For Mr Shiraz, life is always taking surprise new turns.
And this last year has certainly been no exception for the Huddersfield ‘northern groove-punk’ outfit, who have re-stoked their fire after a line-up change with new records, high profile gigs and winning their first major award.
It is just part of what makes being in the band so much fun, said frontman and founder, Mikey Baird, who called the last 12 months ‘one of the most phenomenal that we’ve had in a long time.’
He said: “It’s fair to say that we’ve had some huge changes.
“In the past year we welcomed new guitarist Sam (AKA Tiny Steps) and Ian, who came from awesome group, Annie Rockett.
“But then Sam left, another member got ill and we’ve just welcomed new boy, Steve Blackham into his place.
“He’s been amazing.
“He started practising with us and it just felt right straight away.”
Their new look clearly struck the right chords, provoking an urge to pick up their pens and instruments and get creating new material.
This led to the release of much-anticipated EP, God Hates Mr Shiraz in April, and upcoming new record, 21 Grams, which will feature Steve for the first time.
“We’ve had massive changes even in between these two EPs.
“We don’t want our new members to be concentrating on playing our old material – we want them to feel part of the band so create new music together.
“This last year has been the first in a long while where we’ve just started writing and writing and not stopped.
“We’ve just got so many songs and have already got some tracks sorted for our next EP.”
They have decided to concentrate on releasing shorter records, to allow them to keep their packed-full calendar of live shows sounding fresh.
It marks another change of direction for them, following the release of debut album ‘I’m Invincible, I’m Built Like a Sherman Tank, Somebody Try and STOP ME’ in 2005 and their self-titled Mr Shiraz in February 2013.
“If you write an album you have to wait until its released, which can take quite a while then you’ve got to properly tour it before you can focus on something new.
“The beauty with EPs is that they are quick to put out so allow us to constantly update our live shows, which keeps it fun and keeps people coming to see us.
“It’s great to be able to give audiences something new.”
Their latest offering, 21 Grams, is due to hit stores and online this autumn like a stack of dynamite.
It has four tracks, with some inspiration taken from cult 1989 film, Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
“It’s got a lot of riffs and big choruses that people can get down to, we want to make people party.”
Excitement over their new releases are not the only aspect that has been getting members’ pulse rates soaring.
They were crowned winners of best single of the year for No Prophecy at the prestigious Pure Rawk Awards, last spring.
“It was awesome – it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to us.
“I was so happy I brought our trophy to gigs but the rest of the band thought it was too showy – it’s worked out well for me though as it’s now got pride of place on my mantel piece, it’s great to wake up to in the morning.”
More surprises soon followed after they were asked to support Jackass legend, Bam Margera and his band, ****Face Unstoppable, at a special show at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds in July.
“We weren’t expecting to get asked to support them and it was a hilarious, unforgettable night.
“We’ve got a tight band and are confident with our stage shows, so we gave it all we’ve got.”
The bookings for the band, who are well known for their love of touring, are continuing to come thick and fast.
This includes supporting legendary punk rockers, SNUFF, on their September tour.
“I’ve been listening to them since the 90s so I can’t wait to start it.”
And not ones to ever forget their roots in the town, they will take to the stage next Thursday at The Parish for a special warm up show.
“I’m really excited about it but I do get nervous before we go on stage, even at The Parish, where I work.
“But it’s going to be so much fun and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Next year sounds like it will be just as unforgettable, when they will take to the stage across the UK and mainland Europe, the details of which remain sworn to secrecy for now.
“We’ve got some really good stuff coming up, including a massive tour in UK and mainland Europe with a band I’m a big fan of.
“I can’t give much away but a clue is that they’re a heavy band, their original singer died several years ago and they’ve finally decided to reform. Another big date we’d love to give away more details about is in London next March when we perform at a major awards show, so just watch this space.”
