AS well-known local musician Matt Zarb sits across from me on the lounge, with his almost two year-old son Marley, it is hard to believe he has recently recovered from a life threatening condition.
Almost one year ago Matt was diagnosed with a tumour on his pituitary gland, after persistent blinding headaches led him to the hospital in search of some relief.
"I thought I was having a bad reaction to some Chinese food I had eaten. The headache was so bad that painkillers did not dull the pain at all," he said.
The tumour expanded so quickly that it led to bleeding on the brain and he was rushed to John Hunter hospital in Newcastle.
Matt was treated by the head neurosurgeon Dr Christie, who as fate would have it, remembered Matt from having seen him perform at Lizotte's in Newcastle the week before.
Over the past year Matt and Dr Christie have become friends and Dr Christie has promised he will be front and centre in the audience at Lizotte's, when Matt returns there for the first time since his operation this week.
Matt credits the support of his family and his musical life as the source of his quick recovery.
"In my life I feel very lucky to have married my very best friend. I couldn't have got through this past year without Leslie's support.
“Leslie had to return to work to support the family while I was unwell, as there is no sick leave when you are a working musician.
“Luckily we received a great deal of support, particularly from our neighbour and friend Tom Huisman who regularly drove Leslie down to Newcastle to visit me in the hospital."
Matt kept his guitar with him during his stay in hospital and played every chance he could get.
So strong is the force of musical passion in his life, that when he was discharged from hospital on March 7, he played a gig on March 10.
"Music sustains me. I love all kinds of music, from Led Zeppelin to Mozart. Playing music definately helped me to get well. When I got sick, I never thought for one second that it was going to knock me over."
Facing his mortality has given Matt a fresh perspective on life and he is committed to making the most of every moment.
"I call it the 'Steve Irwin attitude'. Steve was extremely passionate and focused about his mission in life.
“Without passion there is no life. If you are going to do something you should do it well, and that is the energy Steve gave to the world. For me it is the same. I enjoy every gig as a precious chance to share music with others."
Although Matt has shared the stage with many household names, from Australia to America, he is just as happy playing guitar in the kitchen at home, because for him it is all about the music.
"When people come to see me play, my concern is about making a personal connection.
“When they leave, I want them to feel good. Music is about sharing. People don't care about a musician's past glories, they want to experience something real in the present moment."
Matt recently played eight shows at the Tamworth Country Music Festival as part of a musical collaboration called, 'The Eclectic Misfits of Country'. The line up includes Minnie Marks, Hussy Hicks, Julia Parker, and Leesa Jentz.
"I am humbled to play with these ladies, in my opinion they are some of the best musicians in the country. Also, they are beautiful people."
The Eclectic Misfits of Country will be playing Lizotte's in Newcastle this Friday night, February 10. Lizotte's is owned by Mark Lizotte, formerly known as Johnny Diesel.
"Being a musician himself and a lover of fine food, Mark has created a remarkably intimate venue where the audience can enjoy food that is every bit as good as the music.
“It is always a great experience playing there as it is a beautiful 'Harry Potter' style venue.
“Knowing Dr Christie will be there to support me makes it even more special."
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