From Edinburgh suburbs to global stages with Elton John and Kate Bush
In short: How did a self-taught guitarist from Gilmerton become a cornerstone of 1970s pop and progressive rock? From the chart-topping success of Pilot to the intricate layers of The Alan Parsons Project, David Paton’s career spans decades of musical evolution and unexpected collaborations.
Born in Edinburgh on 29 October 1949, David Paton began his musical journey as an autodidact, teaching himself guitar at age 11. His early career was marked by the rise and fall of various groups, including his first band, The Beachcombers, which signed with CBS Records in 1968 before splitting due to financial difficulties in 1970. After a brief stint with the Bay City Rollers, Paton co-founded the band Pilot in 1973, achieving significant UK success with hits like 'Magic' and 'January'. Paton's versatility saw him move seamlessly between pop and progressive rock. He was a founding member of the original lineup of The Alan Parsons Project, performing from 1975 until 1985. During this era, he also contributed to the early works of Kate Bush, playing on her 1978 albums 'The Kick Inside' and 'Lionheart'.
His session work and touring credits are vast, including a decade-long tenure with Elton John from 1985 to 1995, which included a notable performance at Live Aid. Beyond his work with major stars, Paton has demonstrated remarkable independence. In 2019, he released 'The Traveller - Another Pilot Project', a record where he handled almost all instrumentation himself. His career is a testament to musical endurance, transitioning from the studio sessions of the 1970s to solo releases like 'Passions Cry' in 1991 and his autobiography, 'Magic: The David Paton Story', published in June 2023.
His ability to navigate different musical landscapes—from the pop precision of Pilot to the complex arrangements of the Alan Parsons Project—has made him a sought-after collaborator for artists ranging from Camel to Rick Wakeman.
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