Though The Chameleons were poised to break big in their early 80's heyday, the British post-punk troupe never attained the notoriety of other contemporaries like The Jesus and Mary Chain or even U2 (who they were compared to in the press at the time). Label politics, snooty music critics, and other factors made such success elusive, but that doesn't seem to have phased frontman and founding member Mark Burgess (pictured second from the right in the lead image above circa the band's 1983 debut Script of the Bridge). Ahead of the band's Jan 7 gig at T-House (near Tuanjiehu subway station, relocated from originally planned venue Yugong Yishan, which has temporarily closed), Burgess tells us about embracing The Chameleons' cult status, coping with the tragic death of former drummer John Lever, and more.
It seems like The Chameleons are having a strong resurgence these days, along with other underrated '80s British alt-rock acts like Slowdive and Ride. How does it feel to be experiencing that?
Well, I've never really stopped. I’ve been performing this material with very few breaks for the last ten years or so. I never get bored with performing it, I get a lot of energy from this music and I still feel it’s more relevant now than when it was first written.
This write-up about your upcoming Beijing show describes your band as: “Of all the bands I've ever heard, I would, in fact, have to rate The Chameleons as the single greatest band practically no one has ever heard of.” What are your thoughts on such a description?
I think it’s great, all the bands that I thought were the coolest bands were underground bands, so to be thought of in that way is very cool indeed.
I wonder if your fans share that sentiment. Even though The Chameleons didn’t break big in America like some of your contemporaries, do you think that makes your followers love you all the more? After all, many fans become protective of their favorite acts and don’t want them to get “overexposed” or “become too big and sell out."
Yeah, well that is certainly true of the bands I loved as a kid and growing up. So I can relate to that, yeah. The only downside comes when you’re trying to pay your bills.
What have been some of the most memorable Chameleons gigs over the years?
I'd have to say the reunion show at the Academy in Manchester in 2000 when we broke the record for the highest ever attendance there. We’d been away for about 10 years, and to come back to that reaction was just phenomenal. It was ten minutes before we could even begin the set because people wouldn’t stop cheering and clapping when we walked on stage.
How have you and your bandmates coped with John Lever’s recent passing? Also, what have fans told you, after shows or at other events, about what Lever meant to them?
Fans have been very thoughtful for the most past and expressed their sadness and condolences. I expected it to happen, given John’s, lifestyle so while it was a shock when it did happen, I wasn’t altogether surprised, if you see what I mean.
But John had already left the band about a year or so before he died so I hadn’t seen him in a while. One of the last things I said to him was that I didn’t want to stand by and watch him die before my eyes, that would have been too hard. We tried to help him and for two years he stayed off the drink and played drums like he was 20 years younger. But once he was back on the drink and the way that escalated, there was only ever going to be one outcome.
That's such a shame. And yet you all seem to have rallied together and are pushing forward strongly and steadily. What's next for you guys? What goals do you have as a band, going forward?
I don’t make plans anymore, I try and exist in the moment and take as much from the moment as I can. Life is in too much a state of flux to be making long-term plans. Besides, I prefer surprises!
The Chameleons will perform on Jan 7 at 9pm at T-House near Tuanjiehu subway station (relocated from originally planned venue Yugong Yishan, which has temporarily closed). Tickets are RMB 150 advance or RMB 200 on the door. To purchase tickets or for more info, click here.
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Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
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Photos: Past Daily, show promoter Haze Sounds
The show was brilliant - a lesson in just how much atmospherics you can squeeze out of a four-man band. Driving drums, great guitar interplay, and a humble and fun performance from Burgess (including some well-judged forays into medley territory).
The sound at T-House was also excellent although it was far too hot in there and the lights were on the wrong side of epilepsy-inducing. Hopefully it'll open up to the public more often - would be a shame not to use it.
The coordinators have announced:
"Due to the cause of Force Majeure, The Chameleons Beijing gig has unfortunately to be relocated from"Yugong Yishan" to "T-House",address: Baijiazhuang Dongli 23, Jinhu Center B1 (nearest subway:Tuanjiehu, Exit C)." For more information, click here. The article above has been updated to reflect those changes.
