I Camaleonti

The Profile

I Camaleonti are a Milanese beat/pop group formed in the early 1960s. Early members included Riki Maiocchi, Mario Lavezzi, Antonio “Tonino” Cripezzi, Gerardo (Gerry) Manzoli and vocalist Livio Macchia. They bridged beat and melodic pop with major Italian hits such as Applausi, L’ora dell’amore (Italian version of Procol Harum’s Homburg), Io Per Lei, Eternità and Perché ti amo (winner at Un Disco per l’Estate 1973), and took part in Italian song festivals including Sanremo.

Early LPs include The Best Records in the World (1966) and Portami tante rose (1967). A 2003 On Sale Music CD compiles these albums and related singles. Their 1968–70 period yielded staples like L’ora dell’amore and Applausi, cementing their status in Italian pop.

Two DeBaser reviews track I Camaleonti from their beat beginnings to their pop successes. Catanga spotlights the Kansas-era compilation and the punch of their early singles. Spoonful focuses on Io Per Lei (1968), praising hits like Applausi and L’ora dell’amore and noting their festival presence. The band is framed as innovators bridging beat and melody, later known for big tear-jerkers. Overall tone: affectionate, with measured criticism of the earliest LPs.