This year marks 30 years since Mark Lizotte (aka Diesel) literally stepped off the bus after making the Nullarbor crossing to Perth from Sydney with his band Johnny Diesel And the Injectors, a “hobby” band made up of remnants of – in true Australian fashion – an imploded previous band.
Arriving with just $95 between them meant nine shows a week was the go for many months.
By 1988, after playing everywhere and supporting everyone (including a fortuitous slot with Jimmy Barnes on his Freight Train Heart tour) they were poised to impact with their debut eponymously-titled album.
Impact they did, winning ARIA’s for Best New Talent and Highest Selling Album awards in 1989.
The very same album has gone on to become the highest selling Australian debut album ever, up until Savage Garden grabbed that nod in 1997.
To celebrate the milestone, Lizotte and co are heading back on the road for the 30 Year Thang Tour – adding the extra occasion of the 25th anniversary of Diesel’s number-one debut solo album, Hipfidelity, for good measure.
Hepfidelity – Through The X-ray will see Diesel retracing tracks from the album that established him as a solo artist and musical traveller, including Tip of my Tongue, Man Alive and more.
Diesel Rewound is where fans get to rewind through the hits of a 15-album, 35+ single career, including Cry in Shame and 15 Feet of Snow
So get on the bus and celebrate Diesel’s 30-year thang at the Ravenswood Hotel on August 13. Tickets available now through Ticketmaster.