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Interview with
DIESEL

(13th November 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the whole interview below:

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When you talk about Australian music icons, few names resonate across generations quite like Diesel. Whether you know him as Johnny Diesel, Mark Lizotte, or simply Diesel, he’s been a fixture in Australia’s musical landscape for over four decades — shaping, inspiring, and soundtracking the lives of many. I recently had the chance to sit down with him for an in-depth, open-hearted conversation about his beginnings, his journey, and the creative fire that still burns strong today.

Finding the Spark

As we got talking, I couldn’t help but reflect on how Diesel has been a constant in the Australian music story. From the radio to the road, his presence has been ever-steady — not just as a performer but as a craftsman of great songs.

When asked when the songwriting bug first bit, Diesel traced it back to a moment of uncertainty and discovery in his youth.

“I was about 18 or 19,” he recalled. “I’d run out of money and ended up in Connecticut, working midnight-to-dawn shifts at a gas station. I’d come home, cranked up on American coffee, and sit on my grandma’s bed with my black Fender Strat — no amp, just the guitar. I didn’t even have an acoustic. I’d just play and start coming up with stuff.”

It was in that small-town isolation, with caffeine and a head full of ideas, that Diesel began writing what would later form the backbone of his debut record — the now-classic Johnny Diesel & The Injectors album, affectionately known as the red album.

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A Sliding Doors Moment

While in the States, Diesel’s path could have taken a dramatically different turn. Through a series of introductions, he was invited to audition for none other than Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates fame.

“I got into the audition and played for about 45 minutes,” he said. “It started feeling really good, and then Daryl Hall walks in. It was surreal — I thought, ‘Holy shit, this is really happening.’ They called me that night and said the gig was basically mine.”

But fate had other plans. Two days later, he got another call — the gig went to someone Daryl had worked with before.

“It just wasn’t meant to be,” Diesel reflected. “But funny enough, not long after that, I got a call from a promoter in WA who wanted us to tour with The Angels. That trip changed everything.”

That tour led Diesel to meet Brent Eccles, drummer for The Angels — and the man who would become his first manager. Eccles urged the young band to leave Perth for Sydney, the beating heart of Australia’s live scene. “He said, ‘You’ve got to get out of Perth.’ And he was right,” Diesel said. “He even lent us the money to ship our gear over. When we arrived in Sydney, he had nine shows a week booked for us.”

The Birth of a Career

Those early years were relentless — three gigs a day on weekends, endless miles between Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle. “People forget that back then, you’d go to three pubs in a night,” Diesel laughed. “We were everywhere. One afternoon show, one evening gig, and a 1am slot at Kardomah Café — that’s how we did nine shows a week.”

It was during this whirlwind that Diesel met Jimmy Barnes, through Brent Eccles and The Angels’ connections. “I was sleeping on Brent’s couch,” he said. “He brought me into Rhino Studios, and that’s where I met Jimmy. He’d just come back from recording Freight Train Heart. We hit it off right away.”

Of course, Diesel and Barnes would later become brothers-in-law — but more importantly, collaborators who’d share stages, studios, and a deep mutual respect.

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Photo credit: Jesse Lizotte

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Evolution of a Sound

After decades of music-making, Diesel’s sound remains ever-evolving — a blend of blues roots, pop precision, and soulful storytelling.

“My sound is an amalgamation of so many things,” he said. “There’s the blues DNA in there, but I also love a well-crafted pop song. On stage, I love to jam and stretch things out, but in the studio, I like to keep it concise. What works live doesn’t always work on record — and vice versa.”

His latest record, Bootleg Melancholy (2023), showcases that continued refinement. But even with that album still fresh, he’s already hard at work on his next one.

“I’ve been working on the next body of work since early 2024,” he shared. “It’ll be out in 2026 — the main framework’s there, I’m just finishing the corners now.”

Diesel now records from his Sydney studio — a space he’s built to suit his creative rhythm. “It’s been my dream to have everything under one roof,” he said. “I can record anytime, day or night. Total freedom.”

Diesel by Request – A Show for the Fans

One of the most intriguing things Diesel has been doing lately is the By Request tour, where fans submit song requests ahead of time — shaping the show themselves.

“We just did 15 dates, and next year there’ll be 21 more,” he said. “Each night, I’ve got people’s names and their comments next to songs. It feels so connected. It’s fan-driven, spontaneous — and every show feels unique.”

And if a rare lyric slips his mind?

“That’s fine,” he laughed. “The crowd will remind me. That’s the beauty of it.”

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Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, NSW, September 5th, 2025 / Photo – @richard_hogan_images

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“Be Autonomous, Be Unique” — Diesel’s Advice to New Artists

When asked what wisdom he’d pass on to up-and-coming musicians, Diesel paused thoughtfully before answering — not because he didn’t know what to say, but because he wanted it to mean something.

“I’d say what everyone says — work hard, turn up, do your own thing,” he began. “But I’d also add this: the more autonomous you can be from the get-go, the better. Be unique. Learn how to do things yourself rather than relying on others. Sure, collaborate and lean on other people’s talents, but build your own skill set too. That self-sufficiency will take you far.”

Diesel believes that artistry is built on time, patience, and persistence.

“You’ve got to woodshed,” he said. “Maybe it’s not 10,000 hours — maybe it’s 2,000 — but you’ve got to put in the time. I still do. I’m always trying to figure new stuff out. That’s what keeps it exciting.”

Listening — The Forgotten Art

As our talk turned to the essence of musicianship, Diesel and I both agreed that one of the most underrated skills any artist can have is listening — not just to music, but to people.

“Meditation is basically listening to yourself,” Diesel explained. “When you stop and take the time to listen, you open yourself up to whole new perspectives. That’s what great musicians do — they listen to each other. It’s a conversation.”

He laughed as he described playing live with his long-time bandmates, Lee and Richie.

“They’re always listening. I still get surprised by how much they’re feeding off everything that’s going on. Everyone’s got to get their enjoyment from playing — you’ve got to vibe off yourself, sure — but you’ve also got to make room for others. Otherwise, it’s just noise. Music is conversation.”

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The Craziest Thing He’s Ever Done

When I asked Diesel to share the craziest thing he’d ever done, he didn’t disappoint.

“I was probably 19 or 20,” he laughed. “I was broke, back living with my folks, and my mate thought it’d be a great idea to tow me behind his car while I was on a skateboard. Next thing I know, he’s in fourth gear doing 60 or 70 k’s an hour. I hit the deck, skinned up my whole side. My mum, who’s a nurse, just looked at me and said, ‘Aren’t you getting a little old for this?’ She was right.”

Talking Music — Then and Now

Few people can talk about music history the way Diesel can. When I asked him what topic he could discuss endlessly, he didn’t hesitate.

“Music — all of it,” he said. “Technical, artistic, historical. I grew up watching Countdown every Sunday. I used to rush home to catch it, but I always loved the shows before it — Radio with Pictures, The Old Grey Whistle Test — those were the real deal. You actually got to see people play.”

He reflected on the miming culture of the era and the magic of seeing genuine live performance.

“Everyone was miming on Countdown. It was all about the vibe — like our version of Top of the Pops. But those earlier shows, they were raw, real. That’s what made me want to be a musician.”

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Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, NSW, September 5th, 2025 / Photo – @richard_hogan_images

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On Authenticity and Diplomacy

When I told Diesel he struck me as one of the most authentic artists around, he smiled.

“I like to think I can be dropped into any situation and find my way in,” he said. “I try to be diplomatic. I listen. You’ve got to be careful not to judge people too quickly. I’ve been caught out doing that. You think you know someone, then you actually listen — and they surprise you.”

Favorites – Albums, Artists, and More

Favorite Album: “Jimi Hendrix – Smash Hits, hands down,” he said without hesitation. “But close second would be James Brown – Live at the Apollo. That record… man. It’s a band at their absolute peak. The energy, the sound, the performance — it’s pure fire.”
Favorite Artist: “It’s a toss-up between Elliott Smith and Prince. Elliott’s songwriting just kills me — every song’s like a secret world. Prince, though… he was the ultimate artist. Writer, musician, performer — no one like him in our lifetime. What he said about the internet back in the ‘90s is chillingly accurate now.”
Favorite Movie: “Midnight Cowboy, for the soundtrack alone. It’s perfect.”
Favorite Place to Visit: “Sicily. I’ve only been once, but it’s my new favorite place. The food, the vibe — it’s like chaos wrapped in beauty. You’ll have cars backed up because the guy at the front stopped for an espresso with his mate. That’s the kind of world I want to live in.”
Favorite Venue: “The Enmore Theatre. My guitar just sounds right there — thick, full, powerful. It’s got soul.”
Favorite Food: “That’s tough — Thai, Italian, Japanese. The holy trinity of food.”
Favorite Drink: “Earl Grey tea. I used to love coffee, maybe too much,” he laughed. “So now I stick to tea. It’s gentler.”
Favorite Person in History: “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — no question. What he stood for, how he spoke, what he tried to do. It still moves me.”

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Reflections on America, Humanity, and Hope

As a dual Australian-American citizen, Diesel carries a deep affection — and concern — for the U.S.

“I still believe in the original idea of America — a place that takes people from all over the world. The Statue of Liberty, equality, opportunity — that spirit. But capitalism’s shown its dark side. The rich get richer, and working people are drowning.”

Despite the state of things, he remains hopeful.

“Humans have fought through worse. The majority just want to live decent lives, hug their kids, and have health care that works. We can come back. I believe that.”

The Next Chapter – ‘Disco Dystopia’

Before we wrapped up, Diesel shared some news fans will be thrilled to hear — his new album, working title: Disco Dystopia, is set for release in 2026.

“That’s the name for now,” he smiled. “We’ll see if it sticks. But yeah, it’s coming — and I’m excited.”

His upcoming national tour kicks off January 30th in Tasmania, running through to April, including regional stops and even a long-overdue return to Alice Springs.

“I haven’t been to Alice in over twenty years,” Diesel said. “It’s going to be hot, but it’s going to be great.”

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Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, NSW, September 5th, 2025 / Photo – @richard_hogan_images

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A True Everyman

As we wrapped, Diesel reflected on his journey with warmth and humility.

“It’s been great talking, man. I just try to show up, be myself, and stay curious. That’s all any of us can do.”

From the garage-band days in Perth to iconic albums, timeless songs, and now a new era of creativity, Diesel continues to prove that authenticity never goes out of style.

What’s Next

As our chat wrapped up, Diesel spoke about staying curious — the mindset that keeps him inspired.

“Remaining curious is everything,” he said. “That’s what keeps me writing, keeps me learning. I’ve even started playing double bass — it puts me in a whole new headspace when I sing. It’s like learning another language.”

Still hungry, still humble, still experimenting — Diesel remains one of the most authentic voices in Australian music. His journey, filled with twists, grit, and grace, is a masterclass in longevity.

And the best part? He’s not done yet.

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Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, NSW, September 5th, 2025 / Photo – @richard_hogan_images

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Follow DIESEL
Youtube – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Watch the whole interview below:

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Press Release 23rd October 2025 (below) HERE

DIESEL
extends his
‘BY REQUEST TOUR’
adding 21 shows for 2026

ONE-OF-A-KIND musical conversation between Artist & Audience

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AMNPLIFY – DB