Nektar

Nektar
Nektar

NEKTAR: END OF AN ERA – MO’S FAREWELL TOUR

THE FINAL CURTAIN CALL

This tour marks a definitive milestone: Derek “Mo” Moore, founding bassist, vocalist, and co-founder of Nektar, embarks on his final series of live performances. Spanning major festivals, including Nene Valley Rock Festival (UK) and headlining the prestigious 2Days Prog + 1 (Italy), to intimate theater settings, fans have one last opportunity to witness a founding architect of the genre in a live setting.

It is a high-octane celebration of a legendary legacy that will never be repeated in this form. More than a farewell, these performances honor over five decades of groundbreaking music while serving as a bridge between Nektar’s historic past and its evolving future.

BRIDGING THE COSMIC PAST AND THE NEW FRONTIER

Serving as a bridge between a storied history and an edgy future, the band continues its trajectory with a modern, aggressive rock spirit. In a special tribute, the set includes a “tip of the hat” to King Crimson—a nod to the shared history of Ryche Chlanda and the late Ian McDonald.

THE LEGACY: UNFINISHED BUSINESS

For over five decades, Nektar has functioned as a sonic laboratory, pioneering the immersive concert experience and transforming rock performances into cosmic voyages. Then came a run of records that defined an era: “Journey to the Centre of the Eye”, “A Tab in the Ocean”, “Remember the Future”—which cracked the U.S.

Top 20—followed by the gold-selling “Down to Earth” and “Recycled”. These weren’t just progressive rock albums—they were fully realized sonic environments. Nektar didn’t just participate in prog’s golden age—they helped shape its outer edges.

Today, that legacy is driven by a rekindled creative synergy. While the partnership between Ryche Chlanda and Derek “Mo” Moore was validated by the #1 Amazon

Progressive Chart success of “The Other Side”—which brought their “Unfinished Business” to life—the integration of Kendall Scott into the writing process has expanded the partnership into a dynamic three-way collaboration.

The result was the 2024 sold-out success of “Mission to Mars”, which climbed to #27 on the Apple Rock Charts. This record bridges classic Nektar atmosphere with a sharper, modern edge and serves as the foundation for the trilogy currently in progress, which has brought in a newer group of fans—some discovering Nektar for the first time.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

While this tour marks the conclusion of an era on the road for Derek “Mo” Moore, the creative pulse of the band remains steady and the mission continues. New chapters are already in motion as the remaining members carry the torch forward, ensuring the legacy remains a living, breathing force. The vision remains focused on pushing the boundaries of sound and light into the next frontier.

THE LINEUP

  • Derek “Mo” Moore (Bass / Vocals): A founding member of prog pioneers Nektar, recently voted #5 in the “Top 15 Prog Bassists of All Time,” standing alongside icons like Chris Squire, Tony Levin, and Geddy Lee.
  • Ryche Chlanda (Lead Vocals / Guitars): A seasoned songwriter and the lead voice of Nektar. He performed with Fireballet—the debut of which was produced by Ian McDonald (co-founder of King Crimson and Foreigner)—before joining Nektar. He later recorded his solo album, “Private Lines”, under the management of Tony Smith (Genesis, Phil Collins), followed by a tenure with the legendary Renaissance and his band Flying Dreams, where he met Kendall Scott and Jay Dittamo.
  • Kendall Scott (Keyboards / Orchestrations): A dynamic force many will recognize from his work with Project Object alongside various Frank Zappa alumni.
  • Jay Dittamo (Drums / Percussion): A world-class percussionist and powerhouse of rhythmic With endless credits to his name, Jay’s explosive style nearly led to him being scouted by Frank Zappa while still a teenager.
  • Maryann Castello (Vocals): The “secret weapon” of the Nektar Her vocals add a lushness and piping high clarity rarely heard in the genre, creating a unique harmony blend that brings a stunning dimension to the music.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

  • “Derek ‘Mo’ Moore’s luscious, descending melodic bass lines are a bona fide psychedelic masterclass.” — The Progressive Aspect
  • “Ryche Chlanda knocks it out of the park… a soulful texture and killer improvisation that is second to none.” — Echoes and Dust / Prog Magazine
  • “Kendall Scott pushes the band resolutely into a powerful, modern ” — Velvet Thunder
  • “Jay Dittamo is a beast on the drums… providing an unrelenting, high-octane ” — Get Ready to Rock!
  • “Maryann Castello adds a lushness and unique harmony blends that bring a stunning dimension.” — 5 Finger Review

MUSICAL LIGHT THEATRE

Visual Director Jay Petsko utilizes modern technology to create reactive projections, transforming the stage into a shifting, psychedelic landscape that breathes in sync with the music.

IN MEMORIAM

To our brothers on the Other Side: Ron Howden, Roye Albrighton, Taff Freeman, Vinnie Schmid. Their spirit lives on in every note.

LINKS

Website: https://nektarsmusic.com/
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/nektarRocks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nektar.official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nektarthelegendaryrockband5636