The Chameleons UK: Biography

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• Mark Burgess
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Formed:

Jan 1, 1981 in Middleton, England

Disbanded:

Jan 1, 1986

Genres:

Rock Music, Alternative Rock Music, Punk and Hardcore Rock Music, Adult Alternative

Decades Active:

1980's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

The atmospheric pop band the Chameleons formed in Manchester, England in 1981 from the ashes of a number of local groups: vocalist/bassist Mark Burgess began with the Cliches, guitarists Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding arrived from the Years, and drummer John Lever (who quickly replaced founding member Brian Schofield) originated with the Politicians. After establishing themselves with a series of highprofile BBC sessions, the Chameleons signed to Epic and debuted with the EP Nostalgia, a tense, moody set produced by Steve Lillywhite which featured the single "In Shreds."

The quartet was soon released from their contract with Epic, but then signed to Statik, and they returned in 1983 with their first fulllength effort, Script of the Bridge. What Does Anything Mean? Basically followed in 1985, and with it came a new reliance on stylish production; following its release, the Chameleons signed to Geffen and emerged the following year with Strange Times. The dark, complex record proved to be the group's finale, however, when they split following the sudden death of manager Tony Fletcher; while Burgess and Lever continued on in the Sun and the Moon, Smithies and Fielding later reunited in the Reegs. In 1993, Burgess surfaced with his proper solo album Zima Junction. He and his band the Sons of God toured America the following year. As the nineties came and went, the four members of The Chameleons UK continued to work on music and see one another on a personal basis. While their own musical projects kept them busy, a reunion was practically inevitable. The Chameleons reconnected in January 2000 to prep for three May dates in England. The acousticbased album, the selfreleased Strip was available by showtime and for a limited time only. Additional European dates followed throughout the summer and by fall, The Chameleons UK's played their first American shows in nearly fifteen years. Several live efforts appeared shortly thereafter. Why Call It Anything (2001) marked The Chameleons UK's first studio album since 1986's Strange Times. This Never Ending Now appeared two years later. Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide