The Chameleons Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a The Chameleons band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
The Chameleons are a seminal English band hailing from Manchester, known for their influential contributions to the post-punk and new wave genres. Formed in 1981, the group originally consisted of Mark Burgess (vocals, bass), Reg Smithies (guitar), Dave Fielding (guitar), and John Lever (drums), who replaced founding drummer Brian Schofield. Their sound blends elements of rock, dream pop, and gothic rock, characterized by atmospheric textures and emotional depth. The band's early work, including albums like Script of the Bridge and What Does Anything Mean? Basically, helped shape the landscape of 1980s alternative music.
How to Sound Like The Chameleons
The Chameleons' sound is marked by lush, expansive guitar work and brooding, melodic bass lines that create a haunting, yet melodic atmosphere. Their music often features layered guitar effects, utilizing tools like the Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo to craft their signature echoing soundscapes. The interplay between Reg Smithies' Fender Telecaster and Dave Fielding's Rickenbacker 360 adds a rich, jangly texture, while Mark Burgess' Squier Precision Bass provides a resonant, rhythmic foundation. Their music is both melancholic and powerful, with ethereal guitar effects and dynamic drumming that together envelop the listener in a uniquely immersive auditory experience.
Discography
Script of the Bridge (Remastered)
1983
Live At The Hacienda
1996
Strip
2000
Live At The Gallery Club, Manchester, 1982
2001
Why Call It Anything
2001
Live at The Academy Vol. 2
2006
This Never Ending Now
2006
Script Of The Bridge - 25th Anniversary Edition
2008
Live at the Academy Vol. 1
2009
What Does Anything Mean? Basically (2009 Remaster)
2009
Acoustic Sessions
2010
Dreams in Celluloid: A Collection of Rare Recordings
2013
John Peel Sessions (2014 Remaster)
2014
Live From London
2016
Elevated Living: Live In Manchester, London & Spain
2021
Edge Sessions (Live from the Edge)
2022
Dali's Picture / Auffuhrung in Berlin (Live)
2022
Return of The Roughnecks Live at The Ritz
2024
Arctic Moon
2025
Get the The Chameleons Sound
Want to sound like The Chameleons? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
