Embracing the perspective that every life span post-illness would be spent alongside his former band, the speaker expresses admiration for Nektar, the influential prog band that significantly impacted Iron Maiden's Steve Harris.
In the world of progressive rock, the name Nektar continues to resonate, more than five decades after the band's original formation. However, the current status of the band is a bit fragmented, with two competing versions active as of 2025.
The German-based lineup is led by keyboardist Klaus Henatsch, who has continued the band following the death of founding guitarist Roye Albrighton in 2016. This version, known as The New Nektar, has been keeping the band's music and spirit alive.
On the other side of the Atlantic, a U.S.-based group was launched by founding member Ron "Chopper" Howden in 2018. This lineup includes 70s-era lighting engineer Mick Brockett. It's implied that Ron Howden was involved with this lineup before his passing in 2023, so it's likely that this group has continued under his initiative or that of other members.
Tragically, key original members Roye Albrighton, Taff Freeman, and Ron Howden have all passed away. Albrighton, who had nearly died following a serious liver infection in the 1990s, had vowed to resurrect Nektar after recovering. He returned to the band in 1980 and they recorded the album "Man In The Moon."
Nektar's unmistakably English core signed to German label Bellaphon Records, and their fourth album, 1973's "Remember The Future," sold 250,000 copies in Europe and peaked at No.19 in the US Billboard chart. The band's heady combination of space-rock noodling, impromptu experimentation, and progressive stylings gained them cult success.
However, by 1977, Albrighton had departed, and new members Dave Nelson and Larry Fast pushed the band in a more pomp-rock direction. This change in direction was met with lukewarm reactions outside of their immediate fanbase.
The band went on hiatus in 1978, but they made a comeback in 2004, with Albrighton and Howden being the only constant members. The comeback album, released in 2001, was "The Prodigal Son," which featured Albrighton's original guitarist Taff Freeman, drummer Ray Hardwick, and ex-Climax Blues Band bassist Derek Holt.
Despite the fragmentation, Nektar remains a cult favorite among progressive rock connoisseurs, with a legacy stemming from their 1970s concept albums that blended spacey and melodic progressive rock. Both versions seem to be keeping the band's music and spirit alive, each in their own unique way.
[1] Source: https://www.progarchives.com/band/Nektar-225 [4] Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nektar_(band)
- In the world of progressive rock, Nektar, a band formed over five decades ago, still holds a significant place.
- Nektar's German-based lineup, led by keyboardist Klaus Henatsch, is known as The New Nektar, preserving the band's music and spirit.
- On the other side, a U.S.-based group, launched by founding member Ron "Chopper" Howden in 2018, also bears the Nektar name.
- The band's original guitarist Roye Albrighton, who had promised to resurrect Nektar after surviving a liver infection, passed away in 2016.
- Nektar's fourth album, "Remember The Future," sold 250,000 copies in Europe and peaked at No.19 in the US Billboard chart in 1973.
- After Albrighton's departure in 1977, the band shifted direction towards pomp-rock, which was met with lukewarm responses.
- The band went on hiatus in 1978, but they returned in 2004, releasing the comeback album "The Prodigal Son."
- The U.S.-based group seems to have continued under the initiative of Ron Howden or other members after his passing in 2023.
- Nektar is celebrated as a cult favorite among progressive rock enthusiasts, with a legacy from their 1970s concept albums that blend progressive and melodic rock with a touch of blues.
