Nektar’s Derek “Mo” Moore on loss, legacy, and the mission to Mars
“WE WERE DOING IT BEFORE IT HAD A NAME.”
That’s how Derek “Mo” Moore of Nektar sums up their entrance into the prog-rock scene back in ’69. And honestly? He’s right. But sitting down with him feels anything but stuck in the past. This dude is as fired up about the music, the band, and their future as ever.
I jumped on a call with Mo ahead of their April 18th stop at the Token Lounge in Detroit, and let me tell you—it was one of those conversations that leaves you buzzing with excitement.
Let’s Talk Detroit and Beyond
As soon as we connected, I asked him the big question: Do his friends really call him “Mo”?
“Yeah,” he laughed. “All my music friends do.”
Well, if you’re a fan of Nektar, you’re probably on a first-name basis with Mo, too. The band’s gearing up for a big U.S. tour, hitting the East Coast, the Midwest, and beyond. And yes, they’re bringing their latest album, Mission to Mars, along for the ride.
Mission to Mars: Four Tracks, Endless Vibes
Here’s the kicker: Mission to Mars has four songs. Yup, just four. But before you raise an eyebrow, hear me out—these tracks aren’t your typical radio-friendly three-minute bangers.
“We’ve got ten-minute tracks, eight-minute tracks,” Mo explained. “The album’s length is about the same as our others, though.”
And the sound? Pure, unfiltered Nektar. It’s got that brooding, dreamy ’70s prog-rock vibe but with moments that’ll hit you right in the feels. Take “I’ll Let You In,” for instance—a hauntingly emotional piece that wraps around you like a warm, melancholic blanket.
But it’s not just the music that sets this album apart. The journey behind it is raw, real, and emotional.
Saying Goodbye to a Legend
Mission to Mars was born under heartbreaking circumstances. Mo’s longtime drumming partner, Ron Howden—whom he had played with for an incredible 60 years—passed away last September.
“We had just started working on the new songs,” Mo shared. “Ron had taken the music home to study, but the next day… he was gone. It was surreal.”
Replacing someone like Ron? Nearly impossible. But the band found a way to honor his legacy while moving forward.
Enter Jay Dittamo.
“Ron actually told Jay back in 2016, ‘If I ever can’t play, I’d like you to take my place.’”
Talk about a passing of the torch. Jay stepped in, blending his own style while staying true to Ron’s spirit. “When we recorded Mission to Mars, we rehearsed for two days and knocked out all the basic tracks in the studio,” Mo said.
So, Why Mars?
Great question. The title Mission to Mars didn’t come from some kind of Elon Musk fanboy obsession, though the timing couldn’t be more fitting.
“Ryche [Chlanda, guitarist] and I started writing during the pandemic,” Mo explained. “One day, the name just popped into my head, and everyone loved it.”
Let’s be real, though—during the lockdown days, blasting off to Mars did sound like a solid plan.
“Absolutely,” Mo laughed. “With all the talk about Mars these days, it just made sense. But hey, we were there first!”
Prog Rock Before It Had A Label
Nektar’s been in the prog game since before it even had a name. “It’s basically rock and roll with a twist,” Mo said, and that twist has kept them relevant for decades.
From sharing stages with Black Sabbath, MC5, and Wishbone Ash to being covered by Iron Maiden, Nektar’s influence runs DEEP.
Oh, and did I mention that Pink Floyd used to play some of their music? Casual flex.
The Bass And Beyond
Mo’s personal journey into music started in 1964, with classical piano. But when the bass player in his band quit, he picked up the bass instead—literally, a homemade one.
“My first bass was homemade,” he laughed. “Knowing what I do now, it’s a miracle it worked!”
Maybe that scrappy start is part of what makes him such a melodic bassist, drawing comparisons to legends like Chris Squire. “I met Chris once,” Mo remembered. “His hands were massive—it gave him such an advantage.”
What’s Next For Nektar?
This tour and Mission to Mars? Just the beginning. According to Mo, this album is the first in a planned trilogy. Yup, TRILOGY.
“We’ve got plenty of music left in us,” he said confidently.
And you know what? I believe him.
Let’s Rock
Nektar’s stop at the Token Lounge on April 18th is shaping to be one hell of a night. Do yourself a favor if you’re in Detroit—or anywhere near their tour route.
Go.
Because rock and roll with a twist? That’s the kind of thing you don’t want to miss.
See you out there.
