The Chameleons
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 in Middleton, Greater Manchester, England |
| Headquarters | Middleton , England |
| Products | Music albums, live performances |
The Chameleons originated as an English rock ensemble in Middleton, Greater Manchester, in 1981. The definitive lineup consisted of bassist and lead vocalist Mark Burgess, guitarists Reginald Smithies and Dave Fielding, alongside drummer John Lever.
Their initial album, Script of the Bridge, debuted in 1983, followed by What Does Anything Mean? Basically in 1985 and Strange Times in 1986. The group dissolved suddenly in 1987 amid internal discord and the unexpected passing of their manager. After disbanding, Burgess and Lever went on to form the Sun and the Moon, while Fielding and Smithies established the Reegs. Burgess also briefly embarked on a solo path with the Sons of God.
The Chameleons reunited in 2000, producing the studio album Why Call It Anything (2001) along with acoustic records Strip (2000) and This Never Ending Now (2002). However, renewed conflicts led to a second breakup in 2003. Subsequently, Burgess and Lever continued performing material from The Chameleons under the name ChameleonsVox; Lever later departed and died in 2017. In 2021, Burgess and Smithies revived The Chameleons with two musicians from ChameleonsVox.
Renowned for their richly textured, guitar-centric soundscapes, The Chameleons are often regarded as one of the most overlooked Manchester bands of the 1980s. Although they did not reach the commercial heights of some contemporaries from Manchester, they cultivated a devoted cult audience.
Formation and early years (1981–1982)
The band was established in Middleton, England, in 1981 by Mark Burgess, Reg Smithies, and Dave Fielding. Prior to this, Burgess had been part of the Cliches, while Smithies and Fielding came from the group Years. Initially formed as a trio—with Burgess handling lead vocals and bass guitar and Smithies and Fielding on guitars—they soon incorporated drummer John Lever from Dukinfield, who replaced Brian Schofield. For a brief period between 1982 and 1983, former Magazine drummer Martin Jackson filled in. Their sound drew heavily from early U2 influences, especially the ambient guitar techniques pioneered by The Edge.
Following several sessions for BBC Radio 1’s DJ John Peel, including one recorded in June 1981, The Chameleons secured a contract with Epic Records, an imprint of CBS Records International. Their debut single "In Shreds," released in March 1982 and produced by Steve Lillywhite, featured cover artwork created by Smithies that matched their moody, atmospheric style. However, their independent ethos clashed with label demands; wary after observing similar issues faced by Altered Images, the band was dropped by Epic soon after the release of "In Shreds."
Script of the Bridge and What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1983–1985)
After signing with Statik Records—a UK label under Virgin Records—the band issued their first full-length album, Script of the Bridge, in 1983. This record included singles such as "Up the Down Escalator" and "A Person Isn't Safe Anywhere These Days," showcasing Burgess's vocal delivery alongside a guitar-driven sound enriched with synthesizer elements. British media compared its cover art to "seventies Genesis-style illustrations." An NME critique commended their energetic guitar interplay influenced by U2 and Echo & the Bunnymen.
Due to Statik's subsidiary status, The Chameleons were excluded from UK independent charts, which limited their exposure within British music press. In contrast, MCA Records released a shortened version for the US market that omitted four tracks—a decision that frustrated the band. Nevertheless, this American release coupled with a 1984 tour across the United States garnered substantial college radio attention and helped establish a loyal fanbase.
Their sophomore album, What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1985), also distributed via Statik Records, featured reissued material like the "Nostalgia" EP containing previously unreleased tracks. This record further cemented their standing as an influential guitar-oriented act.
Strange Times era and dissolution (1985–1987)
After extensive touring following the release of Basically, manager Tony Fletcher secured a contract with Geffen Records, which led to the 1986 launch of their third studio album, Strange Times. This record, marked by its dark and intricate sound, included singles such as "Tears" and "Swamp Thing" but ultimately became their last output of that period. Rising internal conflicts, particularly between Burgess and Fielding, combined with Fletcher's unexpected passing from cardiac arrest in 1987, culminated in the band's breakup.
Period after disbandment (1988–1999)
Following the group's split, several offshoot projects emerged, though none reached notable acclaim. Burgess and Lever formed Sun and the Moon, bringing in Andy Whitaker and Andy Clegg to fill the roles left by Smithies and Fielding. They released a self-titled album on Geffen in 1988 but dissolved by the next year. Burgess embarked on a solo path while the remaining members briefly continued under the name Weaveworld. Meanwhile, Smithies and Fielding established the Reegs with vocalist Gary Lavery and utilized a drum machine; they produced two albums—Return of the Sea Monkeys (1991) and Rock the Magic Rock (1992)—on the independent label Imaginary Records.
Burgess’s solo debut, Zima Junction, appeared in 1993, followed by a 1994 American tour with Sons of God. That year also saw releases of Spring Blooms Tra-La and the live album Manchester 93. In 1995, he collaborated with Yves Altana on Paradyning, then formed Invincible alongside Altana and drummer Geoff Walker. Their debut album Venus was self-released in 1999, mainly through digital platforms. Burgess also worked with Bird, the Messengers, and Black Swan Lane. Lever later became part of Bushart, which issued Yesterday Is History in 2008.
In 1990, to honor their late manager Tony Fletcher, The Chameleons posthumously issued the EP Tony Fletcher Walked on Water.... La La La La La-La La-La-La, accompanied by several live recordings and compilation albums.
Initial reunion, Why Call It Anything, and second breakup (2000–2021)
The band reunited in January 2000 to rehearse for shows at The Witchwood in Ashton-under-Lyne—a venue they favored—in May. That same month saw the release of Strip, an acoustic collection revisiting earlier songs. Positive reception from these performances led to an extended reunion tour across Europe during summer and dates in California that autumn. In 2001, they released a new studio album titled Why Call It Anything, followed by an unplugged record This Never Ending Now in 2002 and a comprehensive tour across the United States. However, renewed interpersonal strains resulted in another disbandment in early 2003.
In 2009, Burgess and Lever reassembled as ChameleonsVox to perform material from The Chameleons’ catalog. They put out the EP M+D=1(8) in November 2013. The lineup featured guitarists Roger Lavallee, Justin Lomery, Andrew Abernathy, Neil Dwerryhouse, Chris Oliver; bassists Frank Deserto and Jessica Espeleta; drummers Glenn Maryansky, Yves Altana, and Stephen Rice. Eventually, Lever departed from this formation.
In 2014, Lever joined forces with Fielding once more under the name Red-Sided Garter Snakes to record Endless Sea, released in July 2015 with vocal contributions from James Mudriczki of Puressence and Andy Clegg.
Lever passed away on 13 March 2017 after a brief illness at age 55.
Second reunion (2021–present)
The Chameleons officially reunited in May 2021 when Burgess and Smithies collaborated with guitarist Chris Oliver and drummer Stephen Rice, both associated with Burgess' ChameleonsVox project, to record the live album Edge Sessions (Live from the Edge). This album was subsequently released on April 25, 2022, through Metropolis Records.
In autumn 2022, the band intended to embark on their first American tour in two decades, supporting The Mission (band) and Theatre of Hate, but the tour was deferred until 2023. Instead, they performed as the opening act for She Wants Revenge toward the end of 2022. This ensemble comprised original members Burgess and Smithies, drummer Todd Demma, guitarist Rice, and keyboardist Danny Ashberry. On May 24, 2024, they unveiled their first studio recording in over two decades with the Where Are You? EP. Their fifth full-length album, Arctic Moon, was released on September 12, 2025, via Metropolis Records.
Musical style
At the outset of their career, the Chameleons earned the nickname "sonic architects" from the British music press due to their richly textured soundscapes. Guitarists Smithies and Fielding crafted luminous riffs, while Lever and Burgess anchored the rhythm section firmly.
Formed amid the socio-economic upheavals of Thatcher-era England’s industrial regions, their music expressed feelings of unease and a longing for stability. Burgess’s emotive vocal delivery underscored lyrics that explored themes of alienation stemming from industrial decline and societal change. Despite the grim environment surrounding them, the band’s work conveyed a determination to rise above adversity. In a 2013 reflection, Burgess suggested that their distinctive sound would have developed similarly regardless of their geographical roots, even though Northern England's atmosphere influenced their artistry.
Legacy
The Chameleons have left a lasting impact on prominent artists such as Oasis, the Verve, Editors, White Lies, Alcest, the Flaming Lips, and Interpol. Noel Gallagher of Oasis praised their 1986 album Strange Times, acknowledging its influence on his early songwriting efforts. Nick McCabe, guitarist for the Verve, included Script of the Bridge (1983) among his personal top ten albums. The Flaming Lips incorporated "Up the Down Escalator" into a Late Night Tales compilation. The band has also been recognized by Tim Burgess of the Charlatans and electronic musician Moby. Paul Banks from Interpol noted that bassist Carlos Dengler counted them among his favorites. Valerie Cooper from Sweet Trip cited Script of the Bridge as a significant influence. Billy Corgan, frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, identified the Chameleons as an essential British band from the 1980s era. Neige, founder of French black metal outfit Alcest, credits their dual guitar interplay and frequently regards them as one of history’s most underappreciated bands.
Band members
Current lineup
- Vox – lead vocals, bass guitar, acoustic guitar (1981–1987, 2000–2003, 2021–present)
- Reg Smithies – guitar (1981–1987, 2000–2003, 2021–present)
- Todd Demma – drums and percussion (2021–present)
- Stephen Rice – guitar (2021–present)
- Danny Ashberry – keyboards, backing vocals, bass (2021–present)
Previous members
- Dave Fielding – guitars and keyboards (1981–1987, 2000–2003)
- John Lever – drums (1981, 1983–1987, 2000–2003; deceased 2017)
- Brian Schofield – drums (1981)
- Martin Jackson – drums (1982)
- Kwasi Asante – percussion (2001–2003)
During the 1980s era, the foundational four were augmented by keyboardists Alistair Lewthwaite and Andy Clegg as well as percussionist-vocalist Kwasi Asante during their reunion period.
Timeline
Discography
Studio Albums
- Script of the Bridge (1983)
- What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1985)
- Strange Times (1986)
- Why Call It Anything (2001)
- Arctic Moon (2025)