Artist page · 04/07/2026

The Chameleons

MiddletonFormed in 1981Alternatif8 vinyl albums
The Chameleons formed in 1981 in Middleton, Greater Manchester, England. Known for their post-punk, new wave and alternative rock styles, the band produced influential albums through the 1980s and reunited for new recordings in the 2000s.
8Albums on Vinyles.com
381Discogs releases
506kLast.fm listeners

About

The Chameleons, Post-punk roots from Middleton shaping ethereal indie rock.

Three key LPs from the ‘80s plus modern reissues — original UK pressings and limited editions tracked live.

The Chameleons comprised Mark Burgess (vocals, bass), Reg Smithies (guitar), Dave Fielding (guitar), and John Lever (drums). Their sound is characterized by expansive guitars and atmospheric production, contributing to post-punk and indie scenes. They initially disbanded in 1987 after three studio albums and several EPs, reformed in 2000, released further albums such as Why Call It Anything (2001), and disbanded again thereafter.

Among their vinyl discography, key releases include Script Of The Bridge (1983), What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1985), and Strange Times (1986). Original UK pressings on Statik Records and US Geffen pressings remain sought-after.

Discography

The Chameleons — Discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Arctic MoonMetropolis · 2025
2025
Arctic Moon
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Edge Sessions (Live From The Edge)Metropolis · 2022
2022
Edge Sessions (Live From The Edge)
CD, Album
Studio
Live From The Camden PalaceThe Store For Music · 2016
2016
Live From The Camden Palace
File, FLAC, Album
Studio
Live At The AcademyParadiso Records · 2002
2002
Live At The Academy
CD, Album
Live
This Never Ending NowParadiso Records · 2002
2002
This Never Ending Now
CD, Album
Studio
Why Call It AnythingArtful Records · 2001
2001
Why Call It Anything
CD, Album
Studio
Live At The WitchwoodNot On Label (The Chameleons Self-released) · 2000
2000
Live At The Witchwood
CDr, Album, Limited Edition
Live
StripParadiso Records · 2000
2000
Strip
CD, Album
Studio
Live ShredsCleopatra · 1996
1996
Live Shreds
CD, Album, Misprint
Studio
Recorded Live At The Gallery Club Manchester, 18th December 1982Visionary Communications · 1996
1996
Recorded Live At The Gallery Club Manchester, 18th December 1982
CD, Album, Enhanced
Live
Aufführung In BerlinImaginary Records · 1993
1993
Aufführung In Berlin
CD, Album
Studio
The Radio 1 Evening Show SessionsNighttracks · 1993
1993
The Radio 1 Evening Show Sessions
CD, Album
Studio
Dali's PictureImaginary Records · 1993
1993
Dali's Picture
CD, Album
Studio
Here Today... Gone TomorrowImaginary Records · 1992
1992
Here Today... Gone Tomorrow
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Live In TorontoImaginary Records · 1992
1992
Live In Toronto
CD, Album
Live
Strange TimesGeffen Records · 1986
1986
Strange Times
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
What Does Anything Mean?  BasicallyStatik Records · 1985
1985
What Does Anything Mean? Basically
Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition
Studio
Script Of The BridgeStatik Records · 1983
1983
Script Of The Bridge
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up The Chameleons's career.

01
Swamp Thing
Swamp Thing
Strange Times · 1986
02
Don't Fall
Don't Fall
Script Of The Bridge · 1983
03
Up the Down Escalator
Up the Down Escalator
Script Of The Bridge · 1983
04
Second Skin
Second Skin
Script Of The Bridge · 1983
05
Monkeyland
Monkeyland
Script Of The Bridge · 1983
06
Here Today
Here Today
Script Of The Bridge · 1983
07
Less Than Human
Less Than Human
Script Of The Bridge · 1983
08
Pleasure and Pain
Pleasure and Pain
Script Of The Bridge · 1983

The essentials

The 3 The Chameleons albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 1983
LP, Album
Script Of The Bridge

Debut studio album marking their establishment in post-punk, featuring 12 tracks with atmospheric guitars and deep moods.

12 tracksStatik Records UK pressingOriginal LPHighly collectible
#2 · 1985
LP, Album, Limited Edition
What Does Anything Mean? Basically

Second album blending alternative rock and post-punk, issued in several limited vinyl editions, key for expanded The Chameleons catalog.

10 tracksStatik RecordsLimited Edition vinylMultiple pressings
#3 · 1986
LP, Album
Strange Times

Third studio album with lush guitar arrangements, released on Geffen Records in US and UK pressings, sought for vinyl rarity.

10 tracksGeffen Records pressingUS & UK versionsPost-punk style

Go further

Artists similar to The Chameleons

Artists who share part of The Chameleons's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of The Chameleons

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"Steve Lillywhite’s production on early EPs gave The Chameleons their signature expansive drum and guitar sound."
— Music Industry Production Legacy
01Studio

Script Of The Bridge recorded at Pluto Studios

Their 1983 debut album 'Script Of The Bridge' was recorded at Pluto Studios and released on Statik Records UK, pivotal for post-punk fans seeking original pressings.

1983United Kingdom
02Release

Original UK pressing of Why Call It Anything

The 2019 UK reissue of 'Why Call It Anything' on Blue Apple Music (cat. BAMLP19) offers remastered sound and special edition packaging for collectors.

2019UK
03Live Album

The Chameleons live at The Camden Palace

A 2016 live recording titled 'Live From The Camden Palace' captures the band's performance in London, released in limited edition formats cherished by audiophiles.

2016London
04Tribute

EP 'Tony Fletcher Walked On Water' honors their manager

The posthumous EP 'Tony Fletcher Walked On Water' released on Blue Apple Music features the band's final recordings, dedicated to their late manager who passed in 1987.

1990UK

Records by The Chameleons

See all

FAQ

FAQ: The Chameleons on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

When was The Chameleons band formed?

The Chameleons were formed in 1981 in Middleton, Greater Manchester, England.

What genre does The Chameleons' music belong to?

The band's music is mainly post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock, with ethereal and expansive guitar work.

Which The Chameleons album should I start my vinyl collection with?

Starting with their debut album, Script Of The Bridge (1983), on vinyl provides a foundational experience of their post-punk sound.

Are original pressings of The Chameleons rare and valuable?

Original UK pressings on Statik Records, especially Script Of The Bridge and What Does Anything Mean? Basically, are sought after by collectors and can command a premium.

Where can I find the highest quality pressings of The Chameleons albums in France?

In France, look for reissues or original UK pressings available through specialized vinyl shops and online platforms tracking offers in real time.

What notable live recordings does The Chameleons have on vinyl?

Noteworthy live recordings include 'Live From The Camden Palace' captured in London and other limited edition concert albums.

Have The Chameleons released new music in recent years?

They released 'Why Call It Anything' in 2001 after their 2000 reunion, and 'Arctic Moon' is announced for 2025, continuing their post-punk legacy.

Is it common to find limited edition vinyl pressings from The Chameleons?

Limited editions such as the 1985 'What Does Anything Mean? Basically' and 2001 'Why Call It Anything' reissues exist, favored by collectors.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 04/07/2026