The Story
| Release Date: | 28/05/2021 |
| Format: | Book |
| Label: | Moochin' About |
| Catalogue Number: | MOOCHIN42 |
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A stunning collection of rare and candid photos taken on the road, on stage, backstage and at rehearsals by long-time friend and part-time band member / manager Tony Skinkis, documenting the iconic Manchester post-punk band The Chameleons from 1980 up until 2020 in their latest incarnation as ChameleonsVox.
This is the first time many of these photos have been seen, lovingly collated in cahoots with Moochinâ About.
âMy fascination for photography began in 1966 when I got my first camera - a Kodak instamatic, I've been taking photos ever since, for me photography has always been about capturing the moment - a documentary really - to preserve that moment in the blink of a shutter. Photographing The Chameleons has been a big part of that timeline.
âShe glances at the photo and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes...â - Tony Skinkis
The atmospheric post-punk pop band The Chameleons formed in Manchester, England, in 1981: vocalist/bassist Mark Burgess, guitarists Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding and drummer John Lever. After establishing themselves with a series of high-profile BBC sessions, The Chameleons signed to Epic and debuted with the EP âNostalgiaâ, a tense, moody set produced by Steve Lillywhite which featured the single âIn Shredsâ. The quartet were soon released from their contract with Epic but then signed to Statik and returned in 1983 with the bandâs first fulllength, âScript of the Bridgeâ.
âWhat Does Anything Mean? Basicallyâ followed in 1985 and with it came a new reliance on stylish production. Following its release, The Chameleons signed to Geffen and emerged the following year with âStrange Timesâ. The dark, complex record proved to be The Chameleonsâ finale, however, when they split following the sudden death of manager Tony Fletcher. Burgess and Smithies now continue under touring under the guise ChameleonsVox.
The Chameleons have had influences on many artists, including The Flaming Lips, The Killers, Interpol, The Editors, Slowdive, The National, The Verve, Moby and Oasis. âStrange Timesâ especially seems to be an influence on main songwriter Noel Gallagher, who posted on his Instagram account, citing The Chameleons as an early influence on his songwriting: âIâd forgotten how much âStrange Timesâ meant to me. It came out in â86. I was 19!! Iâve been listening to it every day since and I have to say itâs blown my mind, again! It must have influenced my early years as a song writer because I can hear ME in it everywhere!!â
Description
| Release Date: | 28/05/2021 |
| Format: | Book |
| Label: | Moochin' About |
| Catalogue Number: | MOOCHIN42 |
Â
A stunning collection of rare and candid photos taken on the road, on stage, backstage and at rehearsals by long-time friend and part-time band member / manager Tony Skinkis, documenting the iconic Manchester post-punk band The Chameleons from 1980 up until 2020 in their latest incarnation as ChameleonsVox.
This is the first time many of these photos have been seen, lovingly collated in cahoots with Moochinâ About.
âMy fascination for photography began in 1966 when I got my first camera - a Kodak instamatic, I've been taking photos ever since, for me photography has always been about capturing the moment - a documentary really - to preserve that moment in the blink of a shutter. Photographing The Chameleons has been a big part of that timeline.
âShe glances at the photo and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes...â - Tony Skinkis
The atmospheric post-punk pop band The Chameleons formed in Manchester, England, in 1981: vocalist/bassist Mark Burgess, guitarists Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding and drummer John Lever. After establishing themselves with a series of high-profile BBC sessions, The Chameleons signed to Epic and debuted with the EP âNostalgiaâ, a tense, moody set produced by Steve Lillywhite which featured the single âIn Shredsâ. The quartet were soon released from their contract with Epic but then signed to Statik and returned in 1983 with the bandâs first fulllength, âScript of the Bridgeâ.
âWhat Does Anything Mean? Basicallyâ followed in 1985 and with it came a new reliance on stylish production. Following its release, The Chameleons signed to Geffen and emerged the following year with âStrange Timesâ. The dark, complex record proved to be The Chameleonsâ finale, however, when they split following the sudden death of manager Tony Fletcher. Burgess and Smithies now continue under touring under the guise ChameleonsVox.
The Chameleons have had influences on many artists, including The Flaming Lips, The Killers, Interpol, The Editors, Slowdive, The National, The Verve, Moby and Oasis. âStrange Timesâ especially seems to be an influence on main songwriter Noel Gallagher, who posted on his Instagram account, citing The Chameleons as an early influence on his songwriting: âIâd forgotten how much âStrange Timesâ meant to me. It came out in â86. I was 19!! Iâve been listening to it every day since and I have to say itâs blown my mind, again! It must have influenced my early years as a song writer because I can hear ME in it everywhere!!â
