On a dark and dim stage with a black curtain back drop and the symbol of a D with an arrow through it, out walks Diesel (aka Mark Lizotte). Dressed all in black, the only things accompanying him on stage are a rack full of guitars and a yellow spot light.
This is the Diesel by request show at the Memo theatre in Healesville (The Yarra Valley) a far eastern suburb of Melbourne. Diesel by request is an open invitation for fans to shape the set list for the night. No two shows will be the same. It is a bespoke experience with choices from Diesel’s 17 albums, from 1989’s “Johnny Diesel and the Injectors” through to 2023’s “Bootleg Melancholy” and covers picked from artists who have shaped his career.
Diesel by request is a mainly solo and no-frills, man on stage doing what makes him so great. His performance from the first note is captivating. He had the full house mesmerised by his voice and his musical skills. Diesel’s show started at 7.45pm and was performed in two sets with a small interval, finishing close to 10pm.
Diesel opened the show playing double bass and letting loose on Sam Cooke’s “Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home”. The first verse was interrupted by a rogue bug, flying straight down his throat. After a coughing fit and a giggle with the crowd Diesel proclaimed “well, that’s a first” and “if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen in Healesville”. With the bug truly swallowed the song started again. If swallowing bugs makes you sound like this, I am going bug hunting in the garden today. Diesel’s voice has changed with age. It has a mature husky velvet quality and it’s smoky-bluesy edge transports you to a down south juke joint, but just as easily adapts back to his hits. His versatility swapping from double bass, electric, acoustic and 12 string guitars is masterful and every note and chord is played with pure passion and emotion. Before nearly every song played, a name of a crowd member who requested the song is acknowledged.
The first set is filled with classic hits of his heroes and influences. My personal highlight was the performance of “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess with his double bass. So soulful. The second set was also filled with classic artists’ hits and all of Diesel’s signature tunes. Diesel was joined twice on stage by a special guest. His niece Violet Hull (VOH – her solo pop project) sang Peggy Lee’s version of “Fever” in the first set and came back in the second set to sing Bette Midler’s version of “Beast of Burden”. Violet’s smooth and sassy vocals are a perfect blend with Diesel’s smoky vocals. Clearly talent runs in this family’s genes.
Throughout the show Diesel shares some insight to his family and to quote Diesel “his misspent youth”. As the youngest of seven he has lived an eventful life. Under his yellow spot light Diesel had full control of the audience with clapping, finger snapping and loud applause and often a loud “Oh Yeah” as his nimble fingers ran all over the strings or his fist played the beat on his guitar’s body. Diesel covered tracks from Rihanna, Otis Redding, Sade, Richard Ashcroft and Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few. Add a sprinkle of blues, flamenco and straight-out rock solos on the guitars and double bass and it was a night to remember.
Diesel by request is a regional tour and this was only his second night with many dates to follow. If you love Diesel this is a must see. It will be a “crying shame” to miss it, not to mention it will be “right on the tip of your tongue” to tell everyone about it. (Sorry for the puns, but I couldn’t resist it). Diesel by request is a stellar night of great music and vocals and a fantastic showcase of Diesel’s talent. I highly recommend this show.
Ozgreeny Photography and myself would like to thank Diesel and On The Map PR for the media access, The Memo for having us and as always, The Rockpit.
