get a chance to play your favorite five tracks. Contact The Living Room at 3F, 8 Nanjing E Rd, Sec 5, Taipei
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