Pilot is a Scottish rock band formed in 1973 in Edinburgh by David Paton (vocals and bass) and Billy Lyall (keyboards and vocals), both former members of the Bay City Rollers. The band gained international fame with their 1974 hit "Magic," which reached No. 11 in the UK and No. 5 in the US, becoming a pop classic. Their biggest success came with the song "January," which topped the UK Singles Chart in January 1975. Pilot released four albums before disbanding in 1977, with notable contributions from guitarist Ian Bairnson, who became a permanent member after initially working as a session musician. The band was managed by Nick and Tim Heath and signed to EMI Records[1][3][4]. David Paton, a key figure in Pilot, is recognized for his versatile musicianship and songwriting. After Pilot, he worked extensively as a session musician and collaborator, including with The Alan Parsons Project and the progressive rock band Camel. His vocal work and songwriting have been well regarded in rock circles, with a career spanning over four decades. Paton also co-wrote songs for pop acts like Westlife in the 2000s[2][5]. Pilot's music is characterized by catchy pop-rock melodies and harmonies, blending elements of soft rock and glam rock. Though their original run was brief, their songs continue to receive airplay and remain influential in pop rock history. The band members occasionally reunited for projects such as re-recordings in the early 2000s, affirming their lasting legacy beyond their 1970s peak[3]. Pilot's enduring relevance lies in their classic hits, especially "Magic" and "January," which still resonate with audiences and showcase the melodic sensibility of 1970s Scottish rock[6].