Americana. It’s music that draws from America’s roots, from country, folk, bluegrass, R&B, the blues… But to Mark Lizotte, the musician known and loved as Diesel, Americana is the very core of his being. It’s the music of his childhood and, as an artist born in America and raised in Australia, a link back to the land he’d left behind.

On his new album Americana, Diesel pays tribute to the artists that inspired the musician he would become - one of our nation's most lauded, accomplished and hard-working rock guitarists and singers - by putting his own unique stamp on a collection of classic songs.

In short, he re-traces the steps of his musical education paying respect to Tom Petty, CCR, The Band, Bruce Springsteen, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt and more.

The selection process was tortuous - "It's such a deep well; how far back do you go? I literally went: OK, I've got five minutes, grab the most essential things out of your house before the house burns down!" His approach was to pluck a song from one artist, then throw it into another realm. "OK, you're from Nashville? I'm gonna take you to New York." Or in the case of Fire and Rain: "I've taken James Taylor and shoved him into a Memphis studio with Al Green."

The doorway into Americana, however, is a creation all Diesel's own. Hank's Dream was a melody that circled his head during three sleepless nights in New York last year and its title refers to the spark that brought the Lizottes to Australia all those years ago: Dad Hank's dream of a different life on the other side of the world.

Uncannily, around the same time, one of the Lizotte boys stumbled upon a photo from Hank and Theresa's wedding album. "It's this incredible black and white photo of them in front of this in front of this ridiculously big old Buick that they borrowed - they got married on a shoestring and borrowed a car from the Navy," Diesel says. "There they are, in front of it, all dressed up ... that's classic Americana to me. So when this album happened I was like, 'There's my cover'.

So now, 27 years after he busted out of the garage and into the Australian psyche with Don't Need Love and Soul Revival, it's time for fans to circle back and hear the songs that made the man, Americana.

To coincide with the release of Americana, Diesel will be embarking on a national Australian tour from September 2016. He'll be playing in solo mode, giving fans the opportunity to see a more intimate and stripped back performance that features the distinct guitar playing and powerhouse vocals that Diesel has become renowned for. The set will feature tracks from Americana as well as singles and other gems spanning his 15-album career.

 TICKETING INFO

General Admission ticket buyers have an added option of purchasing The Basement's Plate & Glass deal on the following booking page.

The Plate & Glass meal includes one meal option with one glass of selected wine which will be made available at the Green Room Bar from the time doors open through to 10:30pm.

Plate and Glass meal and wine options are listed on the following booking page.

Dinner & Show tickets include entry, seating and 2 course meal.

Dinner & Show tickets are only available via Moshtix.

Some Dinner & Show Bookings may be on a shared table. Please let us know at the time of the booking as a special request should you prefer not to share, and subject to availability we'll do our best to accommodate your request. Note it is not possible to join ticket holders together across ticket groups (meaning A Reserve ticket holders cannot sit with B Reserve etc).

Standard and Premium Beverage Packages are available by exclusive table service to Dinner & Show Ticket Holders for 3 hours from Doors. Beverage packages are available for purchase on the following booking page. *RSA and conditions apply

DOORS OPEN AT 7.30PM
MUSIC STARTS AFTER DINNER SERVICE, AROUND 8.30PM
SET TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE FROM SHOW TO SHOW

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
When General Admission Ticket sales have closed on the day of the show they may still be available at the door on the night.

All patrons must be over the age of 18

Once purchased tickets are non-refundable & non-transferable
(applies to both Standing and Dinner sales)

Please ensure you bring photo ID as proof of age

A booking fee applies to all advance tickets. (All quoted prices include tax).

Dress is Smart/Casual at Manager's discretion. No thongs.

ACCESSIBILITY

The Basement has very limited accessibility for patrons with disabilities, however please contact the venue to ensure there is adequate availability for you to enjoy the show comfortably and they can advise on the recommended seating options.

RESTAURANT (GREEN ROOM BAR) 
RESTAURANT HOURS ARE DEPENDENT ON SHOW
Please call The Basement to confirm opening times - (02) 9251 2797

SEATING MAP FOR DINNER & SHOW BOOKINGS
Please Note: tables cannot be joined together. Please ensure everyone you intend to seat at your table is included in your booking to avoid being seated separately. Unfortunately, Dinner & Show bookings are for a minimum of 2 people.

Specific table reservation is not available for this performance. It is the venue's decision as to which table you will be allocated. Whilst the venue would love to give everyone their preferred seats, it is not always possible. We ask that you respect this decision and enjoy the performance.