Nektar

Nektar (German for Nectar) is an English progressive rock band originally based in Germany.

Nektar
Roye Albrighton with Nektar live in 2007
Background information
OriginHamburg, Germany
GenresProgressive rock, space rock
Years active1969–1978, 1979–1982, 2000–2016, 2018–present
LabelsCurrent:
On Stage Records, Purple Pyramid Records, a division of Cleopatra Records, Inc.[1]
Former:
Bellaphon, United Artists, Passport, Decca, Polydor, Ariola, Bacillus
Websitenektarband.comnektarsmusic.com
Members
  • Ron Howden
  • Klaus Henatsch (New Nektar)
  • Derek "Mo" Moore
  • Alexander Hoffmeister (New Nektar)
  • Randy Dembo
  • Heike Nolden (New Nektar)
  • Norbert "Panza" Lehmann (New Nektar)
  • Ryche Chlanda
  • Kendall Scott
  • Mick Brockett
Past members
  • Roye Albrighton
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman
  • Keith Walters
  • Dave Nelson
  • Dave Prater
  • Carmine Rojas
  • Ray Hardwick
  • Larry Fast
  • Tom Hughes
  • Steve Adams
  • Desha Dunnahoe
  • Steve Mattern
  • Peter Pichl
  • Billy Sherwood
  • Tom Fry
  • Lux Vibratus
  • Tommi Schmidt
  • Che Albrighton

Early history

The band formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1969. The founding members were Englishmen Roye Albrighton on guitars and lead vocals, Allan "Taff" Freeman on keyboards, Derek "Mo" Moore on bass, Ron Howden on drums and artists Mick Brockett and Keith Walters on lights and "special effects". Though the concept of non-performing bandmembers was not unprecedented (i.e. lyricist Keith Reid in Procol Harum), it was considered unusual that a third of Nektar's lineup had no role in performing or writing their music. Throughout their early existence the band's songwriting was credited to all six members on the album sleeves, but BMI records show that the music was written by the four performing members (Albrighton, Freeman, Moore and Howden). Mick Brockett did however co-write the lyrics with "Mo" Moore, and invented or contributed to the original album titles.

The band's debut album, Journey to the Centre of the Eye (1971), consisted of a single song running over 40 minutes, with the last 100 seconds of the first side repeated at the beginning of the second side to maintain continuity. It was a concept album, following an astronaut who is given overwhelming knowledge by extraterrestrials, with sonic textures reminiscent of psychedelic rock. The follow-up, A Tab in the Ocean (1972), drew on more conventional rock and blues influences. Walters had left by the time of their third album, the heavily improvised live-in-the-studio double LP ...Sounds Like This (1973), though the band would continue to use his art in their shows and album designs for a time. A cult following grew for the band, based largely on word of mouth.

Success

Nektar's U.S. release, Remember the Future (1973), propelled the band briefly into mass popularity. A concept album revisiting Journey to the Centre of the Eye's theme of extraterrestrials granting a human enlightenment, but with a blind boy as the protagonist. It demonstrated a much more melodic sound than previous albums and shot into the Top 20 album charts in the U.S.. The follow-up, Down to Earth (1974), was another concept album (this time with a circus theme); it also sold well, breaking into the Top 40 album charts and including their only song to chart on the Billboard singles charts, "Astral Man". The next album, Recycled (1975), was stylistically close to bands like Gentle Giant and carried on the band's close connection with progressive rock.

Albrighton left the band in December 1976, just prior to the studio sessions for Nektar's first major-label release, Magic Is a Child (1977). The remaining members were joined by guitarist/vocalist Dave Nelson at this point. The album was more eclectic, although with shorter songs and fairly straightforward rhythms. Lyrically the album covered a wide range of subjects from Norse mythology and magic to more down to earth subjects like railroads and truck drivers. In 1978 the band dissolved; however in 1979 Albrighton and Freeman reformed the band with bassist Carmine Rojas and drummer Dave Prater and released a new album, Man in the Moon (1980), before the band dissolved once again in 1982.

Reformation

Nektar regrouped in 2000 with a line-up consisting of Albrighton, Freeman, and drummer Ray Hardwick; and released a new album titled The Prodigal Son. The following year, the band headlined NEARfest (opposite Steve Hackett) with the full classic line-up including Mo Moore on bass, Ron Howden on drums and Larry Fast (who played on Recycled) again guesting on synthesizers.[2] In 2003, Moore departed the band and was replaced by new bassist Randy Dembo. Nektar cut one more album, Evolution, before Freeman was replaced by Tom Hughes. Dembo and Hughes left in August 2006, citing communication problems, money issues, personality issues and trust in the management issues. Dembo was briefly replaced by a returning Carmine Rojas, before the band settled on a line-up that consisted of Albrighton, Howden, guitarist Steve Adams, bassist Desha Dunnahoe, and keyboardist Steve Mattern. However, this line up never appeared live on stage in public.

Later in 2006, the band found new management in Roy Clay to replace The Eclectic Records staff, playing "Prog fests" around the globe on a part-time basis, and occasionally appearing in some of their old haunts in the New Jersey/New York area. Clay was subsequently released from management duties early 2007 after a dispute over financial matters. The band made an official complaint which exposed further fraudulent acts. Clay was ultimately convicted for fraud, lying and forgery, and was jailed for 2 years and 11 months.[3]

In mid-2007, a solo tour was undertaken by Albrighton. A full band tour of Europe (primarily Germany) was scheduled by a European-based promoter, but they had to postpone as extra funds were needed to complete the new album, Book of Days, which was not released until the following year, by which time Adams, Dunnahoe, and Mattern had departed the band. Book of Days featured more of Roye Albrighton's guitar work than previous Nektar albums.[4]

In late 2007, the band embarked on a tour for which they performed Remember the Future in its entirety, the line-up now including Klaus Henatsch on keyboards and Peter Pichl on bass. In this formation they toured extensively through Europe in 2008. These concerts resulted in the highly acclaimed live double CD album "Fortyfied", which was released in 2009 under Roye's own "Treacle Music" label. In 2009, the band also played their first gig in the US again, appearing as headliners at the legendary "Rites Of Spring" festival and a week-long tour along the East Coast.

In mid 2011, Lux Vibratus joined the band on bass for the Cleopatra records 'Space Rock Invasion Tour' in the U.S.[5] By the time the band came to record the covers album A Spoonful of Time (2012), bass duties were shared by session musician Jürgen Engler, Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan, and Yes member Billy Sherwood, who also served as the album's producer.[6] The Albrighton-Howden-Henatsch-Sherwood line-up recorded and released the album Time Machine.[7] A special post-recording show was put together at the Coach House in South Orange County, California. Returning to Nektar in 2013, Lux Vibratus was on bass for the Cruise To The Edge event, followed by The Virada Cultural Festival in São Paulo, Brazil. In June, this line-up went on the road again for a U.S. tour billed as the 'U.K. Legends of Classic Rock'.[5][8] In January 2014, bassist Tom Fry joined the band for a European tour. On this tour Che Albrighton, Roye's son, made his first appearance as a drummer because Howden had a different engagement. Che had previously worked as tour manager for Nektar on several tours.

On 26 July 2016, Roye Albrighton died after an unspecified illness, at the age of 67.[9]

After the death of Roye Albirghton, Klaus Henatsch (Keys), Ron Howden (Drums) and Tom Fry (Bass) decided to move on with the production of a new album with On Stage Records, the label they worked with since 2015. First release under this label the Live CD double album Live In Bremen. Also highly regarded and appreciated because it documents the last tour with Roye Albrighton. Later also released as triple vinyl album. For this new beginning of Nektar Alexander Hoffmeister has been asked to follow the footsteps of his idol and friend Roye Albrighton. After an audition in 2017, Klaus Henatsch, Ron Howden and Tom Fry were willing to continue the tradition of Nektar with Alexander Hoffmeister as new front singer and guitar player.[10]

In early 2018, Ron Howden (drums) decided to leave the formation to found his own Nektar contribution in the US and approached Derek "Mo" Moore about joining his Nektar band. When Moore agreed, former members Randy Dembo (bass and 12-string), Mick Brockett (lights, projections and atmosphere), and Ryche Chlanda (guitar and vocals) were soon signed on. To fill the keyboards slot, Kendall Scott, a friend of Chlanda's was brought aboard.

The circumstances of Howden leaving lead to the current state of the band, namely that there are two formations following the name "Nektar". One is based in Germany and operates under the name New Nektar, and one is based in the United States. To create some distinction and distance from old successes, the German formation released their concept album Megalomania in 2018 using the name "New Nektar". To fill the gap on drums, the German entity engaged Che Albrighton, Roye Albrighton's son, to record the drums for Megalomania, though when the band played their Megalomania Release Tour in December 2018, he was busy playing with Jamie Lawson, so Norbert "Panza“ Lehmann joined the band. The US line-up assembled a set of never-formally recorded songs from Chlanda's previous time in the band and began rehearsals and recordings for a new album to be titled The Other Side. That album was released in January 2020 under the name "Nektar".[11]

Personnel

United States

  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1969–1978, 2003–2016, 2019–present)
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, vocals and lyrics (1969–1978, 2002–2003, 2019–present)
  • Mick Brockett - special effects (1969–1977, 2002, 2019–present)
  • Ryche Chlanda - guitars, vocals (1978, 2019–present)
  • Randy Dembo - bass, bass pedals, backing vocals (2003–2006, 2019–present)
  • Kendall Scott - keyboards (2019–present)

Germany (also known as New Nektar)

  • Klaus Henatsch - keyboards, backing vocals (2007–present)
  • Alexander Hoffmeister - vocals, guitars (2017–present)
  • Norbert "Panza" Lehmann - drums, backing vocals (2018–present)
  • Heike Nolden - bass, violin, backing vocals (2019–present)

Former members

Line-ups

1969–1972 1972–1975 1975–1976 1976–1977
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Mick Brockett - special effects
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Keith Walters - special effects
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Mick Brockett - special effects
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Mick Brockett - special effects
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
Additional personnel
  • Mick Brockett - special effects
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Dave Nelson - guitars, lead vocals
Additional personnel
  • Larry Fast - synthesisers
1977–1978 1978 1978 1978–1979
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Dave Nelson - guitars, lead vocals
Additional personnel
  • Larry Fast - synthesisers
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Dave Nelson - guitars, lead vocals
  • Ryche Chlanda - guitars, backing vocals
Additional personnel
  • Larry Fast - synthesisers
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals

Disbanded

1979–1980 1980–1982 1982–2000 2000–2002
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Dave Prater - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Carmine Rojas - bass, backing vocals
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Dave Prater - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Carmine Rojas - bass, backing vocals
  • Tommi Schmidt - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals

Disbanded

  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, bass, lead vocals
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ray Hardwick - drums, percussion
2002–2003 NEARfest 2002 Reunion 2003–2004 2004–2006
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ray Hardwick - drums, percussion
  • Larry Fast - synthesisers
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion
  • Larry Fast - synthesisers
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, backing vocals
  • Scott Krentz - percussion and vocals
  • Micheel Eckert - backing vocals
  • Maureen McIntyre - backing vocals
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Allan "Taff" Freeman - keyboards, synthesisers, backing vocals
  • Randy Dembo - bass, bass pedals, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Randy Dembo - bass, bass pedals, backing vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Tom Hughes - keyboards, backing vocals
2006–2007 2007–2011 2011–2014 2014–2016
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Steve Adams - guitars, backing vocals
  • Desha Dunnahoe - bass, backing vocals
  • Steve Mattern - keyboards
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Klaus Henatsch - keyboards, backing vocals
  • Peter Pichl - bass
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Klaus Henatsch - keyboards, backing vocals
  • Lux Vibratus - bass
  • Billy Sherwood - bass (2013)
  • Roye Albrighton - guitars, lead vocals
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Klaus Henatsch - keyboards, backing vocals
  • Tom Fry - bass
2017–2019 2019–present 2019–present

New Nektar

  • Klaus Henatsch - Keyboards
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Tom Fry - bass, keyboards, vocals
  • Alexander Hoffmeister - guitars, vocal
  • Ron Howden - drums, percussion, backing vocals
  • Derek "Mo" Moore - bass, keyboards, vocals
  • Mick Brockett - special effects
  • Ryche Chlanda - guitars, vocal
  • Randy Dembo - bass, bass pedals, backing vocals
  • Kendall Scott - Keyboards

New Nektar

  • Klaus Henatsch - Keyboards
  • Tom Fry - bass, keyboards, vocals
  • Alexander Hoffmeister - guitars, vocal
  • Che Albrighton - Drums
  • Norbert "Panza" Lehmann - drums, backing vocals

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album United States AUS[12]
1971 Journey to the Centre of the Eye
1972 A Tab in the Ocean 141
1973 ...Sounds Like This
Remember the Future 19 72
1974 Down to Earth 32 93
1975 Recycled 89
1977 Magic Is a Child 172
1980 Man in the Moon
2001 The Prodigal Son
2004 Evolution
2008 Book of Days
2012 A Spoonful of Time
2013 Time Machine
2018 Megalomania (released by New Nektar)
2020 The Other Side

Live albums

Year Album
1974 Sunday Night at London Roundhouse (5 tracks)
1977 Live in New York
1978 More Live Nektar in New York
2002 Sunday Night at London Roundhouse Expanded version (10 tracks)
2002 Unidentified Flying Abstract - Live at Chipping Norton 1974
2004 Greatest Hits Live
2005 2004 Tour Live
2005 Door to the Future - The Lightshow Tapes Volume 1
2005 Live In Germany 2005
2008 Live In Detroit 1975
2011 Fortyfied
2011 Complete Live In New York 1974 (compiles Live in New York + More Live Nektar in New York)
2011 Greatest Hits Volume 1 (Re-release of CD 1 of Greatest Hits Live)
2011 Greatest Hits Volume 2 (Re-release of CD 2 of Greatest Hits Live)
2014 Live at the Patriots Theater (re-release of Greatest Hits Live)
2017 Live in Bremen

Compilation albums

Year Album
1976 Nektar
1978 Thru the Ears
1978 Best of Nektar
1994 Highlights
1998 The Dream Nebula: The Best of 1971–1975
2008 The Boston Tapes
2011 Retrospektiv 1969–1980

Singles

Year Title Billboard Hot 100 U.S Mainstream Rock UK Top 100 Album
1973 "Do You Believe in Magic?" - - - ...Sounds Like This
1974 "What Ya Gonna Do?" - - -
"Remember the Future (Edit)" - - - Remember the Future
"Fidgety Queen'" - - - Down to Earth
"Astral Man" 91 - -
1975 "Flight to Reality" - - - Recycled
2005 "Always" - - - Evolution

Videography

Video albums

Year Title
2003 Live
2005 Pure: Live in Germany 2005

References

  1. Martin Kielty, "Nektar’s Roye Albrighton dead at 67" Teamrock.com, July 28, 2016
  2. "NEARfest Official Facebook Page". NEARfest Archives. Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  3. Naylor, Mark (18 April 2011). "Music Producer's £170,000 Swindle". Grimsby Telegraph.
  4. "27-Apr-2008 interview with Roye Albrighton on Outsight Radio Hours". Archive.org. Retrieved 15 February 2013.
  5. "The Current Band Members". Nektar: The Official Website. Retrieved 5 April 2018.
  6. "Nektar - A Spoonful Of Time (CD, Album)". Discogs.com. 2 November 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  7. "Nektar - Time Machine (Vinyl, LP, Album)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  8. "2013 & 2014 Tour Dates - The Nektar Project Forum - Page 1". web.archive.org. 1 December 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2020.
  9. "Legendary NEKTAR Frontman Roye Albrighton Passes". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  10. "The Story of NEKTAR". Bravewords.com. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  11. "Concert Review of NEKTAR". Regioactive.de.
  12. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 214. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
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