I Camaleonti was an Italian pop-rock band formed in Milan in 1963, initially influenced by British beat before evolving into successful melodic pop in the 1970s. The original line-up included Riki Maiocchi (vocals), Livio Macchia (bass), Paolo de Ceglie (drums), Gerry Manzoli (rhythm guitar) and Tonino Cripezzi (keyboards, vocals), the latter quickly becoming the band's central figure. Riki Maiocchi left the band in 1966 to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by Mario Lavezzi, who brought a more harmonic and pop touch to the group. In 1966, the band scored their first big hit with "Portami tante rose " , followed by "Applausi " in 1968, their first major hit, mixing pop and psychedelic rock. Their regular participation in the Sanremo Festival strengthened their reputation: in 1970, for example, they took part with "Eternità " (with Ornella Vanoni), in 1973 with "Come sei bella ", in 1976 with "Cuore di vetro", and again in 1993, when they collaborated with Dik Dik and Maurizio Vandelli on "Come passa il tempo ", obtaining several honorable mentions. Their best-known songs include "L'Ora dell'amore " (an Italian adaptation of Procol Harum's "Homburg " ), "Sei nell'anima ", "Mamma mia ", "Perché ti amo " and "Amicizia e amore". Their style, blending rich vocal harmonies and sentimental melodies, kept them popular throughout the 1960s and 1970s, with albums such as Io per lei (1968), Vita d'uomo (1969), Amicizia e amore (1974) and Che aereo stupendo... La Speranza (1976) and Camaleonti in vendita (1978). Although their popularity declined from the 1980s onwards, I Camaleonti continued their activities with several reformations around Tonino Cripezzi, who remained a constant member until his death on July 3, 2022 at the age of 76. Livio Macchia, another historic member, also remained associated with the group until his death on July 20, 2025 at the age of 83, bringing to an end over sixty years of the band's career.
