Roye Albrighton RIP

[Progtastic]

Saw it posted on Facebook that Roye Albrighton had passed, anyone know for sure?

[Sean]

Looks legit since Mo reported the news-


Nektar guitarist Roye Albrighton dies after a long illness

It is with a heavy Heart I have to report that our music brother Roye Albrighton,after a long illness, died last night in Poole Dorset. His organs just gave out on him. He was fighting against the infection that grasped him until he could fight no more.

We have had our differences over the years but our respect for each other has always been strong. I would say he was in the top 5 guitarists of the last 5 decades. We were both strong personalities and pushed each other to do better and go forward all the time, to go further and further. We were both blessed to play together with Ron Howden, Taff Freeman and Mick Brockett our light musician and occasionally synthesizer pioneer Larry Fast, . Over the years other musicians took to the stage to prolong our legacy with Roye and Ron in the forefront. We are all stunned.

Roye, wherever you are, know that through all I have always loved you as a brother. There is a hole in the universe. I was always hoping we would get together one last time but always pushed it forward. Now that will have to be put on hold.

I already communicated with Lyn, his wife and Che his son. I will keep you informed as decisions are made.

Love to all

Mo"

RIP, Roye!

[simon moon]

Doesn't say anything on their official website.

What a bummer, if true...


Another major talent gone :(

[boilk]

If true, very sad news. Glad I got to see them twice live. Once in Chicago, and once in Toronto. RIP.

neil

[progeezer]

Very sad. I had heard from some that he was aloof and distant to fans. That sure as hell wasn't my experience at RoSFest when I chatted him up. RIP to a very talented and nice man.

[Scrotum Scissor]

So sorry about this. His playing was a defining part of their overall sound, being one of those uniquely "post-psychedelic" progressive bands of the early 70s - and that exact sound was again just as uniquely theirs (and with a well of influence on many of their ensuing labelmates, espec in W. Germany but also heard in certain Eastern bloc groups), merging elements from Floyd, Deep Purple, US west coast stylings, some krautrock and more. He had a very stingy charge to much of his playing, yet could also be profoundly economic and disciplined. I think this particular duality was pretty rare amongst axemen back then.

I'll be spinning those first Nektar rekkids this upcoming weekend.

[10T Records]

Oh man, this really sucks. Nektar was the first prog band I discovered all on my own outside of the immediate influence of my close circle of friends. I found their albums in a used record store as a teen and thought they looked like they would be proggy based on album art, song lengths, and instrumentation. I bought "A Tab in the Ocean" and loved it, followed by "Remember the Future" the next weekend. Sad day.

[mogrooves]

I was lucky to catch them in '74.

RIP

[ronmac]

BUMMER!

One of the true great guitarists and songwriters of every prog era.

Wow, this really sucks.

RIP, Roye.

[ronmac]

I was lucky enough to see them after their heyday, but a number of times. I sat next to Roye at a bar the last time they played in Pittsburgh. He was friendly enough. Yeah, he had some issues with how he handled things over the years. But, there's no denying a monster talent and really big loss to the genre.

[Rael]

Sad, sad news. RIP Roye.

[Squire1977!!]

Truly a sad day today. May he rest in peace. One of the guitar greats IMHO. He will be missed.

[bobert]

I am sorry to hear this , Roye was a great guitar player who was so important to Nektar.
RIP Roye!

[Squire1977!!]

He was my favorite member of Nektar. His unique guitar playing style and great voice set him apart. Fortunately I was able to see Nektar at the Capitol Theatre on the "Recycled" tour, witnessing them at their peak.

[Farpoint Kevin]

Oh no. So sad... :(

[SteveSly]

Very sad to hear this. Nektar was one of those bands that I discovered quite by accident. I was thumbing through records in a used record store and came across the compilation album “Through The Ears”. I had never heard of the band before, but purchased it only based on the album cover artwork and the song titles. Of course after that I gobbled up everything they had to offer. Having the chance to see them live at NEARfest in 02 remains a concert highlight as they were a band I never thought I would actually get the chance to see. I even got to meet Roye briefly prior to the show and he was very gracious and friendly. Prog has lost another legend.

[flytomars]

Sad and hard to believe!
I just saw them 9 months ago and Roye gave an excellent show and was a monster on the guitar, very hard to believe this...

[ronmac]

One of the all-time "What if ..." bands.

[wideopenears]

Such a bummer....

[Sunlight Caller]

Nektar had completely eluded me until the early days of PE when they came highly recommended by those more knowledgeable than I. I've enjoyed them ever since. Never got to see them play, but I'm saddened by this news. RIP Roye.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[srtd4]

This is Very Sad News. Nektar is my All Time Favorite Progressive/Space Rock group, (as you might see that with my avatar Nektar " BeeMan" tattoo). I was very fortunate to see them Live in their Prime in 1975, and a total of 8 more times after their 2002 NearFest Reunion tour. Their Light Show was one of the Best I've ever seen, and they were so musically tight Live. I have so many great memories of these live shows. Also had extensive chats with Roye at 3 of those concerts, and he was always very personable with me. He was such an amazing guitarist/singer. He will surely be missed by me in so many ways. Rest In Peace my Friend.

Scott
http://www.stillstream.fm All Ambient Internet Radio Your Place of Solace on the Net

[strawberrybrick]

Rest in Peace, Roye

[Progbear]

Quite disappointed to hear this as, unlike many of you, I never had the pleasure of seeing them live. I’ll definitely have some Nektar (and maybe even that one Snowball album on which Roye sings and plays) in rotation. R.I.P.

[Jerjo]

I didn't get into Nektar either until PE introduced me to them and but I've done my best to catch up. Roye was an incredible player and it's disappointing to see his name rarely cropping up on "best of" lists. Once again, 2016 cuts deep and takes another giant away from us.

RIP Roye.

[Jubal]

Here's one to remember him by. Yep, go ahead and cry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oi3OVuwp8SE

[beano]

One of my first Prog bands to experience..RIP Roye..Short story , Roye personally answered one of my emails early in the day, and my name is listed on Nektar Evolution..Priceless at the time for me, now even more priceless! :ipa

[Dok]

He plays on a couple of tracks on Jerry Goodman's just released 'Violin Fantasy'. R.I.P.

[ronmac]

Roye was an incredible player and it's disappointing to see his name rarely cropping up on "best of" lists.

So true.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0z_3Hsf3z8

[ronmac]

my name is listed on Nektar Evolution..Priceless at the time for me, now even more priceless! :ipa

Same here. So cool.

[Score2112]

Wow sad news. Got into Nektar big time over the past year and really love the band's/Roye's work. RIP.

[DaleGtr]

Yes, what a sad loss. :-( I posted my thoughts on Facebook so won't repeat them hear but they helped change my life- literally. One of my favorite bands as a teen, at Sean's urging I got up off my lazy ass and went to NF '02. Nothing was the same after that! This band and Roye had a major impact on me in my teens and then 25 years later in a more indirect way. R.I.P. Roye. Thanks for all you gave to us. Thanks for all you meant to me.

[DaleGtr]

Neil, what Chicago show did you see???

[DaleGtr]

Very sad. I had heard from some that he was aloof and distant to fans. That sure as hell wasn't my experience at RoSFest when I chatted him up. RIP to a very talented and nice man.

Can't possibly say I knew him well or anything close to that but I corresponded with Roye over a period of several months via email and AOL chat. I found him to be quite pleasant. The man actually sent me a free copy of Prodigal Son back in 2001, which I thought was damn nice of him. One of my favorite memories was returning the favor and sending him a copy of a cd from a band I was in with Steve Royce. Hesitantly, I asked him (via chat) what he thought of our cd. He told me it was currently in his car and he had listened to it. Roye mentioned the guitar solo on one song- the only one I took a solo on! (Our other guitarist was MUCH better than me!) I recall running into the kitchen mid-chat with Roye to tell Steve (we roomed together for a while, which made making band practice a breeze) shouting that one Mr. Roye Albrighton thought my solo was pretty good! Yeah, an egotistical feather in my cap but I sure felt pretty good about it at the time.

[markowitz]

RIP Roye. Many of you and your bandmates melodies will forever be in my head. Great live singer, guitar player, and songwriter. Unique as was Nektar. Thank you for all you did for me through your music. Especially thanks for the last 16 years where you gave as much as you could. Although these were not Nektar's classic years, I was able to see you play live and was grateful for that.

Also appreciate the whole original band getting together with Larry Fast for the concert and DVD. Sublime. Your vibrations will shake the pond for eternity.

Peace and love to you and your family Roye.

Mike

[spellbound]

Sad news. Rest in peace, Roye.

[kenschwartz]

saddened to hear this. nektar was the band that made me a "prog" fan. i remember being home from school, sick, while in 7th grade, listening to the radio. the dj plays something from recycled - don't recall what exactly - but it was like a light bulb went on....

unfortunately, i never did catch them live.

[Jubal]

I was lucky enough to see them after their heyday, but a number of times. I sat next to Roye at a bar the last time they played in Pittsburgh. He was friendly enough. Yeah, he had some issues with how he handled things over the years. But, there's no denying a monster talent and really big loss to the genre.

I discovered them when Remember The Future was released, and unfortunately they didn't come to Atlanta until their Down To Earth North American tour. When I found out they were coming to town, I checked out the venue for tickets. They played Alex Cooley's Electric Ballroom, which unfortunately was a bar. The unfortunate part was that I was about 15 or 16, so I couldn't go see them. I Did see the NearFest DVD though, so I was happy to at least get that experience.

I'm really feeling bad for Kenny Solomon, who was a regular here about 6-10 years ago. He was a DJ on Progressive Soundscapes who got into Progressive Rock from hearing Nektar. Apparently he knew Roye fairly well. He opened every one of his weekly shows with "Good Day" from Sounds Like This.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ2nhxdQR1k

[Jimmy Giant]

So glad I got to see them live on a few occasions.
RIP Roye. Thank you. Some truly amazing music left behind.

[DaleGtr]

I discovered them when Remember The Future was released, and unfortunately they didn't come to Atlanta until their Down To Earth North American tour. When I found out they were coming to town, I checked out the venue for tickets. They played Alex Cooley's Electric Ballroom, which unfortunately was a bar. The unfortunate part was that I was about 15 or 16, so I couldn't go see them. I Did see the NearFest DVD though, so I was happy to at least get that experience.

I'm really feeling bad for Kenny Solomon, who was a regular here about 6-10 years ago. He was a DJ on Progressive Soundscapes who got into Progressive Rock from hearing Nektar. Apparently he knew Roye fairly well. He opened every one of his weekly shows with "Good Day" from Sounds Like This.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ2nhxdQR1k


Nice of you to think of Kenny. He was the hugest Nektar fan I knew. It was one of the things we first bonded on. Haven't talked to him in a couple of years.

[gpeccary]

My older brother introduced me to them via Tab in the Ocean, which remains a true favorite of mine all these years later. Saddened to read this news.
I saw them when they "Opened" for Caravan at BB Kings, they blew me away. Their bass player was out of this world. I remember thinking that Roye was fucking astounding, and couldn't for the life of me wonder why he wasn't a household name. A fantastic, and horridly underrated guitarist and vocalist. And even then at his age, had a great stage presence as well.
Bon voyage...

[bRETT]

Remembering the Arlington show at the start of the US tour, and how thrilling it was for me to hear great live versions of this music I'd loved since adolescence. Sympathies and appreciation to everyone in the Nektar family.

[Obscured]

Loved his sound, feeling very fortunate I got to see him a few times with Nektar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em2T3uIZRwk
R.I.P.

[Paulrus]

The two beers I just had at my Manly Meet-up I raise retroactively to Roye.

Cheers! :ipa

[Svetonio]

RIP

[Dok]

http://bravewords.com/news/legendary-nektar-frontman-roye-albrighton-passes

Looks like he just finished a biography on the band weeks ago.

[Conti]

He was a great guitar player and composer in the context of Nektar. I was lucky enough to attend one of their concerts in Brazil years ago. Rest in peace.

[Toothyspook]

Very sad. I had heard from some that he was aloof and distant to fans. That sure as hell wasn't my experience at RoSFest when I chatted him up. RIP to a very talented and nice man.

He was indeed a really nice guy

Very sad news

[hightea]

RIP Roye :(
Nektar was my first concert back in Dec 76 at Rider College.
Saw them a few times since they got back together for NEARfest 2002.
One of my favorite guitarists.

[Squire1977!!]

This morning "Recycled" accompanied me on my commute. YouTube "Desolation Valley" Beat Club Live 1973 https://youtu.be/lAnESYSpgn0

[Sturgeon's Lawyer]

Well...shit.

FUCK YOU, 2016!

[Esoteric]

We didn't always see eye to eye, but he was a great guitar player and the legacy is some really fantastic albums, hugs to Mo, Mick, Ron and Taff xxx. RIP Roye

[Supersonic Scientist]

Oh bummer, just saw this thread.

RIP Roye,

So glad I got to see them in '75. Stunning show for this 16yo aspiring guitarist.

[arturs]

Nektar had apparently done a killer show in Nazareth, PA in '74 or '75 that was legendary among music and record store employees in the Lehigh Valley. As a kid, I heard about it several times from various guitar teachers and the like. But I never actually heard the music until I bought the Nearfest DVD and became a big fan. Roye really brought something original to the guitar-playing table. Not a speed guitarist or a melodic genius, but he sure could build up intensity and sustain interest. I felt sad that he never could really regain momentum with Nektar after that promising NF reunion. RIP.

[rickawakeman]

There will be a Tab in the Ocean at Chez Rick tonight. RIP. Glad I saw Nektar at Nearfest.

[dropforge]

R.I.P. Roye.

[ronmac]

Nektar had apparently done a killer show in Nazareth, PA in '74 or '75 that was legendary among music and record store employees in the Lehigh Valley.

I was just in Nazareth this week. Home of Martin Guitars.


Not a speed guitarist or a melodic genius, but he sure could build up intensity and sustain interest.

He could certainly hold his own, though. I think one of his great strengths was in creating textures. "Summer Breeze" is a great example.

[rapidfirerob]

Very, very sad news! One of my very favorite prog bands. I thought they were from Germany for years. I saw them in NY in the mid 70s. It was $8.50, which I thought
was really expensive at the time! I dropped my first copy of Remember The Future (my favorite of theirs) down the stairs in my house growing up. I recall vividly watching it bounce
down the stairs one by one where it broke in pieces upon its landing. Of course, I went and got another copy right away. I was so lucky to see the tour in 2011 in Santa Rosa, California.
It was not well attended, but Roye, Ron and the band tore it up. I bought a poster and a Remember The Future t shirt. Everyone should own the DVD from that tour: https://www.amazon.com/Nektar-Space-Invasion-Brainticket-Lloyd-Langton/dp/B008A3IQHI/ref=sr_1_3?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1469744468&sr=1-3&keywords=nektar.
RIP Roye. Thanks for all the incredible music!

[miamiscot]

Big fan here. This sucks.

[Mick]

Just to let everyone know that I am totally bummed out by the news, even if it wasn't entirely unexpected.
His long and often painful fight was kept under wraps for years.... I respected his wishes for secrecy, despite thinking that Nektar fans would certainly have come through with prayers and sympathy if they had been made aware...
Oh well. R.I.P my brother from the seventies, the legacy will live on through all the recordings from his long career both with and without Nektar.
A STAR WENT DARK IN OUR SKY THIS WEEK.
Thank you to everyone here for their thoughts... the pain is all over now.

[richt]

RIP Roye I was fortunate to have seen them many times in the 70's....this one hurts Thanks for that Mick...our prayers are with his family

[AncientChord]

Wow very sad news indeed. Recycled is in my top 10 of early Prog albums. I always enjoyed a Tab In The Ocean too. I recorded their Nearfest performance which I think is fantastic and was lucky enough to finally see them perform live a few years ago for the Psychedelic space tour here in Southern California. I hope Roye',s spirit will recycle to bring the world great music again. R.I.P.

[Judy]

Sad news. He will be missed.

[moecurlythanu]

Sorrow and shared hurt Mick, a loss for us all. Thanks for posting. We share your hurt and pain. Know that many here loved Roye, but also you, and what Nektar created in its lifetime.

[ian naismith]

Damn -- I know it will happen to all of us... I've been a listener since 1974/1975sh...

[Tributary Records]

It's been a sad year, and unfortunately more will follow as time marches on.
I've been a fan of the early Nektar albums since the 70's. I hope his playing will inspire young progressive minded guitarists to keep the focus on serving the music first and use a guitar solo to create feeling, mood and direction. Roye and Hackett come to mind first as players who thought a lot about their contributions and avoided showboating as a focal point. A great guitarist in my opinion is one who understands that what you play is just as important as what you don't play.

The 80's and 90's were tough times for progressive players which is a discussion in and of itself. I hope he had a great life outside of his music, because it certainly was great inside the music. It's a blessing to leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy, and enjoy they certainly will.

[spacefreak]

Very sad loss. I was lucky enough to catch them live on a great gig. He will be missed.

[spiderfeathers]

Nektar started me out on the prog odyssey I've been on for the past 7 years. I was bored with music and re-examining Iron Maiden when I heard their cover of "King of Twilight" and that was all it took. I was really hoping they would make it to the states one more time. RIP.

[ronmac]

Listening to "Evolution" right now. Fucking great album and worthy of being right beside all the earlier classic ones.

[Flightwave]

RIP to a major talent.

Remember the Future forever.

[Rarebird]

How did I miss this thread?
RIP Roye.

Nektar was my gateway to German prog.

[ronmac]

Too bad it took a British band mislabeled as a German one to do it.

[interbellum]

Never was a Nektar-fan, but I enjoyed his work on the live-sessions with Quantum Jump (released last year) and the new album from Jerry Goodman (Violin Fantasy (https://jerrygoodman.bandcamp.com/album/violin-fantasy)).

[AstroProg]

Back in 2009, Nektar played an acoustic set back at the host hotel after the Sunday night of RosFest (I think they had played Saturday night). Roye started playing his acoustic guitar without saying a word with about 30 people in the room. I thought he was warming up at first, then I realized he was playing Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix. That's when I realized what a great guitar player he was.

As tired as I was after a weekend of RosFesting, I was so glad I didn't miss out on that extra hour with Nektar. I'll have to listen to Do You Believe in Magic a few times this weekend to relive that night. RIP Roye.

[borntotravel]

I think you are thinking of the show September 26 1974 at the Roxy Theater in Northampton, PA about 5 miles to the west of Nazareth. I know, I was there. It was the first time I used color film with no flash in a dark theater.

DAVE

[Vic2012]

RIP......

Not a huge fan of Nektar but I do remember the name back in the early 70s. A PE friend made me a few CDrs of the classic albums several years ago. Haven't played them in years. Time to play 'em again at some point.

[Casey]

I was away at a conference last week & was unable to comment adequately until now. I'm a man of few words so, suffice it to say, I am saddened & a bit numbed. Another part of my youth has been extinguished. I am reminded, more acutely, of my mortality. I am also reminded of how much TODAY is important.

Don't put off. Reconcile now. Be good to each other. Choose wisely. Savor the moment.

My sincere condolences to his family & close friends.

[ronmac]

From the official site:

"It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our friend, comrade, rock legend and father, Roye Albrighton, who passed away peacefully last night.
May his six fingered chords and the warmth of his smile last eternal.
- Che Albrighton


The loss of our dear & longtime friend Roye left us heartbroken & devastated.
Our love & sympathy are with his family, especially his beautiful wife Lyn who took such good care of him through all those ups & downs & never gave up hope. And Big Bad Bill & "the Puddin'" who will surely miss their Dad.
He left us way too early but his beautiful music & millions of memories will always be with us.
"GOOD DAY" dearest friend - we will miss you forever!
Now go & make some serious noise with Vinny!!!
- Peter Lango


Roye, wherever you are, know that through all I have always loved you as a brother. There is a hole in the universe. I was always hoping we would get together one last time but always pushed it forward. Now that will have to be put on hold.
- Derek "Mo" Moore


... I will always miss you Roye.
- Ron Howden


Roye, I thank you so much for all these wonderful years of friendship and making music together. I will terribly miss your singing, unique guitar play and songwriting.
Wishing you a good journey.
- Klaus Henatsch

[Toothyspook]

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/remembering-nektar-guitarist-coventry-musician-11689892

Spotted this today

[rapidfirerob]

I'm playing all my vinyl Nektar albums (and playing bass along with them). They're all incredible. Played Sounds Like This today, love the live and raw in the studio playing.

[Esoteric]

Just to let everyone know that I am totally bummed out by the news, even if it wasn't entirely unexpected.
His long and often painful fight was kept under wraps for years.... I respected his wishes for secrecy, despite thinking that Nektar fans would certainly have come through with prayers and sympathy if they had been made aware...
Oh well. R.I.P my brother from the seventies, the legacy will live on through all the recordings from his long career both with and without Nektar.
A STAR WENT DARK IN OUR SKY THIS WEEK.
Thank you to everyone here for their thoughts... the pain is all over now.

just to say Mick--thinking of you all.

[Casey]

I noticed that Mick's site, "The Nektar Project" is down. I hope everything's ok. If not, it's a sad time all around. Be well, Mick.

[markowitz]

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/remembering-nektar-guitarist-coventry-musician-11689892

Spotted this today

Thanks for that article, TS. Some really nice details of his early bands and activity around Coventry.

[Toothyspook]

No problem. Enjoyed reading it myself.

[regenerativemusic]

RIP. About two months ago I posted on a video that one of his solos was one of the best reasons for electric guitar.

[wilcox660]

Had the pleasure of interviewing Roye - a real gentleman. Quite a loss. He brought a lot of joy to my life. Rest in peace, good sir.

[Squire1977!!]

From the official site:

"It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our friend, comrade, rock legend and father, Roye Albrighton, who passed away peacefully last night.
May his six fingered chords and the warmth of his smile last eternal.
- Che Albrighton


The loss of our dear & longtime friend Roye left us heartbroken & devastated.
Our love & sympathy are with his family, especially his beautiful wife Lyn who took such good care of him through all those ups & downs & never gave up hope. And Big Bad Bill & "the Puddin'" who will surely miss their Dad.
He left us way too early but his beautiful music & millions of memories will always be with us.
"GOOD DAY" dearest friend - we will miss you forever!
Now go & make some serious noise with Vinny!!!
- Peter Lango


Roye, wherever you are, know that through all I have always loved you as a brother. There is a hole in the universe. I was always hoping we would get together one last time but always pushed it forward. Now that will have to be put on hold.
- Derek "Mo" Moore


... I will always miss you Roye.
- Ron Howden


Roye, I thank you so much for all these wonderful years of friendship and making music together. I will terribly miss your singing, unique guitar play and songwriting.
Wishing you a good journey.
- Klaus Henatsch

Thanks, Ron
-Fred

[lak611]

RIP. About two months ago I posted on a video that one of his solos was one of the best reasons for electric guitar.
Do you have a link?

Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

[ssully]

First knew of them from hearing Remember the Future circa 1974, then I saw them onstage in the Bronx on their Recycled tour. They were damn good.

[Toothyspook]

Anniversary today ?

[flytomars]

^ Really? Thats a weird coincidence, I was listening this morning to Remember the future after eons since the last time...
Seen them live a few months before Roye died, so it came as a complete shock as he looked fine and played phenomenally.

[ronmac]

Bummer of a reminder. I can't believe it's been a year already.

Roye certainly had his share of character flaws, like the rest of us. But, he was a monster talent to the end.

[markowitz]

RIP Roye

[markowitz]

Out of nostalgia, I visited the old Nektar web site and found a ? new live release?


http://www.nektarsmusic.com/nn/home/home_new.asp

https://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/260-3818397-8831752?__mk_de_DE=%C3%83%C2%85M%C3%83%C2%85%C3%85 %C2%BD%C3%83%C2%95%C3%83%C2%91&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Live-Bremen-Nektar&language=en_GB

[Casey]

Not sure what to say about this, so I'll think on it a while.

I looked to see the new live release on Amazon. I'm glad the family &/or band members are putting stuff out there. Maybe, just maybe, Nektar will catch on as they should have. From the short pieces I could hear it sounds as if the band was playing well and the recording did them justice.

[AncientChord]

FYI The Live in Bremen release is the last performance of Nektar with Roye. I've always loved the band, especially the prog classics A Tab In The Ocean, and Recycled. Haven't heard this release yet, but am so glad I saw the band a few years ago during The Psychedelic-Space Tour. They were still great.

[veteranof1000psychicwars]

Wow. A year already. I was so gutted and shattered when Roye passed I couldn't even bring myself to post anything at the time. I've only wept at the passing of two musicians: Roye and Kevin Gilbert.
In 2005 Nektar came to play Atlanta with Caravan, and I happened to be the custodian of the guitar and case that was being taken around the country and signed for Gary from Starcastle. That particular day was my first-ever visit to a psychiatrist, and I drove straight from the shrink down to the Variety Playhouse. I was so twisted up that I decided I wasn't going to even go to the show...I was gonna take the guitar down there, find Beth (Hi Beth!), give her the guitar to get signed, and go home.
What prescient thought made me stop and buy a disposable camera on the way is still beyond me. "Something" told me to do it.
So, I pulled into my usual hidey parking spot behind the venue, parked, looked over by the stage door, and sure enough, there was Roye standing there, in a Mack truck T-shirt. And fuck me as I sit here, I *knew* on my way there, that Roye would be "waiting" when I arrived.
I had the extreme honor and pleasure of chatting with Roye for 15 or 20 minutes, and I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my life. I got into Nektar in the late 70s when I was about 14, and the band was long gone....over the years he became my personal "guitar hero", and remains so to this day. Top 3 in my book, period, not to mention his beautiful, emotive, powerful, gut-wrenching vocals. He's top 5 in my vocalists, easy. Anyhow, ever seeing Nektar perform was a ludicrous dream, fulfilled by Chad and....other guy...name eludes me. I am forever in their debt for making that dream come true for me, by getting them for Nearfest.
But, back to my story...I got to have a very nice, no-time-pressure conversation with Roye, and he was so sweet and down to earth (sorry), that he completely put me at ease. I told him about discovering Nektar around the time my mom died when I was a kid and how his music helped me through that horrible period of my life...and I even ended up telling him about my visit to a shrink a couple hours earlier! He was so kind and put me at such ease. I knew I was talking to the 'real' Roye.
Anyhow, around this time Beth showed up, and I told Roye about the Gary guitar, and after the fucked-up day I'd just had I was gonna head home. This, I will never forget---Roye put his hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eye with that grin of his, and said "Look here Geoff. No fucking way you are leaving. If you stay for the show, I promise to blow your head off, mate". What could I say except "It's a deal"!
At that moment, I was thinking 'this has been the weirdest fucking day of my life', when Beth (God love her) took my disposable camera and got two great shots of me and Roye, with his arm draped over my shoulders. She caught us in the middle of laughing about something, and took two shots of us that I will treasure for the rest of my life. And just to put the cherry on top, the night ended with several of us knocking back a few with Pye Hastings and Geoff Richardson. Quite a day.

Roye, I hope wherever you are, you have found the peace that I suspect eluded you here on Earth. I would have missed you as a brilliant musician who had such a huge effect on my life, but it makes me happy to be able to say I also miss you as a true gentleman. And still, my musical hero. Thank you, sir.

[roylayer]

Great story! Thanks for sharing. I talked with him for a few minutes at NEARfest... but nothing like what you did! RIP, Roye.

[bennymania]

RIP Roye. Remember the Future....

[Casey]

^Very nice story, Geoff. And thank you for sharing it with us. Believe me when I say that I know the feeling, right down to the marrow, of what it's like to find an unexpected lifeline during a low point in your life. That profound sense of relief and connection never goes away. Never, ever forget that. I'm glad Roye was there for you.

[markowitz]

Here is nice clip of the original group with Roye showing off his rhythm and lead skills



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAnESYSpgn0

[Mr.Krautman]

Like many of us I have a few Nektar LP's and Cd's here and there, but only an incomplete discography. It would be the right time for the release of a full box-set including all their classic records and some extra (bonus) unreleased works, biography and band history. If that ever happens, it will be an autobuy for me.

[ronmac]

I was lucky enough to buy all of the Eclectic releases, which seem to be worth quite a bit these days.

[Casey]

^ I've got 'em, too. They're terrific.

[veteranof1000psychicwars]

^Very nice story, Geoff. And thank you for sharing it with us. Believe me when I say that I know the feeling, right down to the marrow, of what it's like to find an unexpected lifeline during a low point in your life. That profound sense of relief and connection never goes away. Never, ever forget that. I'm glad Roye was there for you.

Thanks Casey. I appreciate that you caught the emotional impact that experience had for me...and I am sorry...for the only way you could know that would be by living through a similar trauma. I hope you are coping well with whatever happened to you, and have been able to move forward, and put the damage behind.
I did a decent job at the time, but I will never be able to adequately explain how Roye and Nektar helped me through the death of my mom as a 14 year old. Roye's brilliant, beautiful voice seemed to speak for the depth of my pain at the time, and helped me get a handle on my unexpressable grief. And, his beautiful, soulful, poignant guitar playing had the same effect. He had the rare ability to convey deep emotion through his guitar, just as if it was his second voice. I don't presume to know much about Roye's personal struggles, but you can't put that depth of feeling across without having experienced some deep struggles and pain. I think I instinctively picked up on that at the time. Here was a guy who knew what I was going through.
So, yeah, I can absolutely say that Roye "saved" me as a boy, and being given the opportunity to tell him how he literally helped me to survive, is more meaningful and priceless to me than I can put into words. To be able to hug him and say 'thank you' was a precious moment. I'm just remembering now that he tried to deflate the 'heaviness' of the moment, he laughed and said "Ah...so you were the one paying attention". Jesus, I think I just realized what he meant. It was no joke.
Shit. Crying again.

[Squire1977!!]

I was lucky enough to buy all of the Eclectic releases, which seem to be worth quite a bit these days.

Yup, me too. We were fortunate to be in that moment of time, when they were released.

[Score2112]

The revival of this thread prompted me to put Remember the Future on the turntable for the first time in a while.. tremendous. Recycled is next... Great band.

[Squire1977!!]

By the way, the "Live in Bremen" release is very nice. It is the complete concert.

[HolyNeo]

Condolence to the family of Roye, may he rest in peace.

[markowitz]

Ordered the Live in Bremen a week ago and have had it for a few days and a couple of spins. While not the tightest Nektar live, it has great spirit, passion, and Roye is really in fine form singing and playing throughout. His voice sounds great on many of these cuts. Highlights are Desolation Valley, Cast Your Fate, Recycled, Now, and Dream Nebula. The jam on Time Machine is quite good as well. Tom Fry does a great job on bass (and I'm a bass player and Mo Moore fan boy), Klaus Henatsch really adds quite a bit on keys, and love his work on Desolation Valley. The mix is quite good, and long time since I have can remember hearing his guitar sound so live and juicy on many of the cuts. One of the best Desolation Valleys ever on this CD. Glad I got it. RIP, Roye. Thanks to all the Nektar original members (Roye, Mo, Taff, Ron and Mick) and those who helped resurrect the band after the reunion, which seems so long ago.

[Chichen Itza]

That ^, all of it

[markowitz]

I should have also said that Ron Howden is not sitting back just keeping great time, but he is attacking and up in the mix and sounds great!

[ronmac]

I should have also said that Ron Howden is not sitting back just keeping great time, but he is attacking and up in the mix and sounds great!

He always is.

[markowitz]

He always is.

You are so right. Don't want to take RH for granted. He stuck it out until Bremen and was such a consistently great player. Always what the song needed. Reminds me of a "prog" Ringo with no overplaying and great spot in the mix.

[ronmac]

He could play with the best of them, IMO. And he's a hell of a nice guy.