| grew up in North Manchester in the 80's and loved the Chameleons. They brought to life every brown brick, every cracked pint glass, they drowned out the noise of a forgotten town and offered us hope. English Melancholy at its finest and most brutal. Thank you so much for sharing your passion for the band, they are one of the most under rated and brilliant bands in rock music. Thanks.
I met Mark Burgess too in the late 90's at Dan Tana's restaurant next to the Troubadour in West Hollywood before his show with the Sons of God. He shares the same birth date with me, he was so nice & genuine. I'm a long , long time fan. I totally feel you about people judging books by their covers & I appreciate your passion for good music and this band.
sorry to be so off topic but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I somehow lost my login password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
Used to hear them at Alternative post punk clubs in Manchester mid 80s The Ritz, Cloud Nine, Berlin, many long vanished clubs, the dance floors were packed, strange how they had a John Peel session but the press barely touched them, there a secret world, I saw the early Stone Roses but they were nowhere near as good as The Chameleons live, I managed to catch them first live in 1986 at the Middleton Civic Hall they were great I nearly lost my shoe the crowd pogoing was so intense, then I caught them live I think 2001 when they reformed they were great again, and a Rastafarian mate of Marks was onstage doing a rap in 'A person isn't safe anywhere these days" it was a bit surprising but shows how open minded they were to new ideas..great band.
My favorite post-punk bands ; The Chameleons , Joy Division , The Sound , Comsat angels . Bad Brains. Kudos to you for performing on stage with Mark Burgess.
Middleton's finest. I was buying anything I could find since being 14 in the 80's. Every listen is an emotional trip. Second Skin is one of the best songs ever written.
Hahaha! I went to school with Dave, Reg and Mark, formed Years with Reg and Dave. And, recorded the pre-Chameleon's EP, 'Come Dancing'' with 'Years'! I'm still drumming but, haven't seen the guys since the early '80s. Life was tough and the music we produced then reflected exactly how we felt back then. Peace & Love!
Yes. Soul. I was lucky - these amazing sounds were made 5 miles from where I grew up at a time when I was looking for a soundtrack for my life. It's still playing in the background 30-odd years later. Great share, Dereck - cheers man.
Dereck you legend.The Chameleons are from Manchester as I'm sure you will know that's where I am from they are such a great band simply amazing.I wish they would have done like 8 albums but I'm happy with the three classics.Your vinyl collection looks ace I'm a collecter myself do you have the Tony fletcher ep I want to get my hands on the rarer stuff
Completely agree with you about Manchester bands resonating with you. For some reason those bands touched my soul and there's not quite anything that affects me as much. For reference, I'm a brown girl from Brooklyn and I was either not a thought or in diapers when this music first came out. Always nice to see other POC who feel similarly about this music because in my show-going days, in the early 2000s, I was always one of maybe a few in attendance. Anyway, just wanted to say I feel you!
In 1984 I was sharing a student house in London when a lad from Liverpool who also lived there made tapes of 2 up and coming bands he thought I might like , one was REM ( whatever happened to them) which I liked, their music was a bit more quirky than later stuff and fitted in with vibe in alternative scene in UK at the time, and I enjoyed it. The other was the Chameleons Script of the Bridge, which completely blew my socks off. I couldn’t believe that they weren’t super popular as for me it was such a massive, powerful sound. There you go. I’m sure they’ve had a good time playing their music and do have adoring fans, so could be worse :)
Really glad to see people are still talking about this awesome band! Don't fall was one of the first songs I learned on guitar back in the day. Absolutely great stuff!
Could very well be my favourite band of all time. Seen them countless times throughout my life. Just last week they played my 2 local towns, Brighton and Guilford and delivered business as usual!! Mark sat in the pub with everyone afterwards in Brighton. Cool guy!
Great stuff. In a way I like it that The Chameleons matter to those that know, they are the 1980’s best kept secret. I’m a guitar player and I joined a heavy rock band back in the 1990’s, the other guitar player asked me who my influences were. I said The Chameleons and he was the same. We started jamming out Don’t Fall and In Shreds, the other guys were Metal fans but went along with it and loved it. They were such a great overlooked band and influenced many musicians.
Love your comments Dereck, stéréotypes are dull. In 5 minutes watching I could see a real person who has thought things out for himself, not been told how to be by others. I salute you
Hi Derek, i'm from Brazil and i'm a huge fan of The Chameleons, one of the greatest band in the world for sure! And i love the bands from UK as well. Thank you.
Absolutely agree, I just messaged Mark tonight, what a killer, beautiful, color background aesthetic these guys created. I am moved to goosebumps by how much you love them, because I do too...
""the Chameleons, the finest band coming out of England'' I agree with you ! This is the best thing I ever heard in my life and this coming Saturday, Oct 3rd 2015, Im gonna see Chameleons vox in Montreal ! :)
Hi Dereck, you are absolutely right. The word that resume The chameleons music is "soul". It is why their music is timeless, like great musicians in all styles. thank you for your chanel!
I saw The Chameleons three times and The Sun And The Moon once. If only it had been 1,000 times I’m tearing up now hearing you describe what they mean to you. All I can say is: you get it man. You get it. I think The Chameleons only have fans who get it. There are no casual Chameleons fans.
Your face is so cute and you slurping your drink put a big smile on my face than headbanging to second skin what way to start a video. They are superb!!
I am from Bolton - which is 15 minutes down the road from Manchester - and I of course grew up with many of the bands you named. The Stone Roses were my first love but I was surprised how long it took for me to discover Chameleons. Haven't looked back. Great band. Awesome video.
Thank you Dereck. I just watched this video for the first time and like you, I love The Chameleons. Their music will live on for a long time. I picture some archeologist in 400 years digging up an LP or CD and future society/people, whomever they are, recognizing their genius and having a really good time in the process.
ChameleonsVox are touring next year. Got my tickets already for September. I saw them in '09. Can't wait to see them again! Also, you're so right about their music having soul. Their music touches me in a different way and I'm forever grateful to have discovered them when I did.
True! One of the most under appreciated bands, ever! I still have all of their albums on heavy rotation. I never get tired of listening to their sound.
I posted a comment on this video almost 7 years ago and I remain faithful to the sound that The Chameleons projected in their music, they have caused me nostalgia and melancholy in their songs during all these years. P.D When I die, bury me with all your CDs.
I saw these Lads In my local memorial Hall in Northwich in May 1982 . I`d never heard of them , we (me and some mates ) went to see a local band supporting them called "The Air" . The Air where smashed and the singer went into a mad rant and they got booted off stage , enter the Chameleons . TALK ABOUT BLOWN AWAY . MAGIC BAND
Hi Aaron. Thanks for your tribute to this wonderful band. Not sure you mentioned it in your quiet consequent collection of records: the John Peel sessions available on Strange fruit records with a very fine version of “The Fan & The Bellows”. Mark Burgess also produced another fine record after The Chameleons split with a band called The Sun & The Moon (have to search my vinyl collection if you need references). Thanks again for sharing your passion and nice feelings about one of my favorite rock’n roll band. P.S.: please forgive my limited and somewhat broken english. I’m a damn froggy!
That video intro was AMAZING! Second skin! Impressive! Loved this video! Definitely The Chameleons was my best discovery of 2020! Such awesome you get to play with Mark!! And thank you Dereck for the recommendations! I’m learning so much thanks to you! You have so good music taste!
Dereck, you are such an awesome dude. I love your channel and your enthusiasm. I especially admire the fact that your an individual and you follow what you like and not what others expect of you. Keep doing what you like doing. I love your channel. please share more awesome bands :)
This is such a great video Dereck. Heartwarming and inspiring to hear someone with the same love for The Chameleons that I have. Thanks for this so much - it has actually brought tears to my eyes.
LOVE your glowing and informative tribute! I, too, was lucky to meet MB a few years back, and I have known and loved THE CHAMELEONS since their beginnings...THANK YOU, kind Sir...
I'm glad I stumbled across this video and your channel. I think that The Chameleons are a treasure to the world of post punk/alternative music and it's a big shame that most people don't even recognize them. For me, they released 3 albums that can be considered as one of the best of the 80s and Script Of The Bridge (ever since I discovered it about 8 months ago) will probably forever remain as one of my absolute favourite albums at least of the 80s if not ever. I subbed instantly beacuse it's great to hear someone with such passion talk about such beautiful music from the 60s up to now and be so open minded about many of it. You are the type of person I'd like to have a chat with someday.
The Chameleons have the perfect combination of hypnotic steady baselines along with that palmed muffled guitar strings sound effect. Don't hear to many, non metal, USA bands do that. Good example would be early UR, early The Cult.
Brilliant, insightful and honest - Thank You!! One thing I've noticed about Mark Burgess is that he never forgets anyone, or any meaningful personal encounter. I've met him three times ('86, '03 and '12) Even though I'm a nobody in the music world, he always remembered who I was, each time treating me like a long lost compatriot or brother.
That amazing sound the drummer creates, is a representation of the beat created by a steam hammer, that used to thump out in Eccles during the time I was at school in the area. I believe The Drummer that he loves the sound of, is Martin Jackson who also played with "Magazine."
Hi dude Mark Burgess of The Chameleons autographed my vinyl cover for me, and sent me a postcard too! amazing band. Script of the bridge is a masterpiece.
+dereckvon ...I could have listened to you talk about this band for hours .....In 2003, I was on Yahoo Groups for the band, "Catherine Wheel" and was topic of other great bands. Another member asked if I ever heard of The Chamleons, "No, I haven't" and replied with offer to send me a mix tape, and I obliged. He also sent me VHS of their Manchester concert!! At the time, I worked as Courier and played that tape every-fucking-day... Over following year I collected all of their albums and felt compelled to email and thank him again.... A few days later, his wife replied and told me that he lost his life as Medic in IRAQ... It gutted me. I wish I could have hugged him for giving me such a huge gift... Today, I try to pass on this gift to any friends who like music.. I'm also from Minnesota, and voted in Jesse for Governor. ...Minnesota is very similar to Manchester, both cities can make you feel depressed and isolated. This is why both cities have influential music and art scenes.... OT: Another band I've been referring my friends to isn't from Manchester, but has similar "guitar oriented" resonance, Black Liquor Pond, th-cam.com/video/1kwH5jVeeq8/w-d-xo.html
I grew up in the 80s, but am just now really discovering how great this band was, and you're right, this band does have alot of soul, the kind of gorgeous music that almost brings tears to your eyes because it's so good.
Just discovered The Chameleons and basically my life is changed. I'm so excited to listen to more. Thank you for his wonderful video! New sub ✨ PS you are god damn hilarious.
Thank you! I appreciate all your insights! I first heard "Up the Down Escalator" on a college radio station and I was late to class because I had to wait for the DJ to come back and name all the songs in the segment! And I was hooked from that day! My all time favorite band! I cant explain it but I will not listen to them for a while and when I listen to them again I always get teary eyed!
Dereck..from someone in the UK that has followed The Chameleons since 1982...you are so cool!! you are a very lucky man for playing with Mark! Fantasic video my friend!
I cannot begin to explain how happy this fucking made me! The best part of the whole thing is seeing how much you appreciate the music and watching you rock out when it kicks in at the beginning. Thank you. Sincerely.
WOW i just discovered you and this by far has made my week!! Awesome I am a Vinyl collector myself. A Chameleons fan since 1988. My prized Chameleons album is the combo album "Here Today...Gone Tomorrow"/ "Live in Toronto". I love you're Vids!
Man, I just stumbled across your video number one. You’re absolutely right the chameleons severely underrated number two as a Hispanic American bass player who loves postpunk. It sucks how people want you to sound a certain way great video great points.
The Chameleons were a HUGE influence on my first band, and on all my guitar playing from then on. You're absolutely right, man. They were totally underappreciated. You nailed it. They have soul.
I just discovered them last night cruising through TH-cam. Awesome band!!! I have been downloading everything connected with the band. I hope I can find them on Amazon. Mark Burgess vocals draw you into it all. Thank you for educating me!
One of my favourites of early 80s indie, since their first John peel sessions, the guitars speak to me, check out cocteau twins and deadcandance, enjoyed your story too
I went to see Chameleons Vox just last week in Manchester @ the Ritz and they were (as always) amazing. I saw them a few years ago supporting Mercury Rev and the thank you Jonathan Donahoe gave them was amazing and he's obviously a big fan. I've been a fan since about 1980 something when I heard Swamp Thing on a local radio station and have been a fan ever since. There's a great book by Mark Hodkinson called Last Mad Surge Of Youth (from a quote at the start of Don't Fall) featuring a fictional band from the north of England and has many references to the Chameleons. Well worth getting hold of if your a fan of music from the North of England.
Once the air drumming started I was like oh f yeah this guy knows what's up 😭🙌
| grew up in North Manchester in the 80's and loved the Chameleons. They brought to life every brown brick, every cracked pint glass, they drowned out the noise of a forgotten town and offered us hope. English Melancholy at its finest and most brutal. Thank you so much for sharing your passion for the band, they are one of the most under rated and brilliant bands in rock music. Thanks.
Sell said bro.
jealous
thanks for the recommendations, d!
Are you still listen them?
you like?
Started listening in 1995 when I bought the Peel Sessions.... easily a top 5 favorite band of mine.
I met Mark Burgess too in the late 90's at Dan Tana's restaurant next to the Troubadour in West Hollywood before his show with the Sons of God. He shares the same birth date with me, he was so nice & genuine. I'm a long , long time fan. I totally feel you about people judging books by their covers & I appreciate your passion for good music and this band.
I love you man.....you get what I get and all Chameleons fans get.....play it loud, play it proud
23blueplane
❤
Absolutely correct: This band is criminally overlooked. Best band of the 80s. Still have all my vinyl. Eat your heart out.
"One of the finest bands ever to come out of England, much less Manchester." Indeed.
sorry to be so off topic but does anyone know of a way to log back into an Instagram account??
I somehow lost my login password. I love any tricks you can offer me.
@Reese Conor instablaster :)
Used to hear them at Alternative post punk clubs in Manchester mid 80s The Ritz, Cloud Nine, Berlin, many long vanished clubs, the dance floors were packed, strange how they had a John Peel session but the press barely touched them, there a secret world, I saw the early Stone Roses but they were nowhere near as good as The Chameleons live, I managed to catch them first live in 1986 at the Middleton Civic Hall they were great I nearly lost my shoe the crowd pogoing was so intense, then I caught them live I think 2001 when they reformed they were great again, and a Rastafarian mate of Marks was onstage doing a rap in 'A person isn't safe anywhere these days" it was a bit surprising but shows how open minded they were to new ideas..great band.
I love to see you dancing like that bro. Thanx for your channel.
My favorite post-punk bands ; The Chameleons , Joy Division , The Sound , Comsat angels . Bad Brains.
Kudos to you for performing on stage with Mark Burgess.
Middleton's finest. I was buying anything I could find since being 14 in the 80's. Every listen is an emotional trip. Second Skin is one of the best songs ever written.
Hahaha! I went to school with Dave, Reg and Mark, formed Years with Reg and Dave. And, recorded the pre-Chameleon's EP, 'Come Dancing'' with 'Years'! I'm still drumming but, haven't seen the guys since the early '80s. Life was tough and the music we produced then reflected exactly how we felt back then. Peace & Love!
So good to see someone talk so passionately about music, and especially about a band so underrated as The Chameleons.
Awesome video, love the Chameleons! You are awesome to review them.
So I only discovered the Chameleons three years ago... Seriously never been so gripped by music like it!!! Love your video :)
gettinh SOTB signed by mark and reg soon!
Yes.
Soul.
I was lucky - these amazing sounds were made 5 miles from where I grew up at a time when I was looking for a soundtrack for my life. It's still playing in the background 30-odd years later.
Great share, Dereck - cheers man.
Jim SStringer Cheers.
Dereck you legend.The Chameleons are from Manchester as I'm sure you will know that's where I am from they are such a great band simply amazing.I wish they would have done like 8 albums but I'm happy with the three classics.Your vinyl collection looks ace I'm a collecter myself do you have the Tony fletcher ep I want to get my hands on the rarer stuff
Do you like The Sound they are amazing to.Its so close between them and The Chameleons both amazing bands
Love The Sound.
Favourite Sound album? Did you get the boxset
I admire your honesty and your taste in music!
The Chameleons and The Sound..the best bands ever.
This is music from the heart and soul, Mark Burgess is a man asking questions and struggling through this existence creating master pieces on the way.
The John Peel Session album is amazing
It's so hard to find commentary out there about the Chameleons! Thanks for the video!
Completely agree with you about Manchester bands resonating with you. For some reason those bands touched my soul and there's not quite anything that affects me as much. For reference, I'm a brown girl from Brooklyn and I was either not a thought or in diapers when this music first came out. Always nice to see other POC who feel similarly about this music because in my show-going days, in the early 2000s, I was always one of maybe a few in attendance. Anyway, just wanted to say I feel you!
Best comment ever , much love from this Manchester lad
@@valley_robot Glad you got something out of it ❤️
lovely tribute to a great band RIP John Lever
In 1984 I was sharing a student house in London when a lad from Liverpool who also lived there made tapes of 2 up and coming bands he thought I might like , one was REM ( whatever happened to them) which I liked, their music was a bit more quirky than later stuff and fitted in with vibe in alternative scene in UK at the time, and I enjoyed it. The other was the Chameleons Script of the Bridge, which completely blew my socks off. I couldn’t believe that they weren’t super popular as for me it was such a massive, powerful sound. There you go. I’m sure they’ve had a good time playing their music and do have adoring fans, so could be worse :)
I love your honesty.
I admire your record collection. Catherine Wheel, Chamelons- all the good stuff. Thank you
Really glad to see people are still talking about this awesome band! Don't fall was one of the first songs I learned on guitar back in the day. Absolutely great stuff!
Could very well be my favourite band of all time. Seen them countless times throughout my life. Just last week they played my 2 local towns, Brighton and Guilford and delivered business as usual!! Mark sat in the pub with everyone afterwards in Brighton. Cool guy!
The Sounds, The Chameleons are in my pantheon of great bands...
Great stuff. In a way I like it that The Chameleons matter to those that know, they are the 1980’s best kept secret. I’m a guitar player and I joined a heavy rock band back in the 1990’s, the other guitar player asked me who my influences were. I said The Chameleons and he was the same. We started jamming out Don’t Fall and In Shreds, the other guys were Metal fans but went along with it and loved it.
They were such a great overlooked band and influenced many musicians.
Love your comments Dereck, stéréotypes are dull. In 5 minutes watching I could see a real person who has thought things out for himself, not been told how to be by others. I salute you
One of the first bands that really got me into music, and through some tough times in my 'younger' life....
I love the Chamelons. One of the bands that you can revisit and find treasure.
Hi Derek, i'm from Brazil and i'm a huge fan of The Chameleons, one of the greatest band in the world for sure! And i love the bands from UK as well. Thank you.
I have Script of the bridge signed by Mark Burgess and Reg Smithies.
Absolutely agree, I just messaged Mark tonight, what a killer, beautiful, color background aesthetic these guys created. I am moved to goosebumps by how much you love them, because I do too...
This sound made an impact instantly when I first heard them back in high school ... special indeed.
Just discovered this channel, good to see you still active. Chameleons forever!
Amazing song.
""the Chameleons, the finest band coming out of England''
I agree with you ! This is the best thing I ever heard in my life and this coming Saturday, Oct 3rd 2015, Im gonna see Chameleons vox in Montreal ! :)
Hi Dereck, you are absolutely right. The word that resume The chameleons music is "soul". It is why their music is timeless, like great musicians in all styles.
thank you for your chanel!
I saw The Chameleons three times and The Sun And The Moon once. If only it had been 1,000 times
I’m tearing up now hearing you describe what they mean to you. All I can say is: you get it man. You get it. I think The Chameleons only have fans who get it. There are no casual Chameleons fans.
Your face is so cute and you slurping your drink put a big smile on my face than headbanging to second skin what way to start a video. They are superb!!
I am from Bolton - which is 15 minutes down the road from Manchester - and I of course grew up with many of the bands you named. The Stone Roses were my first love but I was surprised how long it took for me to discover Chameleons. Haven't looked back. Great band. Awesome video.
Thank you Dereck. I just watched this video for the first time and like you, I love The Chameleons. Their music will live on for a long time. I picture some archeologist in 400 years digging up an LP or CD and future society/people, whomever they are, recognizing their genius and having a really good time in the process.
Good call.
ChameleonsVox are touring next year. Got my tickets already for September. I saw them in '09. Can't wait to see them again!
Also, you're so right about their music having soul. Their music touches me in a different way and I'm forever grateful to have discovered them when I did.
Thank you my friend!!!
I fell the same as you!!!!
Thos music is pure
True! One of the most under appreciated bands, ever!
I still have all of their albums on heavy rotation. I never get tired of listening to their sound.
One of my, if not my favorite song EVER!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼
Lots of love for Mark , he was so nice to me in the early days of the internet , we exchanged a few emails and he was a lovely intelligent man
I posted a comment on this video almost 7 years ago and I remain faithful to the sound that The Chameleons projected in their music, they have caused me nostalgia and melancholy in their songs during all these years.
P.D When I die, bury me with all your CDs.
Seeing The Chameleons in May hopefully! exceptional band.
The Sound were from London I believe. But still one of my favorite bands.
Wonderful!! Love you!!!
I feel you!
Got to meet Mark two weeks ago. Great guy!
Possibly the best show I've ever seen. Amazing performance!
Great taste love the chameleons, and the sound awesome. Best music comes from the uk.
I saw these Lads In my local memorial Hall in Northwich in May 1982 . I`d never heard of them , we (me and some mates ) went to see a local band supporting them called "The Air" . The Air where smashed and the singer went into a mad rant and they got booted off stage , enter the Chameleons . TALK ABOUT BLOWN AWAY .
MAGIC BAND
Hi Aaron. Thanks for your tribute to this wonderful band. Not sure you mentioned it in your quiet consequent collection of records: the John Peel sessions available on Strange fruit records with a very fine version of “The Fan & The Bellows”. Mark Burgess also produced another fine record after The Chameleons split with a band called The Sun & The Moon (have to search my vinyl collection if you need references).
Thanks again for sharing your passion and nice feelings about one of my favorite rock’n roll band.
P.S.: please forgive my limited and somewhat broken english. I’m a damn froggy!
Cheers Francois
That video intro was AMAZING! Second skin! Impressive! Loved this video! Definitely The Chameleons was my best discovery of 2020! Such awesome you get to play with Mark!! And thank you Dereck for the recommendations! I’m learning so much thanks to you! You have so good music taste!
Dereck, you are such an awesome dude. I love your channel and your enthusiasm. I especially admire the fact that your an individual and you follow what you like and not what others expect of you. Keep doing what you like doing. I love your channel. please share more awesome bands :)
Very under rated band
hell yes, one of my favorite bands!
Wonderful, Dereck!!
This is such a great video Dereck. Heartwarming and inspiring to hear someone with the same love for The Chameleons that I have. Thanks for this so much - it has actually brought tears to my eyes.
This guy! Fantastic taste in music!!
Thank you, just subscribed to your channel. I only discovered The Chameleons today, really are a special band beautiful sound and I love the lyrics!
LOVE your glowing and informative tribute! I, too, was lucky to meet MB a few years back, and I have known and loved THE CHAMELEONS since their beginnings...THANK YOU, kind Sir...
I'm glad I stumbled across this video and your channel. I think that The Chameleons are a treasure to the world of post punk/alternative music and it's a big shame that most people don't even recognize them. For me, they released 3 albums that can be considered as one of the best of the 80s and Script Of The Bridge (ever since I discovered it about 8 months ago) will probably forever remain as one of my absolute favourite albums at least of the 80s if not ever. I subbed instantly beacuse it's great to hear someone with such passion talk about such beautiful music from the 60s up to now and be so open minded about many of it. You are the type of person I'd like to have a chat with someday.
I m 42 and i discovered them few months ago, what a shame.
As you say, so underrated in the history of rock !
Great band no doubt.
I'm french ; I know the Chameleons since 1984 and you're completely right D : it's probably one of the greatest band of all time !
I know this is an older video, but it is awesome to see someone as obsessed with them as I am! Liked and subscribed
The Chameleons have the perfect combination of hypnotic steady baselines along with that palmed muffled guitar strings sound effect. Don't hear to many, non metal, USA bands do that. Good example would be early UR, early The Cult.
and Second Skin is probably their best song. I smiled when the video started.
Brilliant, insightful and honest - Thank You!! One thing I've noticed about Mark Burgess is that he never forgets anyone, or any meaningful personal encounter. I've met him three times ('86, '03 and '12) Even though I'm a nobody in the music world, he always remembered who I was, each time treating me like a long lost compatriot or brother.
That amazing sound the drummer creates, is a representation of the beat created by a steam hammer, that used to thump out in Eccles during the time I was at school in the area. I believe The Drummer that he loves the sound of, is Martin Jackson who also played with "Magazine."
Yeah that drummer is interesting. He was using the sounds of the popular synth drums of the time but it was so clearly organic and played with heart.
You're right. Brilliant band, so underrated. I heard "Second Skin".....and I was hooked!
Just superb stuff Dereck! Thanks so much for your upload, and cheers! Gary
Hi dude Mark Burgess of The Chameleons autographed my vinyl cover for me, and sent me a postcard too! amazing band. Script of the bridge is a masterpiece.
+dereckvon ...I could have listened to you talk about this band for hours .....In 2003, I was on Yahoo Groups for the band, "Catherine Wheel" and was topic of other great bands. Another member asked if I ever heard of The Chamleons, "No, I haven't" and replied with offer to send me a mix tape, and I obliged. He also sent me VHS of their Manchester concert!!
At the time, I worked as Courier and played that tape every-fucking-day... Over following year I collected all of their albums and felt compelled to email and thank him again.... A few days later, his wife replied and told me that he lost his life as Medic in IRAQ... It gutted me. I wish I could have hugged him for giving me such a huge gift... Today, I try to pass on this gift to any friends who like music.. I'm also from Minnesota, and voted in Jesse for Governor. ...Minnesota is very similar to Manchester, both cities can make you feel depressed and isolated. This is why both cities have influential music and art scenes.... OT: Another band I've been referring my friends to isn't from Manchester, but has similar "guitar oriented" resonance, Black Liquor Pond, th-cam.com/video/1kwH5jVeeq8/w-d-xo.html
I grew up in the 80s, but am just now really discovering how great this band was, and you're right, this band does have alot of soul, the kind of gorgeous music that almost brings tears to your eyes because it's so good.
Just discovered The Chameleons and basically my life is changed. I'm so excited to listen to more. Thank you for his wonderful video! New sub ✨ PS you are god damn hilarious.
Thank you! I appreciate all your insights!
I first heard "Up the Down Escalator" on a college radio station and I was late to class because I had to wait for the DJ to come back and name all the songs in the segment! And I was hooked from that day!
My all time favorite band! I cant explain it but I will not listen to them for a while and when I listen to them again I always get teary eyed!
Thank you for speaking about this truly underrated band. Have loved them for decades.
Dereck..from someone in the UK that has followed The Chameleons since 1982...you are so cool!! you are a very lucky man for playing with Mark! Fantasic video my friend!
the chamaleons sois geniales recuerdo tiempos cuando empezabais ha sonar en Valencia que buenos que sois os quiero.
I cannot begin to explain how happy this fucking made me! The best part of the whole thing is seeing how much you appreciate the music and watching you rock out when it kicks in at the beginning. Thank you. Sincerely.
Nice collection! Mark (with Reg?) will be back touring in the USA later this year as Chameleons Vox. I will be at the Richmond VA show.
WOW i just discovered you and this by far has made my week!! Awesome I am a Vinyl collector myself. A Chameleons fan since 1988. My prized Chameleons album is the combo album "Here Today...Gone Tomorrow"/ "Live in Toronto". I love you're Vids!
This is the kind of channel that makes you realize why you love music so much. Great stuff.
Man, I just stumbled across your video number one. You’re absolutely right the chameleons severely underrated number two as a Hispanic American bass player who loves postpunk. It sucks how people want you to sound a certain way great video great points.
Yeah!
i am still listening to the cameleons
had the chance to see them in montreal
still listening to a few tunes after all those years
Hi Derek , you brought me to the chameleons man , they're brilliant ultimate 80' s sound SOTB need to buy it. thx from Switzerland.
Gréât réaction vid before it was a thing, practically before smart phones. Highly appropriate it was on the Chameleons.
Bravo man.
The Chameleons were a HUGE influence on my first band, and on all my guitar playing from then on. You're absolutely right, man. They were totally underappreciated. You nailed it. They have soul.
Oooooh Yeah...The Chameleons. Briliant! Heard "The Sun and the Moon?" With Mark Burgess... brilliant one also
I just discovered them last night cruising through TH-cam. Awesome band!!! I have been downloading everything connected with the band. I hope I can find them on Amazon. Mark Burgess vocals draw you into it all. Thank you for educating me!
One of my favourites of early 80s indie, since their first John peel sessions, the guitars speak to me, check out cocteau twins and deadcandance, enjoyed your story too
Watch more of my videos. I have that music.
Agreed! The chameleons are one of the best UK bands ever. Big influence on me and my music. Cheers
Probably my favorite 80s band.
I went to see Chameleons Vox just last week in Manchester @ the Ritz and they were (as always) amazing. I saw them a few years ago supporting Mercury Rev and the thank you Jonathan Donahoe gave them was amazing and he's obviously a big fan. I've been a fan since about 1980 something when I heard Swamp Thing on a local radio station and have been a fan ever since.
There's a great book by Mark Hodkinson called Last Mad Surge Of Youth (from a quote at the start of Don't Fall) featuring a fictional band from the north of England and has many references to the Chameleons. Well worth getting hold of if your a fan of music from the North of England.