MARK BURGESS of THE CHAMELEONS Interview (9/22/15, Los Angeles)

Postscript: This weekend, right before finishing our editing on this belated interview we did with Mark Burgess a few months prior, we had the pleasure of attending a little vinyl spinning party hosted by my friends @SLORecordSwap at a new wine bar called “The Station”. Right as we entered the door, my friend Mike Funk (former college radio DJ extraordinaire) was spinning a copy of the 12-inch single of “Up The Down Escalator.” It was a sign from above that the time had come for the world to finally see the exclusive video interview we had conducted with Mark Burgess of The Chameleons at the Regent Theater in Los Angeles. As such, it is with much excitement that we now officially unveil our full, in-depth interview with Mr. Mark Burgess……

I’ve been a huge fan of the Chameleons for a couple decades. I still get chills when I hear the chorus of “Swamp Thing” or “The Fan and the Bellows” (two of my favorite songs of all time). I’ve always had a particular fascination with the melancholy and insightful lyrics of the band, with the recurring themes of fading youth, mortality, alienation and longing. Some of the most poetic words ever put to music, in my opinion. As such, I was more than a little eager to sit down and chat with Mark about his impressive musical legacy. I was immediately taken back by Mark’s humble demeanor and patent approachability as we hung out in the greenroom of the venue. I began the interview with a healthy dose of nervousness but over the ensuing 35+ minutes I quickly regained composure, feeling a mix of positive emotions including a visceral sense of camaraderie, amusement and, most of all, a deep sense of appreciation for having been given the opportunity to chat with this musical icon.

Amongst other things, Mark talked about the early success of The Chameleons in opening for U2, along with the tragic completion of the band’s initial lineup after the death of Tony Fletcher, whose sage oversight and almost paternalistic guidance of the young lads acted as a “glue” that held the cohesive unit together as the band was on the cusp of huge international success. As I am wont to do with British musicians during interviews, I asked Mark about his perspective on John Peel. Mark responded in kind, talking about John’s huge influence and how much unique music he was exposed to when listening to John’s Radio One show in the late 70’s. Mark also shared stories about the “Manchester scene” of the early to mid-1980’s (playing in various venues alongside The Smiths and New Order).

During the course of our discussion we also talked about some of our shared influences and interests. One such passion is our love for the cult 60’s TV show “The Prisoner” staring Sir Patrick McGoohan. This surreal masterpiece of social critique stands as one of the most thought-provoking television shows of all time. We then talked about Angelo Badalementi, David Lynch and, ultimately, our love and adoration for the amazing and evocative Julee Cruise. It turns out that Mark is a huge fan of Julee and had recently communicated with her, eager to see her during her planned U.S. tour. I about jumped out of my seat when he said this, realizing that we both shared another common interest. We swiftly took advantage of the opportunity to address Julee directly on camera, with the collective hopes that we might have the chance to meet (and interview) her in the near future. Julee, if you’re reading this, please email me at inneredgemusic@gmail.com….let’s talk!

After the interview was over, when asking Mark to autograph my copy of 1988’s “The Sun and Moon” album, he wrote the following appropriate message:

“We will not be pushed, stamped, filed, indexed briefed, debriefed or numbered- Love,  Mark Burgess” . This autographed record is now framed and hanging up on my wall as one of my most prized possessions.

Mark Burgess is a gracious, insightful musician. Definitely one of my most enjoyable interviews I’ve had the pleasure of conducting this last year.

To keep up with Mark Burgess, check out www.chameleonsv.com

Jason Reed                                                                                                                                             Inner Edge Music