The Chameleons' Drummer Has Died

Lever died in his sleep yesterday (13 March) after a "short period of illness". The band's co-founder Mark Burgess announced the death on Facebook. "I'm deeply sad to report that this afternoon I got the news that John Lever died this morning following a short period of illness," Mark wrote.
"We want to offer our sincere and deepest sympathy to John's mother, his sister and his two children at this terrible time. Obviously I'm shocked at the news and consequently I'll be offline for a while."
John Lever’s partner Lisa Rankin, who runs the label Sympathique Independent Music, said: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that I have to inform you that John Lever passed away peacefully in his sleep this morning after a short illness. Me, his sister Angela, mum, dad and the rest of his family would like to thank you all for your love and support over the last couple of weeks.”

Lever, who was also a member of the Sun And The Moon, joined The Chameleons back in 1981, replacing the band's original drummer Brian Schofield.He was also involved in the band's brief reunion in the early Noughties and was a member of the side project Red-Sided Garter Snakes, as well as ChameleonsVox.