Pilot Magic Live is a popular and highly regarded live entertainment event that showcases incredible magical performances by talented pilots. This event combines the thrill of aviation with the wonder of magic, creating a unique and mesmerizing experience for audiences of all ages. The magic and illusions performed at Pilot Magic Live are specifically designed to be integrated with aviation elements, making it a truly one-of-a-kind show. Pilots who participate in this event undergo rigorous training to master the necessary skills for executing high-flying magical acts. From disappearing acts to levitation tricks, the performances never fail to astound and captivate the crowd. One of the key features of Pilot Magic Live is the use of specially modified aircrafts that add an extra level of intrigue to the performances.

The Magic Collection

It’s no easy task recording music that already has an identity, reproducing sounds that were recorded almost 50 years ago is a challenge must be done with precision, expertise and passion.

Many hours were spent working on the Pilot songs to make them sound exciting and contemporary. In some cases, new ideas and arrangements unfolded as the songs began to take shape, adding that extra punch and freshness to the music.

So here I am, flying the flag for Pilot, and I’m excited about this album; I’ve gone full circle and back to reliving the Pilot music all over again.

And Pilot music is very much alive on The Magic Collection. It has been a nostalgia trip of pure joy.

I hope Pilot fans enjoy this collection of songs as much as I did in putting the album together.

Many thanks to Ian Bairnson for his amazing guitar work on January and Penny in my Pocket.

To Sadie Paton for superb backing vocals on January, Lucky for some, Canada, Penny in my Pocket, Out of Touch and You’re Devotion.

All other instruments, vocals, programming and production by David Paton

A big thank you to my friend Kenny Herbert for the Artwork kennyherbertdesign.co.uk/

Magic – The David Paton Story – Paperback

Hardback Copy – Sold Out
Paperback Copy Now Available

When I discovered The Beatles at the age of fourteen, I had no idea that one day I’d work with Paul McCartney in Studio two at Abbey Road; or that I’d write a number one worldwide hit; or that I’d spend three years touring the world and recording as bass player with Elton John, including playing in his band at Live Aid. These achievements were well beyond my imagination – yet I did them. Making music is a joy and a privilege, but my career as a musician has made it possible for me to meet and work with some of the world-famous artists that I idolised.

I am the singer, songwriter and bass player with the group Pilot. I wrote the worldwide hits ‘Magic’, ‘January’ and ‘Just a Smile’. I was a member of The Alan Parsons Project for ten years. I have done session work with The Pretenders, Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Chris De Burgh, Chris Rea and Jimmy Page, to name but a few.

This book gives an insight into the life of a successful songwriter and session musician. I have a lot to say, but as well as telling my story, I also offer a valuable insight into what to do – and what not to do – should the reader be interested in pursuing a career in music.

David Paton first gained recognition as the lead singer and writer of the group Pilot, writing their hit songs including ‘Magic’ and number one ‘January’ in the mid-1970s. He then went on to collaborate with various major artists such as Kate Bush, The Alan Parsons Project, Elton John and Paul McCartney.

He has always had a genuine passion for writing, playing, and producing all types of music, with an emphasis on collaborating with other musicians. Still active in music, he lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Pilot magic live

This ode to reverie is powered by an irresistible chorus where lead singer David Paton stretches out some "o"s to show some serious vocal range, starting the stanza with "Oh, oh, oh" and ending each line with something that rhymes with it:

Oh, oh, oh, it's magic you know
Never believe it's not so
It's magic you know
Never believe it's not so

This chorus shows up four times in the song, including at the beginning. There are only two verses, and remarkably, they don't mention a girl; they're about waking up on a sunny day.

This was the first of three "Magic"-al hits over a 10-year span. Olivia Newton-John cast a spell with her "Magic" in 1980, going to #1. The Cars released their "Magic" in 1984, taking it to #12.

This was the first single for the Scottish pop band Pilot, which reached #1 in the UK with "January" from their next album. "Magic" was written by the band's keyboardist, Billy Lyall along with frontman David Paton. Produced by Alan Parsons, it was their only Top 40 hit in the US.

This song was used in the movies Herbie Fully Loaded (2005), Doogal (2006) and Magicians (2007). It is also heard in the 2005 independent film Eve and the Fire Horse, which takes place in the 1970s. >>

In 2009 actress Selena Gomez recorded a cover for the soundtrack CD of the Disney Channel's Wizards of Waverly Place series. The song was released as the lead single for the soundtrack, reaching #61 and renewing interest in Pilot's original version.

The band's guitarist, David Paton, performed this song (along with Pilot's other hit, "January") as a soloist in the Countdown Spectacular 2 concert series in Australia, which ran from August to September of 2007.

Pilot’s ‘Magic’ Trick: Never Believe It’s Not So

It’s one of those songs that you might not hear for years, but then when you do, it’s as if you’d heard it just yesterday. “Magic” has levels of familiarity embedded into its signature melody and its engaging, uplifting vocal. Within a few seconds—if you’re old enough—your mind will place it smack dab in the mid-’70s, when the song scooted up the U.S. Billboard singles chart to #5.

If you’re the sing-along type, you won’t have to tax your brain very hard. Its chorus will come back to you instantly: “Oh-ho-ho, it’s magic, you know, never believe it’s not so,” they sing, and why would you? They’re very convincing.

The couple of verses are simple too: a few lines about loving to sleep in and listen to the “crazy music playing in the morning light” and loving a sunny day. and that’s all there is to it. That. and a very catchy guitar riff. Even if you’re too young to remember when it ruled the radio, it’s pretty difficult to resist.

But who exactly are these good-timing optimists? You draw a blank. Could it be early ELO? You go to YouTube and type “ELO magic” into the search bar. Nope, only “Strange Magic.” Wasn’t them.

Pilot in a 1975 publicity photo

Now your curiosity is piqued. You bring up Google, input “magic” and the search engine returns more than three billion possible solutions. Hmm, we’re gonna need to narrow this down a bit. How about “magic song 1970s”?

Well, what do ya know? It’s the first result. Turns out “Magic” was a song from a band called Pilot . And that leads you down another rabbit hole, because unlike, say, ELO, you can’t think of another song by Pilot and have no clue who they were or where they’re from or what became of them. Inquiring rock fan minds want to know.

Turns out they were Scottish, from Edinburgh to be precise. Formed in 1973 by bassist/vocalist David Paton and keyboardist/vocalist Billy Lyall—both of whom had been “substitute members” (whatever that is) of the Bay City Rollers—they were joined by drummer Stuart Tosh, who also sang. Additional non-member personnel, most notably guitarist Ian Bairnson, filled out the sound.

They cut their debut, Alan Parsons-produced album, cleverly titled From the Album of the Same Name, in 1974 (in the U.S. it was just named Pilot, because we’re no fun), and released “Magic,” credited to Paton and Lyall. It rose to #11 in the U.K. but did even better in the States where it reached #5 on July 12, 1975.

And so Pilot was off, ready to conquer the world! Except, they didn’t. A track called “Just a Smile” went absolutely nowhere, anywhere, and although their single “January” actually topped the British chart, and the Australian chart, the Pilot light didn’t spark a second time in the U.S.—“January” flamed out at #78.

There would be other efforts, and a handful of albums that never got off the ground (Pilot error?) but by 1978 the band members had landed in other places. Tosh and Paton joined the Alan Parsons Project (Tosh also worked with 10cc), and Paton appears to still be active today. Lyall died in 1989.

But for all intents and purposes, Pilot joined the ranks of the wonderful one-hit wonders in 1974, with their ever-alluring “Magic,” and that’s not a bad trick at all.

Watch Pilot showcase their song, “Magic”

Best Classic Bands Editor Jeff Tamarkin has been a prolific music journalist for more than four decades. He is formerly the editor of Goldmine, CMJ and Relix magazines, has written for dozens of other publications and has authored liner notes for more than 80 CDs. Jeff has also served on the Nominating Committee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and as a consultant to the Grammys. His first book was 'Got a Revolution! The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane.' He is also the co-author of 'Shell Shocked: My Life with the Turtles, Flo and Eddie, and Frank Zappa, etc.,' with Howard Kaylan.

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Magic

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One of the key features of Pilot Magic Live is the use of specially modified aircrafts that add an extra level of intrigue to the performances. These planes are equipped with hidden compartments, trapdoors, and other mechanisms that allow for seamless integration of magic tricks. This innovative combination of aviation and magic creates an experience that is both visually stunning and intellectually stimulating.

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Pilot Magic Live events are usually held in large venues, such as airshows or arenas, to accommodate the sizeable audience that is drawn to this captivating spectacle. The performances are accompanied by engaging background stories and narrative elements, further enhancing the overall experience for the viewers. The success of Pilot Magic Live can be attributed to the incredible talents of the participating pilots and the creative minds behind the magic tricks. The seamless integration of aviation and magic makes this event truly unique, capturing the imagination and fascination of audiences around the world. Attending a Pilot Magic Live event is a truly memorable experience that will leave you in awe of the incredible feats performed by the participating pilots. The combination of aviation and magic creates a captivating and unforgettable show that will dazzle and inspire. Whether you are a fan of magic, aviation, or both, Pilot Magic Live is an event that should not be missed..

Reviews for "The Artistry of Pilot Magic Live: The Intersection of Beauty and Illusion"

1. Sarah Johnson - 1/5 stars - I was so disappointed with "Pilot Magic Live". The tricks were predictable and lacked originality. The magician's delivery was dry and lacked charisma, making the whole performance feel dull. I've seen much better magic shows with more talented performers. Save your money and skip this one.

2. Mark Thompson - 2/5 stars - "Pilot Magic Live" was just average at best. The tricks were nothing out of the ordinary and I felt like I've seen them all before. The execution was okay, but there was no wow factor that makes a magic show memorable. I wouldn't actively discourage anyone from seeing it, but I also wouldn't recommend it enthusiastically.

3. Jessica Carter - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Pilot Magic Live" but unfortunately, it fell flat. The magician seemed unprepared and made several mistakes during the performance. The tricks themselves were basic and lacked any real surprise or awe. It felt like amateur hour rather than a professional magic show. I was expecting a lot more and left feeling disappointed.

4. Alex Anderson - 1/5 stars - I regretted attending "Pilot Magic Live". The tricks were so obvious that I could easily figure out how they were done. The magician's lack of showmanship made the whole experience even worse. I was hoping for a thrilling and mysterious evening, but instead, I got an underwhelming and uninspiring performance. Save your money and find a more talented magician elsewhere.

5. Emily Thompson - 2/5 stars - "Pilot Magic Live" was a letdown. The illusions were cliché and lacked creativity. The magician's stage presence was unimpressive, and it felt like he was going through the motions rather than engaging the audience. I expected to be wowed and amazed, but I left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. It was an average performance at best and not worth the ticket price.

The Magic of Interaction: How Pilot Magic Live Engages the Audience