Chameleons Vox

Slow big train that once it took off was quite a ride! The Chameleons Vox blew wheels off by the end! Wow! It was a soft start as Jay Aston had some notable vocal strain but was frank with crowd that he was on his own this tour and lacked some proper help but wasnt complaining as he made any flaws in himself or others entertaining. It was a treat to see such a talented musician & childhood hero do his thing and to speak with him after. No offense to the showstopping Chameleons but my mission was to glimpse the legend Kirk Brandon and the ironic first tour ever for Theater of Hate in the colonies. His energy at 63 was flawless & THAT VOICE! Hit me straight in the heart hearing Brandon's war cry! He truly was a Viking or Apache in a former incarnation. For this former goth kid, I can finally die happy. We spoke at length on personal & musical topics so I've already died as you're reading this! He killed Westworld and Americans & all the other classics too and operated like a maestro for the band and audience. Turns out TOH were just the show's crescendo as The Chameleons didn't just blow up the night, singer Mark Burgess looked us in the eyes as he lit the fuse and said,"Hope this hurts ya bastards! I'm embarrassed to say that for all of my Brit-esh 80s knowledge I'd largely missed out on this epic band that clearly could take the piss out of Oasis, The Kinks, The Who, I mean line'm up these guys hold their own with Burgess obviously being the mad genius leader. Although not original band members, the accompanying supportive artists were big that night and that drummer could hold light with any legend. The one letdown was the club itself. If Drunken Unicorn sound effed up? It didn't really roll out the hospitality bus for anyone. The bathrooms inexcusable and the competing dance club's noise was insufferable even if by the time it was thumping the walls, The Chameleons Vox sounds obliterated it like it wasn't even there!

I hadn't seen them since the 80s so I was really looking forward to it. I was also looking forward to see Theatre of Hate who supported them as although I've seen Kirk Brandon on tour as Spear of Destiny twice this year I was hoping to hear a ToH set. Unfortunately it too 4 hours to get to London due to road closures caused by two big accidents whereas it should have taken 2. As a result I only caught the tail end of Propaganda and Westworld of ToHs set.
Chameleons were very good despite only Burgess being left of the originals. I thought his vocals were a bit weak, but in fairness he did apologise later in the set that he was struggling with his voice and he even got the guitarist to do vocals on one of the songs. They played everything you would have expected them to and arguably Second Skin, Less Than Human and Nostalgia were the stand out tracks. Unfortunately Burgess was in no fit state by the end to do In Shreds any justice.
It was good to see a full house and also a lot of the younger generation there. I suppose it says a lot for the quality of the new music around these days that these old timers were attracting a good turnout of those in their 20s.
Overall I was very pleased I went even though it was very disappointing to have missed 90% of ToH. I got to speak to Brandon at the interval which was nice and he always makes time for his fans which is commendable. I strongly recommend that people see him perform as The Pack in the new year for which I believe he is doing 4 gigs. Unfortunately that is the end of the current Theatre of Hate tour.
As for the Chameleons it was brilliant to hear those songs again. I hope Burgess' voice recovers for next time and as a small aside maybe leave out a little of the politics please. With Richard Jobson touring regularly again with the Skids I think he generates more than enough for everyone else!

Two observations about the Chameleons vox gig
1) Disappointingly, it was not very full, hardly surprising really, the amount of promotion from the venue (Parish) was zero.
2) It was pleasing to see that so many people knew the song lyrics and sang along. 1D, eat your heart out!
The notion of playing an album in its entirety is dangerous. The band’s first album, Script of the Bridge, received the accolade tonight.
While there are some decent tunes on this record, side two of the album is a bit of a non-event IMHO, although some of the slower songs sounded a bit better live than on vinyl.
Once finished we were treated to an encore of four songs, including Swamp Thing and Tears and a segue which included a few cover versions, including Joy Division’s Lost control.
Excellent as the gig was, the band didn’t play three of my favourite tunes, In shreds, nostalgia and home is where the heart is.
That is the downside of reprising a full album but didn’t detract from a five star performance

The script of the bridge is one of my all time favourite albums so there was no way I was going to miss this gig. I must say that I was a little concerned that with Mark burgess being the only original member of the chameleons would the new members be able to do it justice. I needn't have worried, they were fantastic. From start to finish the album was played out in all it's glory and the crowd were loving it. They threw in some classics from other albums to end the show and we all went home happy. If you are a fan do yourself a favour and see this gig if you can.

I know chameleons since script of the bridge, I listen regularly. I had never seen them live, and since concerts are rare, I had to see them live. I watched flights from Luxembourg, and presto, here I am at Assembly Hall. I thought '' I do not believe it '' and it's the best concert of my life, genial, beautiful. sumptuous, powerful, thank you very much, you changed my life,
I m verry happy.
Tank you si mutch
and I saw the most beautiful girl, with silver shoes...

Did not disappoint. When you are able to catch a band you loved from decades ago, you worry they won't live up to what you remember. Mark Burgess was spot on; his voice as strong and perfect as it was back in the 80s. (said he quit smoking a year and a half ago - that has to help!) We were treated to A Person isn't Safe Anywhere These Days, In Shreds, Up the Down Escalator, Swamp Thing, Paradiso, Don't Fall and more. Incredible show and so glad we could catch it!

Smallest venue I have seen Chameleons over the recent years, about 80-100 people, as usual Mark and his crew nailed it, great atmospheric guitars brilliant sound all round as with this great band, it was Strange Times album being played this time n its entirety, Soul in Isolation to Swamp thing absolutely great tunes, will be seeing this band again soon

I wrote a full review which can be read here;

http://nemm.org.uk/magazine/groove/groove-gig-reviews/chameleonsvox/

This is a band that meant/means a lot to me. I first saw them over 30 years ago in London so when they came to Newcastle recently I just had to see them. Hopefully, once you've read it, you'll check out their music.

:0)

Mark

Could of had a lazy Sunday but opted to see one one the most underrated 80's bands. Script from a Bridge still remains a favourite album of mine and the set set included most of the classics. Great support from Soft Kill too.
Left feeling elated, definitely recommended.

they did the whole of 3rd album , 2 encores and Mark looked as pleased as punch . great band , sounded good , seen them 7 times now and never a duff gig yet , one of the best live bands Ive seen . dont miss them