Get tickets to The Chameleons at HI-FI on Friday, June 27th.
Manchester’s legendary post-punk outfit Chameleons are bringing their emotionally-charged live show to HI-FI on Friday, June 27th as part of their upcoming U.S. headlining tour. Get tickets here! The performance follows a run of support dates with Psychedelic Furs and marks a bold return to the American stage in anticipation of their first full-length album in over two decades, Arctic Moon, out September 12 via Metropolis Records.
Formed in the early ’80s, Chameleons have long been considered a seminal influence in post-punk and shoegaze circles, cited by acts like Interpol, Oasis, and The Killers as inspiration. Known for their atmospheric soundscapes and brooding lyrical themes, the band has built a devoted fan base with timeless albums like Script of the Bridge and Strange Times—records that still resonate across generations.
Fans attending the show at HI-FI can expect to hear a mix of classic Chameleons material and brand new tracks, including “Saviours Are A Dangerous Thing,” a haunting single that speaks directly to today’s turbulent political climate. The track’s new promo video, released May 29, intersperses visceral live footage with powerful imagery of war and propaganda, reflecting the song’s warning about dangerous political messianism.
“This was the last song we finished for the album,” says frontman and bassist Vox. “The melody and lyrics came to me quite quickly. They reflect what has been happening globally and how senior officials could be seen lining up to kiss the ring of this clown, who seemed to regard himself more as a self-proclaimed king than an elected official.” The song captures the band’s signature sound: richly textured guitars, emotionally resonant vocals, and a lyrical depth that remains as poignant as ever.
The upcoming album, Arctic Moon, is a significant milestone for Chameleons, whose last studio album, Why Call It Anything?, came out in 2001. “Everyone brought their ‘A’ game to this project,” says Vox. “I think the songwriting is much more mature in a lot of ways, which is to be expected, I suppose, given our age, but I, for one, really believe we’re taking the band forward, and I’m quite excited about it.”
With the release of two acclaimed EPs in 2024 and the highly anticipated Arctic Moon on the horizon, Chameleons are entering an exciting new era. Their stop at HI FI promises a rare chance to witness a band both honoring its past and fearlessly forging ahead. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch one of Manchester’s most revered, and still underrated, guitar bands on Friday, June 27th at HI-FI. Preorder Arctic Moon, that releases September 12th.