For all percussionists out there – here is an example of a Victorian Rock Band.
This is actually the Till Family Rock Band, who built large xylophone-type instruments with slabs of hornfel rock from the Lake District. These were one of a succession of lithophone playing groups over the Victoria era, the first being the Richardson Family’s Monstre Rock Band. Joseph Richardson spent 13 years creating the instrument which made its debut in 1840, and they toured with their performances for 10 years or so, even appearing before Queen Victoria twice. The Till Family were much later, in the 1880’s and made their way, on tour, from the Lake District, around the UK and eventually to the USA where they settled in New Jersey.
For more details, see Dr A.M. Till’s webpage: https://www.michaeltill.com
