View From A Hill is the story of Mark Burgess, singer and founder member of legendary Manchester cult heroes The Chameleons. The band were catapulted to the forefront of the post-punk scene when John Peel awarded them a much coveted session after the band had played only a handful of low-key gigs.
Mark takes us through four decades of pop culture as he charts The Chameleons’ development, as well as their cruel treatment at the hands of a corrupt music industry. Amidst intrigue in the Middle East, expeditions in search of the Loch Ness Monster, and acid trips that inspired the band’s language and sound, there are myriad music industry anecdotes that will make your jaw drop. Moving and hilarious by turns, View From A Hill is a highly entertaining rollercoaster ride of a rock memoir.
Previously only published in very limited print runs, this third edition of Mark’s autobiography represents the definitive version of the work. Newly-edited, and augmented by a complete Chameleons discography, band family tree, and an introduction by music writer Karren Ablaze!, this book is a must for Chameleons fans everywhere.
“The Chameleons’ dark, thrilling music is treated like a religion in their hometown, where they command the same devotion as their fellow travellers Joy Division. They were on the verge of breaking internationally when it all unravelled, and at last the whole story is told, in a compelling writing style and with a unique pop culture perspective that reveals who, how, and why they are such a key band. View From A Hill is the last great untold story of the Manchester post-punk era.” John Robb, Louder Than War
"View From A Hill is a deeply personal and insightful account of the life of the main force behind one of post punk’s most overlooked, but influential, bands." Hayley Scott, The Quietus
