The Chameleons

Show & Culture

The legacy of The Chameleons dates to 1981, when the band was discovered by BBC Radio host John Peel. They released their debut single 'In Shreds' for Epic Records in 1982, followed by three seminal albums in the 1980s: 'Script of the Bridge' (1983), 'What Does Anything Mean? Basically!' (1984), and for US-based Geffen Records, 'Strange Times' (1986). Their unique sound, blending melancholic, energetic, and powerful music with hypnotic riffs and timeless lyrics, quickly captivated audiences. The Chameleons are considered one of the most influential guitar bands of the 80s and 90s, contributing significantly to post-punk, shoegaze, and indie scenes. The band disbanded in 1987, reformed in 2000, and split again after drummer John Lever’s death and guitarist Dave Fielding’s departure. In 2021, founding members and principal songwriters Reg Smithies (guitar) and Mark Burgess (bass, vocals, lyrics) reunited, joined by Stephen Rice (guitar), Danny Ashberry (keyboards), and Todd Demma (drums). The band's reputation continued to grow, sharing the stage with U2, Killing Joke, Bauhaus, Simple Minds, Talk Talk, The Cure and others. Known primarily as a 'live band', The Chameleons are respected for intense, emotionally charged performances. In 2024, they released their first new single in over a decade, 'Where Are You?' on Metropolis Records, and are currently working on a new album, 'Arctic Moon'.