Yeah that's why I can't be bothered with this. Having seen Mark solo throughout the 90s, even with John on drums at points, he was absolutely essential there, but no guitarists could even approach the perfect flow of Reg and Dave together -- when I saw the 2001/2002 shows it all made SENSE, it has to be the quartet or nothing when it comes to Chameleons songs. I did see Mark solo with a backing band later in the 2000s and it was a solid enough show, but when he started doing that ChameleonsVox approach I was out, and now that John's gone, I'm sorry, but the band has definitively ended, no matter what label is being used. I'd think that even if Dave was on board.
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, 9 October 2021 15:55 (two years ago) link
I'd think that even if Dave was on board.― Ned Raggett, Saturday, October 9, 2021 8:55 AM
― Ned Raggett, Saturday, October 9, 2021 8:55 AM
inclined to agree here.
at this point, the innerband conflicts are becoming their most known legacy; and half of the band playing as "THE CHAMELEONS" doesn't seem like the kind of thing one does to extend the olive branch.
though i doubt most folks seeing them on this kind of bill really care. i do genuinely believe that mark feels like he is "giving the fans what they want."
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 16:57 (two years ago) link
Have seen chameleons vox a couple of times not really sure what to expect, but hearing Mark singing those songs right there in front of ne, it was impossible for me not to get swept away
― primate marmite (NickB), Saturday, 9 October 2021 17:18 (two years ago) link
see that's the thing: he is an outstanding performer. i saw him play one of his post-reunion pre-chamsvox pick up band gigs and it was fucking awesome. he played a bit acoustic before the proper set and he was taking requests for the sun and the moon songs, for fucks sake.
like i said, the guy seems to genuinely love his fans as much as they love him. and he has a gigantic ego, so he loves the attention it brings.
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 19:37 (two years ago) link
also i didn't mean that ego thing in a demeaning way. don't get me wrong or whatever.
― things repeat forever and there never is a remedy (Austin), Saturday, 9 October 2021 19:46 (two years ago) link
Anyone seen them on the current tour? I'm thinking of going next week. Doubt I'd stay for the Mission but eight or so Chameleons songs still seems worth it.
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Sunday, 24 September 2023 18:41 (eight months ago) link
I saw them in June if that counts as 'the current tour'. Very enjoyable! Mark was on excellent form - charming and combative.
― giraffe, Monday, 25 September 2023 06:49 (eight months ago) link
ah thanks, that seals it
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Wednesday, 27 September 2023 15:16 (seven months ago) link
Saw 'em a few weeks ago, had a really good time! The Mission were fun too.
― the absence of bikes (f. hazel), Wednesday, 27 September 2023 15:18 (seven months ago) link
Playing the US in August
― from a prominent family of bassoon players (Boring, Maryland), Saturday, 2 March 2024 01:56 (two months ago) link
Sweet. Still kicking myself for missing them last year, was utterly shocked how cheap it was and how small the venue was. Straight up injustice.
― brimstead, Saturday, 2 March 2024 03:58 (two months ago) link
Oh wow, and they're playing Strange Times. I might have to find a way to be in... Kansas City?
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Sunday, 3 March 2024 03:04 (two months ago) link
They were so good last fall, just wish the set had been longer, esp. after finding out they'd ended up headlining the night before. Could've listened to Mark riff on popular songs in the middle of "Soul in Isolation" for at least another hour.
― soup of magpies (geoffreyess), Sunday, 3 March 2024 03:05 (two months ago) link