The French space-disco band behind the 1977 album and hit single “Magic Fly” was Space.
Space was founded by French keyboardist and composer Didier Marouani, who also used the name Ecama during the group’s early period. The band’s synthesizer-led sound combined electronic textures, disco rhythm and science-fiction imagery, making it an important early example of space disco and a precursor to later electronic dance music.
“Magic Fly” was originally written in 1976 for a proposed astrology television program. After that project fell through, Marouani and his collaborators reshaped the piece for release. The album appeared in 1977, reached No. 1 in France and climbed to No. 11 in the United Kingdom; the single reached No. 2 in the UK.
The title can cause confusion because “Space” is also a broad genre and a common band name. Here it refers specifically to the French group sometimes billed as Didier Marouani & Space. Their early performances emphasized futuristic costumes and an astronaut-themed identity.