The Magical Year
1977
Mo Moore Ron Howden Taff Freeman Dave Nelson
Although this was a shock for the fans, the band saw this coming. Word went out
just before Roye left that Nektar was looking for a new guitarist. On the day of
the interview, about 100 people showed up for the remaining band members and mangement
to interview and show off their guitar and vocal skills.
One of the persons who showed up was Dave Nelson. On a side note; It didn't hurt
that Dave was around Passport Records when all of this was happening. It was decided
that Dave was best person to go with. During the next two weeks (which included
Christmas)intense rehearsals were held and Dave quickly learned Nektar songs until
December 31, 1976 at the Calderone Theatre in Hempstead, Long Island, New York,
when Dave replaced Roye Albrighton onstage to perform guitar and vocals. For
more on the December 31, 1976 concert please visit our New Years Page!
Nektar played only a few gigs during the first half of 1977. 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 artwork made by Helmut Wenske. Robert Fripp
contributes 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 but, 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 huge 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 however, there were a few more shows after the Palladium
with Dave that extended into the middle of 1978. Dave Nelson bowed out from Nektar
following these 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 hightlights from the 1977 tour for Nektar was the introduction of Sherman
Helmsley on Novemeber 7,1977 at the Santa Monica Civic Center by their manager Kenny
to start off the show. Following the show, Nektar made their way to Sherman's house
to party that included a grand tour of the Sherman's house featuring the special
bathroom. Sherman occasionaly wore Nektar t–shirts on the Jeffersons show.