The Chameleons pack out Birmingham’s XOYO
Words & Photos: Megan Cawley
★★★★☆
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The Chameleons opened the first night of their ninth tour since reuniting in 2021 with a packed‑out show at XOYO Birmingham. Forty‑five years after forming in 1981, the post‑punk veterans proved they’re still capable of commanding a room with ease, blending legacy material with glimpses of what’s next.
Photo: Megan Cawley
Early in the set, the band debuted two new tracks from their upcoming album. A welcome look at the subtle evolution in their sound since reuniting. The Chameleons’ trademark atmosphere remains intact, but there’s a sharpened edge to these new songs that hints at a band still pushing forward rather than relying on nostalgia.
Onstage, Reg, lead guitarist, carved out arpeggiated lines and driven lead parts. Stephen, second guitarist, added beautifully phrased rhythmic textures that softened and deepened the mix. Together, they created the kind of layered guitar work that has always defined the band’s identity.
Photo: Megan Cawley
Before easing into the slow, pulsing kick that introduces David Bowie ‘Takes My Hand’, Mark Burgess, lead singer, paused to make a heartfelt statement on men’s mental health - a moment of sincerity that resonated across the room and grounded the performance in something more human than showmanship.
The set closed with ‘Second Skin’; a standout from their debut album. As the crowd joined in, voices rising to meet Burgess’, it became clear just how enduring these songs remain.
More than forty years on, The Chameleons’ music still carries the emotional force that made them cult icons, and tonight, XOYO felt that power.