It is with great sadness that we inform you about the passing of the beloved Denver Nuggets mascot, Rocky. Rocky was an icon and a cherished member of the Nuggets family for over three decades. Known for his high energy, acrobatic stunts, and entertaining performances, Rocky brought joy and excitement to Nuggets fans young and old. He was not just a mascot; he was a symbol of resilience and determination, reflecting the spirit of the team he represented. Rocky's presence at Nuggets games was always a highlight, as he interacted with fans, participated in halftime shows, and kept the crowd engaged throughout the game. His infectious enthusiasm and playful persona made him a fan favorite and a true ambassador for the team.

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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His infectious enthusiasm and playful persona made him a fan favorite and a true ambassador for the team. Beyond his on-court antics, Rocky was also actively involved in the Denver community. He visited schools, hospitals, and charity events, spreading cheer and lifting spirits wherever he went.

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He used his platform as a mascot to inspire and motivate people of all ages. Throughout the years, Rocky became an integral part of the Nuggets organization, and his absence will be deeply felt. His legacy will live on through the memories he created and the joy he brought to so many. The Denver Nuggets organization extends its deepest condolences to Rocky's family, friends, and fans. We are grateful for the happiness and positive impact he had on our community. Rocky's spirit will forever be a part of Nuggets history, and his vibrant personality will never be forgotten. As we mourn the loss of Rocky, let us remember the joy he brought and honor his memory by continuing to support our beloved Denver Nuggets..

Reviews for "Farewell to the Beard: Denver Nuggets' Mascot Rocky Leaves His Mark"

1. Emma - 2 stars:

I was not impressed with the Denver Nuggets mascot Iota. I found the costume to be poorly designed and not very appealing. Additionally, Iota's performance was lackluster and did not engage the crowd. The whole experience left me feeling bored and underwhelmed. I would not recommend Iota as a mascot for the Denver Nuggets.

2. Mark - 3 stars:

While I appreciate the effort that went into creating Iota, the Denver Nuggets mascot, I found it to be a bit confusing. The concept behind the costume was unclear and did not adequately represent the team or its values. Furthermore, Iota's interactions with the audience were minimal and did not create a fun or energetic atmosphere. Overall, I was expecting more from the Nuggets' mascot and was left disappointed.

3. Sarah - 2 stars:

I attended a Denver Nuggets game recently, and I have to say I was not impressed with the mascot, Iota. The costume was bulky and awkward, making it difficult for Iota to move and interact with the crowd effectively. Additionally, Iota's performance lacked enthusiasm and creativity. It seemed as though the mascot was just going through the motions, rather than entertaining the fans. I was disappointed with my experience and would not recommend Iota as a mascot for the Denver Nuggets.

4. Jason - 2 stars:

Iota, the Denver Nuggets mascot, left a lot to be desired. The costume design seemed outdated and unappealing, not matching the modern and dynamic image of the team. The mascot's actions were repetitive and lacked originality, making it hard to be entertained. I was hoping for a more engaging and exciting experience with the mascot, but I was left unimpressed. I would suggest the Denver Nuggets consider reevaluating their mascot choice to better represent the team's spirit.

5. Rachel - 3 stars:

Iota, the Denver Nuggets mascot, fell short of my expectations. The costume lacked vibrancy and did not embody the energetic atmosphere of a basketball game. Moreover, Iota's interactions with the crowd were limited, and there was a lack of creativity in the mascot's performance. Overall, while I appreciate the effort put into creating Iota, I felt that it could have been executed better to provide a more enjoyable experience for fans.

From the Sidelines to Center Stage: Rocky, the Denver Nuggets' Mascot