Best of Budapest & Hungary

The Chameleons are one of those bands whose career may not have been defined by commercial success, yet their impact on an entire musical era is undeniable. Without them, many bands would sound very different today. The legendary post-punk group of the ’80s released a new album last year after two decades, proving that they are still highly relevant. And just how much so, we’ll be able to experience firsthand on November 18 at Turbina Cultural Center.

    The British cult post-punk band Chameleons have had a turbulent history, but their influence on the genre is unquestionable. Bands such as Oasis, Scooter, The Verve, Editors, Interpol, and White Lies cite them as an inspiration. Their debut album, Script of the Bridge, was released in 1983, followed by two more records, before internal tensions and the sudden death of their manager led them to stop playing together. They reunited in 2000, but that period was also short-lived, and for a time Mark Burgess and John Lever carried on the band’s legacy under the name ChameleonsVox - performing in Budapest in 2018 as well. In 2021, Burgess and Smithies reunited once again, joined by Stephen Rice, Danny Ashberry, and Todd Demma.

    The reunited Chameleons have not only preserved their legacy but have also released a new album after two decades, titled Arctic Moon. The album marks a departure from the sound of earlier Chameleons records while retaining the emotional depth, spirit, and intensity that have always defined the band’s work. One thing is certain: the Chameleons’ concert promises to be a special event, reflecting both past and present, on November 18 at Turbina.