Burn

The Zoo Crew is spinning the fiery track "Burn" by Johnny Diesel & The Injectors, from their self-titled debut album, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, clocking in at 5:38 minutes, is a raw, rebellious anthem with lyrics like "This world rejects me / This world threw me away," capturing a sense of defiance and inner turmoil. In a 2016 Rolling Stone Australia interview, Mark Lizotte, aka Diesel, reflected on the intense period when "Burn" was created, noting the whirlwind success of the band’s debut. He described the song as part of a "snapshot" that defined their early sound, a mix of R&B, blues, and Southern rock that resonated with fans. Though specific stories about "Burn" are scarce, Diesel has shared on Instagram that the album’s recording in Memphis, Tennessee, with producer Terry Manning was a pivotal moment, infusing tracks like "Burn" with a gritty, authentic vibe.

Delving into the song’s context, "Burn" was one of five singles from the 1989 album Johnny Diesel & The Injectors, which soared to No. 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart and won ARIA Awards for Best New Talent and Highest Selling Album in 1990. In a 2024 interview with Sheldon Ang Media, Diesel hinted at the creative freedom he felt during this time, drawing inspiration from solo artists like Jimi Hendrix and Prince. While "Burn" didn’t chart as high as hits like "Cry In Shame" or "Don’t Need Love," its intense energy made it a fan favorite, often highlighted in live performances. Fans on the Diesel Music Fan Club Facebook group have shared memories of hearing "Burn" live, praising its blistering guitar riffs and Diesel’s soulful vocals.

Mark Denis Lizotte, known as Johnny Diesel, was born on May 31, 1966, in Fall River, Massachusetts, and moved to Australia in 1971. His musical journey began in Perth, where, as the son of a saxophone player, he was immersed in his father’s vast R&B record collection. By his teens, Lizotte was already a prodigy, forming the band Dark Spot while at Scarborough Senior High School. In 1984, he joined Innocent Bystanders, sharpening his skills as a guitarist and vocalist. By June 1986, he formed Johnny Diesel & The Injectors with Bernie Bremond, John Dalzell, Yak Sherritt, and George Dalstrom. The band’s name, as Lizotte explained in a Wikipedia entry, came from a playful jab at bassist John Dalzell’s growing family, never meant to be permanent. They built a following in Perth before moving to Sydney in 1987, where a chance connection with Jane Barnes, wife of rock legend Jimmy Barnes, led to Diesel joining Barnes’ band and the Injectors opening for his tour.

This exposure catapulted the band to sign with Chrysalis Records, leading to their debut album’s massive success. Diesel’s versatility—playing guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards—set him apart, and his work with Barnes, including on the 1989 live album Barnestorming, solidified his reputation. After the Injectors disbanded in 1991, Diesel’s solo career took off with hits like "Tip of My Tongue" from his chart-topping album Hepfidelity. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The Diesel Music Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant community where Zoo Freaks can join other devotees to share stories and updates about Diesel’s ongoing career, including his 2024 album Bootleg Melancholy and recent Australian tours.