 Melodic pop four-piece Chameleon was formed by Jazz School students Leigh Franklin and Julian Marchant late in 1993. Drummer Bevan Davison and keyboardist turned bassist Mike completed the lineup. This was soon to change with Greig Bainbridge coming on board on bass (ex Bill Direen and the Builders) and Mark Kouvelis on drums, both of whom played in local jazz-funk band Eat My Shorts. Their first gig was at the Dux de Lux alongside Atomic Blossom and Squirm following the release of their single Blue Soup, under Failsafe.
Guitar/Vocals: Leigh Franklin/Heaven
Guitar/Vocals: Julian Marchant
Bass: Greig Bainbridge
Drums: Mark Kouvelis
Early in 1995 the band won the NZ heats of the Next Big Thing competition along with Auckland Band Word, which led them to compete in Melbourne against International competition. This cemented their desire to return to Melbourne as soon as possible to take advantage of the thriving music scene there. While there guitarist Julian contracted a mysterious illness which left the left side of his body numb and having to learn to play without feeling in his fingers. Chameleon then released a 5 track EP titled Gladwrap under Saint Records early 1996, which followed a Nationwide tour. They moved to Melbourne March 1996 minus bass-player Greig, who had musical commitments in NZ. They then recorded 4 track EP Hot'n'tot, named after Greig's dog Hotty.
Julian left suddenly to go to NZ after a family tragedy and is now teaching and sound engineering in Christchurch.
Leigh continued on as a solo artist before moving to the UK in 1999 and forming her own band - see www.leighfranklin.com
Mark Kouvelis left for the UK in 1997 and currently resides in London, carving a successful DJ career for himself - see www.funktory.com
Greig Bainbridge lives in Christchurch and is currently head of music at Hornby High School.
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