Simon Says - Pass The Hat.

Missing the Chameleon? Bring on The Mist.

What’s he building in there? Simon (Chamelon/Baselab) has been busy relocating, burrowing and building a new venue underneath Mist Rolling Inn with his notorious soundsystem.

It’s been about a year since Nottingham lost the independent gem that was the Chameleon. In 2005 the arts gallery-cum-venue founded by the loveable/artistic/rogue landlord Nick Turner opened, Nick handed the baton in 2016 onto the incredible duo of John and Lauren Rothera. Chameleon was often cited as having ‘the best sound’ in the city and this was all down to one man (and his soundsystem).

’We never had a band that didn't say it was some of the best sound they have had. I think the biggest compliment I can pay him is the amount of 'bigger' bands who would turn up with their own sound tech, hear simon soundcheck a band and realise there was no need for their tech. He’s a lovely (if sometimes scary) man also.

Paul Tuplin - Karma Events

The Chameleon nurtured new promoters and championed the DIY scene. A crisis of the economy, the pandemic and general lack of support for the value of live music by the government lead to another loss of a grassroots music venue. After 8 or so treacherous months of trying to find a new home for his baby, sorry soundsystem… Simon finally managed to come to an arrangement with Dave at Mist Rolling Inn on Derby Road. Since then he has been feathering his sonic nest for the past four months - designing, restructuring and sound treating the room. All of this work has been off his own back, with absolutely no funding or payment. Simon, a staunchly principled and proud man will be bringing back a space for DIY music and culture in Nottingham.

“Simon’s sound engineering and his inimitable sound system has been the lynchpin of the Nottingham music scene for over 20 years. Without Simon, DIY music in Nottingham would not be what it is today”

Matthew Hamblin - Rammel Club

Simon's understanding of sound is particularly nuanced and he has always had the capacity to make things that were required to have gravitas to sound massive and detailed, meaning you didn’t just hear the music, you FELT it. Over 18 years with no stage and a modest fee Simon created an incredible atmosphere night after night. Working tirelessly delivering what countless bands have recounted as being some of the best sound they’d ever had.

“Simon is one of the best sound engineers I’ve ever had the joy of working with and his huge sound system has been making bands from all over the world sound great for years now and I’m excited for his next adventures!!!!”

Marty Toner - bUTTONpUSHER Events

Simon isn’t the kind of person to ask for handouts, but we feel like he really deserves some show of support and financial assistance for all the materials he’s purchased, the work he’s put into this new venue and all his years of dedication to our culture. Plus there’s more work he’d like to do sound proofing the venue, and he needs to replace and improve some of his backline. So we think it’s time to pass the hat. Please donate if you are in a position to do so, or share amongst your friends and thankyou for reading x

To enquire about booking gigs at Simon’s new venue email -

Bookings at baselab.live