Mark Lizotte has an axe to grind at Revesby Workers' Club
Vanessa Watson
11 November 2010

HIS long-standing love for music began in childhood, when his parents bought him a recorder for his birthday. By 14, he was playing cello with the Western Australian Youth Symphony Orchestra.

But despite his talent for a range of instruments, it is the guitar that has sustained Mark Lizotte’s interest.

“As soon as I touch the strings, I can feel it. It resonates in me,” he said. “It’s a bit like therapy.”

The former Diesel frontman will perform at Revesby Workers’ Club on Friday as part of his 7 Axes to Grind tour, which will pay homage to what he calls his “family” of five guitars, including the axes he wrote his hits on.

Lizotte said he would also perform some numbers on a banjo and even a mandolin.

“The banjo has this really unique noise, so it’s found it’s way into my little box of crayons,” he said.

“It’s a different show than what I’ve done before. I’ve never really explained much behind the songs. I’ll be taking on a storyteller role.”

Lizotte said the show would incorporate songs from all his albums plus some from his next offering, a collection of classic covers to be released in March next year.

He said the forthcoming but as-yet untitled album would contain a collection of his favourite guitar songs, including songs by Hendrix, Neil Young, what he terms “the three Kings of great guitar players” (B.B. King, Freddy King and Albert King) and the “godfather of punk,” Link Wray.

“They say that he invented the power chord,” Lizotte said of Wray, an early idol. “Radio wouldn’t play it. They thought it was going to stir up the youth, because the guitar was distorted.”

Lizotte will take to the stage for a solo set from 8.30pm to 9.05pm and a band set from 9.30pm to 10.30pm.

Tickets are $40. To book, call 9772 2100.

Diesel’s Coastal Trial
Andrew Watt
18 August 2010

Diesel will perform a huge Australian tour that will see him travelling the length and breadth of the country yet again. The 7 Axes to Grind Tour will feature both solo and band shows and gets its name from the collection of guitars that he’ll be taking on the road.

Over the years this multi ARIA award winner has endeavoured to explore many a string instrument and it’s through these explorations that the inspiration for many of Diesel’s works has emerged.

Now for the first time, Diesel will attempt to shine a light on the origins of these instruments and their role in the making of his music. Saddled up with a voice that is timeless and his “family” of guitars of wide distinction, Diesel brings it to the stage for what is sure to be an insightful night, showcasing his musical journey.

Solo shows

September 30 – South Newcastle Leagues Club, NSW
October 1 – Northcote Social Club, VIC
October 2 – The Toff in Town, VIC
October 7 – Toowoomba City Golf Club, QLD
October 8 – Kedron Wavell Services Club, QLD
October 9 – Logan Diggers Club, QLD
October 10 – Joe’s Waterhole, QLD
October 15 – The Vanguard, NSW
October 16 – The Vanguard, NSW

Full band shows

October 22 – Norwood Live, SA
October 23 – Norwood Live, SA
October 28 – Annandale Hotel, NSW
October 29 – Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival, VIC
October 30 – The Palms at Crown, VIC
November 4 – Caboolture RSL, QLD
November 5 – Coolangatta Hotel, QLD
November 6 – The Zoo, QLD
November 7 – Redlands Multi-Sports Club, QLD
November 11 – The Auditorium at Vikings, ACT
November 12 – Revesby Workers, NSW
November 13 – A Day on the Green, Bimbadgen Estate, NSW
November 13 – Penrith Panthers, NSW
November 14 – A Day on the Green, Sirromet Winery, QLD
November 18 – Brass Monkey, NSW
November 19 – Brass Monkey, NSW
November 21 – A Day on the Green, Kings Park, WA