THE CHAMELEONS
@ THE OPERA HOUSE, TORONTO
AUGUST 13, 2024
On a comfortable summer night in Toronto, The Chameleons returned for a very special concert at The Opera House. It has been far too long since The Chameleons last played Toronto, and the crowd was eagerly looking forward to their show. Instead of a standard greatest hits show, the band decided to perform their most popular album in North America, Strange Times, in its entirety. This is a bold and brilliant move, as some of the songs from that album have never been performed live by the band. However, this choice made for a fascinating and incredible evening of music. They performed Strange Times from start to finish, with some very interesting added bonuses.
The band played a tight set and are all incredible musicians. Special mention must be given to Mark Burgess, whose vocals are as strong as ever. The man simply does not age. When they performed songs from their debut album as encores, it was as if time stood still. Burgess has a distinct and brilliant voice but not enough is said about his astounding bass playing. Along with drummer Todd Demma, they have one of the best rhythm sections today. And a great deal of credit needs to go to Demma for his drumming, especially during songs like “Soul In Isolation” and “Childhood”.
SPILL FEATURE: MARK BURGESS OF THE CHAMELEONS
Of course the showstopper was their hit, “Swamp Thing”, which is played early in the set due to the placement on the album, but that was fine, the crowd was with the band from beginning to end. It was interesting that they incorporated The Beatles’ “Rain” in the song, which worked just fine. Earlier in the show they also coerced “Eleanor Rigby” during “Soul In Isolation”. They even managed to work The Smiths’ “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” during the evening.
The Chameleons played non-stop throughout the night with minimal chat with the audience, and yet they embraced the crowd and provided an intimate show. Burgess’s introduction to “Time/End Of Time” was heartfelt and quite moving. This is a band that cares and they care about their audience. They made sure they put on a stellar show. And the band has a great history with the city. Fans may remember their 1987 show which was released in 1992 as The Chameleons Live in Toronto. So, although they have played here many times, it felt a bit like a homecoming.
PHOTO CREDIT: AARON BADGLEY
The Chameleons had a couple of support acts. Toronto’s Ace Of Wands and Brooklyn’s A Cloud Of Ravens both played short sets, and they succeeded in warming up the audience. Both bands performed their own music and were very well received. But, it was The Chameleons that the fans were there for and they were not disappointed. The band played the album and then dipped into their older album Script Of The Bridge. But the real treat was the band performing their new, and quite brilliant, single “Where Are You?” They then launched into their debut single, “In Shreds”. A very nice combination of songs and a lovely way to show just how far the band has come over the years.
The only downside of the show was the sound. In my experience, Bands performing in The Opera House have never had great sound, and the same can be said of The Chameleons. They are a band that are great in their sound, but The Opera House is not a venue that allows for the sound quality a band like The Chameleons deserve. However, this is a minor complaint in the grand scheme of things. The Chameleons had a simple, yet effective stage show and lights and they were brilliant.
Overall, it was a great night of alternative psychedelic rock. They are a band that has aged extremely well and their new songs stand up with their older, classic material. However, the band did not just do a flashback show. They brought Strange Times into this decade and produced a fantastic and memorable show. Perhaps it is time for a new Live In Toronto.
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