Innocent Bystanders
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Innocent Bystanders was a band originating from Perth, formed in 1983, featuring vocalist and songwriter Brett Keyser alongside guitarist Mark Lizotte, also known as Diesel.
Biography
During a period in Western Australia when cover bands were prevalent, Innocent Bystanders distinguished themselves as one of the rare original groups to draw substantial crowds. Their regular Monday night performances at the Herdsman Hotel attracted audiences exceeding 250 people, including members of the music industry. The band's style was shaped by influences such as Cold Chisel and Bruce Springsteen, showcasing Keyser's lyrical and vocal talents complemented by Lizotte's guitar work.
Their songwriting often incorporated regional motifs, including references to beaches, summer experiences, and the demolition of the Scarborough Beach Hotel, with Keyser weaving narrative elements into their music.
In 1983, they issued a cassette titled Live at the Subi, which was recorded live at the Subiaco Hotel. The subsequent year saw the release of their debut single "Lebanon," produced in Sydney by Peter Walker, noted for his work with Midnight Oil and Cold Chisel. The ensemble at that time consisted of Lizotte on guitar, Keyser handling vocals, John 'Yak' Sherrit on drums, John 'Tatt' Dalzell playing bass, and Cliff Kinneen on keyboards. "Lebanon" attained position #98 on the Australian singles chart.
Their follow-up single "Dangerous," released in July 1986, reached #97 nationally. The band garnered interest from the hard rock group The Angels; however, in June 1986, Lizotte left to establish Johnny Diesel & the Injectors alongside Bremond, Dalzell, Sherritt, and George Dalstrom.
Following this departure, Keyser brought in guitarist John Heussenstamm and drummer Al Kash (formerly of Blackfeather) to keep Innocent Bystanders active. In 1986, they released their debut album Don't Go Looking Back through Chase Records, which climbed to #59 on the Australian album charts.
Members
Arranged alphabetically:
- Bernie Bremond – saxophone, backing vocals (1983–86)
- John Dalzell – bass guitar (1983–86)
- John Heussenstamm – guitar (1986–89)
- Al Kash – drums (1986–89)
- Brett Keyser – vocals (1983–89)
- Russel Riley – keyboards (1984–89)
- Mark Lizotte (Diesel) – lead guitar, vocals (1983–86)
- Paul Luckas – piano (1985)
- Jamie Manifis – guitar
- Yak Sherritt – drums (1983–86)
- Dave Skewes – keyboards (1983–84)
- Brett Townshend – saxophone
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| Don't Go Looking Back |
|
59 |
Singles
| Year | Title | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | "Lebanon"/"Young Hearts" | 98 |
| 1986 | "Dangerous"/"I Don’t Care" | 97 |