Man Bites God is a three-piece band from Melbourne; founded in 2000 by James Hazelden (guitar/vocals) and Chris Tomkins (drums/vocals) after the demise of Hazelden's previous band, The Drowning Hitlers. Mark Woodward (bass guitar/recorder/vocals) was soon recruited and the group were spotted playing in an unassuming Fitzroy bar (Mayfields) by Dan Brodie who insisted the band support him at St Kilda's Esplanade Hotel (the 'Espy').
The band has a catalogue of six releases: "Happy Songs" (EP, 2002), "Ultrasounds" (EP, 2002), "Man Bites God" (LP, 2003), "Boob Job for Sweetie Pie" (EP, 2005) "The Popular Alternative" (LP, 2005) and "Peppermint Superfrog" (LP, 2007); and is notorious for twisted, dark and often blasphemous sense of humour. Consequently, religious groups have been known to deface or tear down posters advertising the band's performances.
Man Bites God tours regularly throughout Australia and performed at the 2004 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. They are also played regularly on the Dr. Demento show in the USA.
Their latest album "Peppermint Superfrog" was released on 2 June 2007 through MGM Distribution.
The band launched a podcast called "Theatre of the World" in August 2012.
Music videos.
Man Bites God generally produce their own music videos as their drummer, Chris Tomkins is a professional director/editor. However some of the more recent clips have been created by long-time fan and friend of the band, Sarah Phillips. Phillips is a graduate of RMIT Animation School and member of the cult Melbourne animation guerillas, Animation Club.
Television.
Man Bites God performed the theme tune (composed by Hazelden) for the Comedy Channel's "The Adventures of Terrence and Spider" Professional Bouncers".
Man Bites God were the house band for Channel 31's live Saturday night variety show Darren &amp; Brose. They also appeared regularly on Channel 31's "Dream On".
Politics.
Angered by the outcome of the 2004 Australian Federal Election, members of the band created a Macromedia Flash application entitled "Man Bites God's Anger Management" which allowed visitors to the band's website to blow up John Howard, the newly re-elected conservative Prime Minister. As a result, Man Bites God was named in a government report into innovative campaign methods. The report was prepared by Dr Sarah Miskin and entitled "Campaigning in the 2004 Federal Election: Innovations and Traditions".