The History of Nektar part 5

The Magical Year 1977

Although the "shot heard around the world" was a shock for the fans, the band knew Roye's departure coming. Word went out just before Roye left that Nektar was looking for a new guitarist.  About 100 people showed up on the day of the cattle call, to show off their guitar and vocal skills for the remaining band members and management to interview.

One of the persons who showed up was Dave Nelson. On a side note; It didn't hurt that Dave was hanging around Passport Records when all of this was happening. It was decided that Dave was best person to go with when all was said and done. During the next two weeks (which included Christmas) intense rehearsals were held and Dave quickly learned Nektar songs. On December 31, 1976 at the Calderone Theatre in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, Dave replaced Roye Albrighton onstage to perform guitar and vocals. For more on the December 31, 1976 concert please visit our New Year's Page!

 During the first half of 1977 Nektar played just a few gigs. This allowed Dave Nelson some time to become more familiar with the material. During this time Nektar was also working on a new album "Magic is a Child". A young Brooke Shields graces the cover of the album instead of familiar artwork designed by Helmut Wenske on the previous albums. Robert Fripp contributed some guitar work on "Train from Nowhere". Steve Barth rehearsed with Nektar during the summer of 1977 and at one point in time Nektar considered bringing Steve in as the lead vocalist however, that never happened.

The June 3, 1977 show at the Palladium, New York City, NY. was Nektar's last long concert and the end of Mick's fantastic light show as fans knew it. September 24, 1977 at the Morris Stage, Morristown, New Jersey, Nektar debut the "Magic is a Child" album and Mick's new light show. From this point on, all Nektar shows were short in comparison to prior shows not to mentioned the dramatic change in the light show. More on Mick's light show later.

The critics were not kind to Nektar, not that they ever were, and the tour was short lived. Many regard the December 10, Palladium, New York City show as Nektar's last show with Dave and Mick. It was Mick's last show until the 2002 reunion at NearFest, however, there Dave played a few more shows after the Palladium that extended into the middle of 1978. Dave Nelson finally bowed out from Nektar following the May 1978 shows. Mick started gigging around with Sam The Band in 1977 and continued with them well into 1979. For more on Dave and Mick for now please read the Nektar Time Line.

One of the highlights from the 1977 Magical tour for Nektar was the introduction of Sherman Helmsley on November 7,1977 at the Santa Monica Civic Center by Nektar's manager Kenny to start off the show. After the show, Nektar made their way to Sherman's house to party hardy with a personal grand tour of Sherman's house featuring a special bathroom. Sherman occasionally wore Nektar t–shirts on the Jefferson's show.

Part 6: 1978 "An End To An Era"