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This was one of Ian's earliest sessions
and probably the one that had the most impact on his career
or at least potentially could have altered its direction dramatically.
Yvonne's boyfriend and the producer of the single was Steve
Harley. At the time, Ian had moved from Edinburgh to London
to make it in the Rock world. Initially he had shopped around
demo tapes done by this band from Edinburgh without any success.
Ian remembers one rejection clear as day. After hearing one
particular song, the record executive responded "No,
this isn't what we're looking for". That song had some
"Magic" in it as it soon became a world-wide smash.
Once Pilot got a recording contract, Ian was faced with a
tough decision - he had another offer on the table. Steve
Harley was so impressed by Ian's guitar playing on "Tumbling
Down" that he asked him to join Cockney Rebel. What would
you do? Join an established band or take your chances with
a new record contract. Fortunately, Ian decided to stay with
his friends in Pilot. Chance had nothing to do with the world-wide
success the band later achieved.
Guitar: Les Paul, Amplifier: Marshall 50 with 4x12 cabinet.
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