Australian Songwriting Icon Comes To Ingham

By Sebastian Conidi

Known for the radio hits of Johnny Diesel and the Injectors, and eclectic songwriting of solo project Diesel, legendary Australian singer-songwriter Mark Lizotte will be coming to Ingham for a very special type of show. The BY REQUEST TOUR, will see audiences actively participating in the music, allowing fans to choose the songs they want to hear from Diesel’s immensely varied and impressive career. It will cross through Ingham Saturday 21st February via the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall.

Whether it be rock radio staples from 1989’s smash hit Johny Diesel & The Injectors, or fresh tracks from the most recent LP Bootleg Melancholy, audiences are in for a great night of spontaneity and improvisation.

This style of show originally begun in 2005, following Mark’s turn to solo performance. Over 20 years later, the by request style of show returns with updated features including the options of covers ranging from jazz standards to Rhianna. Despite such a varied career, Mark has been able to bring songs together for an eclectic ever-evolving set.

“I’ve kind of mingled them together. It’s like a family where you just keep adopting children and you introduce the new kids to the older ones,” he said.

“The songs play off each other. It’s always intriguing to hear how a new song is going to sit next to an older one.”

The current series of solo performances has it’s roots in New York in the early 2000’s, where Mark went to reinvent himself as a solo performer after splitting from the Injectors.

“I started doing solo shows there, because I saw people doing these shows by themselves and it looked like a lot of fun, although quite challenging as well,” Mark added.

“There’s definitely no place to hide. However, there is a really special connection with the audience – they can hear every little squeak and nuance. Vulnerability is a strength.”

As I spoke to Mark over the phone, I could tell that his talent and success were clearly defined by an immense passion for music. Though incredibly successful in his own right, he demonstrated humility, expressing his adoration for the artists that had inspired him.

“It was pretty amazing to support Bruce Springsteen. Seeing my amplifier next to his was surreal.”

Mark also expressed a great connection with Australian songwriters, such as Colin Hay of Men at Work.

“I remember seeing him at Queenscliff Music Festival in Victoria. I had played in the afternoon and he came on after. He just blew my mind. He was really comfortable and was able to convey so much with just an acoustic guitar and one pedal,” he said.

“The irony is that a lot of his songs are about anxiety and depression. They’re like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It’s really easy to think it’s a happy little pop song, but his themes run much deeper.”

It’s clear Mark’s musical journey has been nurtured by the people he’s played with.

“I saw a solo show of Neil Finn in New York where he actually invited me up. I discovered how solo performance could be about the power of suggestion,” he said.

“When I strip things back, I can still hear all the parts because of the power of what’s implied. I do little subtle things with my hands and voice to imply certain parts, but the brain fills in the rest. It’s an amazing thing, imagination.”

As a seasoned performer, Mark is “no stranger to the Bruce Highway”.

“Every stop along far north Queensland has a real looseness about it. The audiences are always real music lovers”.

The environment and beautiful landscape continue to play an active role in shaping the expression of the music.

“I think music is totally influenced by environment. Take Thelma Plum for instance, her music still has an Australian sound to it. It doesn’t just sound like 20 UK acts. I think it’s an Australian tradition to mix things people might not otherwise think of,” Mark recalled.

“When Beds are Burning hit the radio across the world, it was like no one had ever heard anything like it. It was jagged and angular, but it sounded like the Aussie bush fused with protest, heart and soul. The country we live in is brutal and beautiful at the same time.”

With a great deal of passion and experience on display, this is not a show you will want to miss. You can go to the Diesel website: dieselmuisc.com.au/shows for more details.

WHAT: Diesel By Request

WHEN: Saturday, 21st February, 7pm

WHERE: Hinchinbrook Shire Hall,

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Photo credit: Jessie Lizotte

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