The little-known story behind Nottingham’s famous Xylophone Man

In every town, city, and village across the UK, you’ll hear stories of characters known by everyone in the community. 

These often eccentric individuals are the lifeblood of the communities they reside and have often remained there their entire lives. 

When it comes to well-known Nottingham characters, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone more iconic than Xylophone Man. 

The story of Xylophone Man is a classic case of ‘if you know, you know’. 

Don’t miss the news that matters to you - get the NottinghamWorld newsletter

If you walked past the H & M store in Lister Gate between 1989 and 2003, then chances are you’ll know all about Xylophone Man. 

For the best part of 15 years, those shopping along the busy city centre street will have heard the unmistakable sound of a xylophone. 

The man behind the instrument was Frank Robinson. 

With his matching white hair and beard, beanie hat and children’s toy xylophone, Robinson sat perched on a small wooden stool outside the shop for hours on end. 

But unlike most buskers, it was not Robinson’s musicianship that struck a chord with passers by. 

It was instead his infectious smile and enthusiasm which briefly brightened the lives of those who passed him over the course of 15 years. 

The man behind the music

While most buskers hope to make a name for themselves by sharing their music for free, this was not Robinson’s intention at all. 

A notoriously private man, Robinson only gave one interview during his time entertaining Lister Gate shoppers.

In a brief interview with Left Lion in 2003, the people of Nottingham were given a rare glimpse of the man behind the music. 

Robinson was born in Cotgrave in 1930 and was 72 at the time of the interview, although little is known about his early life. 

Citing his musical inspirations as the Beatles, Elvis, and Van Morrison, Robinson said that his main motivation for playing the xylophone was “having a bit of fun and keeping people entertained”. 

Sadly, Robinson shared that all his family had passed away and that he “hasn’t got any people”. 

The iconic busker admitted that he’d “always been a Forest fan” and labelled Trevor Francis a “legend”. 

A year after the interview was given, Robinson died at the age of 73. 

Despite having no remaining family, his funeral was attended by more than 100 people, including representatives from Nottingham City Council. 

A year after his death, a granite memorial was laid at his favourite busking spot in Lister Gate. 

The pitter patter of Robinson’s xylophone may have stopped for some years now, but his positive and carefree attitude should act as a reminder for us all not to take life too seriously.