Fond tributes paid to drummer

John Lever and band Second Skin.

TRIBUTES have flooded in for Chameleons drummer John Lever, after he sadly passed away last week.

Lever lived in Dukinfield and died peacefully in his sleep after a short illness.

He was an incredibly popular member of the Manchester music scene, though most renowned for his years drumming for the Middleton-based Chameleons.

As well as his time with the Chameleons, Lever was also sticks man in the Politicians, the Sun and The Moon and the Red Sided Garter Snakes.

The Chameleons - massively successful during the early to mid-1980s - sold-out five nights in a row at the Witchwood in Ashton when they reformed in 2000, with a live bootleg of the gig also being released.

John's partner Lisa Rankin said on Facebook: "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."