The Chameleons
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 high-profile BBC sessions, the Chameleons signed to Epic and debuted with the tense, moody single "In Shreds," produced by Steve Lillywhite and released in March 1982.
The quartet was soon released from its contract with Epic, but then signed to Statik and returned in 1983 with the band's first full-length 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 Chameleons' finale, however, when they split following the sudden death of manager Tony Fletcher; while Burgess and Lever continued on in the Sun & 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 '90s 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 acoustic-based, self-released Strip was available by showtime and for a limited time only. Additional European dates followed throughout the summer, and by fall the Chameleons UK played their first American shows in nearly 15 years. Several live efforts appeared shortly thereafter. Why Call It Anything? (2001) marked the Chameleons' first studio album since 1986's Strange Times. This Never Ending Now appeared two years later.
© Jason Ankeny /TiVo
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Discography
26 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Script of the Bridge (Remastered)
Alternative & Indie - Released by Blue Apple Music on Apr 2, 2012
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Script Of The Bridge - 25th Anniversary Edition
Rock - Released by Blue Apple Music on Aug 8, 1983
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
What Does Anything Mean? Basically (2009 Remaster)
Pop - Released by Blue Apple Music on May 20, 1985
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Where Are You?
Punk / New Wave - Released by Metropolis Records on May 24, 2024
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Tony Fletcher Walked on Water EP
Alternative & Indie - Released by Blue Apple Music on May 27, 2013
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Dali's Picture / Auffuhrung in Berlin (Live)
Rock - Released by Blue Apple Music on Jan 1, 1993
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Strange Times
Pop - Released by Geffen on Sep 1, 1986
The Qobuz Essential DiscographyAvailable in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
This Never Ending Now
Rock - Released by FullFill on May 26, 2006
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
John Peel Sessions (2014 Remaster)
Pop - Released by Blue Apple Music on Nov 1, 1990
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Dreams in Celluloid: A Collection of Rare Recordings
Alternative & Indie - Released by Blue Apple Music on May 27, 2013
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Live At The Hacienda (Live, The Hacienda, Manchester, 28 January 1983)
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cherry Red Records on Dec 30, 2022
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
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Acoustic Sessions
Pop - Released by Townsend Music on Nov 5, 2010
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Why Call It Anything
Rock - Released by Artful Records on Jan 1, 2001
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Why Call It Anything (Remastered)
Alternative & Indie - Released by Blue Apple Music on Jan 1, 2001
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Tomorrow Remember Yesterday
Punk / New Wave - Released by Metropolis Records on Oct 11, 2024
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Edge Sessions (Live from the Edge)
Punk / New Wave - Released by Metropolis Records on Apr 15, 2022
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
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Live at The Academy Vol. 1
Rock - Released by FullFill on Mar 1, 2002
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Live at The Academy Vol. 2
Rock - Released by FullFill on May 26, 2006
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Elevated Living: Live In Manchester, London & Spain
Alternative & Indie - Released by Cherry Red Records on Sep 24, 2021
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo