The Shot Heard Around The World!
From 1975 to 1976
Following Nektar's highly successful tour of Europe and America in 1974, Nektar
returned to Europe and continued touring into 1975.
Nektar returned to St. Louis at the beginning of March 1975 and started rehearsing
for the next American tour — "Recycled" — that began by mid–March
at the Ambassador Theater. Contrary to popular belief Nektar did not start their
American tour in St. Louis, however Nektar returns to St. Louis on April 2 at the
Kiel Auditorium and with the help of the KSHE FM radio
station sells out both shows. Once again many new songs were added to the
set list to try out on audiences and their reactions were watched.
Larry Fast linked up onstage with Nektar at the Academy of Music, New York City,
NY May 3rd 1975. This is where he was first introduced as our special guest and
has held that honor ever since.
For more information on Larry Fast click here.
By now "Recycled" was long in the making and well under way. It was time
for Nektar to start recording "Recycled" for their next album. June 27th
— July 16th Nektar landed at the Chateau D'Horrorville* Studio in France and
"Recycled" was born. July 18
— 23 Nektar returns to London, England to finish "Recycled" at Air
Studios.
* The Chateau D';Horrorville was Nektar's interpretation of the name of the
studio which Elton John had recently used… the ACTUAL name is Chateau D'Herouville
(near Paris, France) .
However, Nektar not only returned to Germany to finish working on "Recycled",
they were also preparing for their departure. On August 16th, 1975 Nektar started
their farewell tour of Europe. Mo announces during the remaining European concerts
Nektar was moving to the United States.
However "Winds Of Change" were in the air. On September 28, 1974 at The
Academy Of Music New York City a new prophetic song was played live: "It's
All Over" and it was a prelude to the year 1976.
1976
April 1976 saw the band, crew, and equipment move to the United States. Shortly
after the band moves into their new homes in New Jersey, a flood wipes out a lot
of the equipment that was stored in the basement. Nektar quickly recovered from
this mishap and once again started their tour of the States in the St. Louis area.
This time around Nektar also performed a few gigs in western Canada.
While performing at the Morristown, N.J. Morris County College December 12, 1976
"The Shot Heard Around The World" was heard when Mo and Roye announced
that Roye was leaving the band and this show would be his Final performance with
Nektar.
Some consider Roye's last concert with Nektar as their best work. The December 12,
1976 concert circulates as an unofficial release among traders and the sound quality
is sub par. Many consider "1 2 3 4" as the best ever played as well as
"Let It Grow" along with "Dream Nebula", Only four times has
Nektar played something from "Journey to the Centre of the Eye" suite
since 1973 and this version is stunning. "Dream Nebula" and "Let
It Grow" can be found on the "Live In Darmstadt" official bootleg
that was released by Nektar on www.CdBaby.com. Roye';s, Taff's, and Larry's solo
are spectacular to say the least on "Let It Grow."
Roye did not attend the after concert / his going away party and literally jumped
on a plane and left for Germany. Please read Roye's Chronicles
part 3 for more on this.