Tony Fletcher Walked on Water.... La La La La La La La La La

Content

The EP was named after the band's manager from 1986–87, Tony Fletcher. The song "Free for All" was named after an episode of the 1960s television programme The Prisoner.

Recording

In 1987, the Chameleons were ready to record their fourth studio album, to be released on Geffen. The band recorded four songs which were supposed to be released prior to the full album. Fletcher died of a heart attack just two days before these songs were recorded, and the band broke up acrimoniously soon after.

Release

In 1990, the band's main songwriter, Mark Burgess, formed the record label Glass Pyramid to help pay off the band's debts. The still-unused tracks from the 1987 Geffen session were to be used as the first Glass Pyramid release.

Tony Fletcher Walked on Water was released on 1 October 1990. 1,100 copies were pressed for each format of CD and 12" vinyl. However, due to legal threats by guitarist Dave Fielding, the EP never made it to shops.

Some copies were provided for people in the music industry, and Burgess sold copies at his concerts and gave away free copies to people who donated to LiBEARty, a bear protection campaign run by World Animal Protection. Additionally, US label Pivot Records in Grand Rapids, Michigan continued to make 12" copies available.

The album has since been included as a bonus disc with the compilation Return of the Roughnecks.

Critical reception

Trouser Press wrote that the EP "[captured] the band peaking as it shattered". Ned Raggett of AllMusic wrote "the sheer sense of what might have been from this four-song release amazes".