The Tiger Lillies
The Tiger Lillies were formed in London in 1989. The band was founded by singer and multi-instrumentalist Martyn Jacques, who has shaped the direction of their musical and theatrical output from the beginning. The group draws on stylistic elements of cabaret, pre-war chanson, street music and experimental theatrical aesthetics. Characteristic features of their expression include falsetto vocals, the use of accordion, double bass and percussive instruments, and a strong emphasis on dramatic stylization.
In the first half of the 1990s, the band released a number of early albums, including Births, Marriages and Deaths (1994), Spit Bucket (1995), Ad Nauseam (1995), The Brothel to the Cemetery (1996), and Farmyard Filth (1997). The album Low Life Lullabies followed in 1998, and during the same period the band created one of its most significant projects — the theatrical production and accompanying album Shockheaded Peter, an adaptation of Heinrich Hoffmann’s grotesque stories. This project substantially broadened the band’s international presence and had a lasting influence on its orientation toward theatre-music forms.
In the following years, the albums Circus Songs (2000) and Bouquet of Vegetables: The Early Years (2000) were released. In 2003 the band introduced The Gorey End, created in collaboration with the Kronos Quartet and inspired by the work of American illustrator Edward Gorey. This project brought the band wider recognition beyond the alternative cabaret scene. Numerous other studio and live albums followed, documenting various phases of the band’s work and thematic cycles.
The Tiger Lillies have long been active in staging theatrical and performance projects. In addition to Shockheaded Peter, the band creates productions inspired by literary works, social themes and urban narratives. They often collaborate with theatres, dance companies or visual artists, combining music with performative forms.
The band continues to perform and produce new material. In 2025 they released the album Serenade from the Sewer, which explores the environment of London’s Soho and the life stories of people living on the margins of society. The album is accompanied by a concert series in a historic London theatre venue. In this way, the band’s work continues along a line of projects focused on social, existential and urban themes.
About The Tiger Lillies
The Tiger Lillies were formed in London in 1989. The band was founded by singer and multi-instrumentalist Martyn Jacques, who has shaped the direction of their musical and theatrical output from the beginning. The group draws on stylistic elements of cabaret, pre-war chanson, street music and experimental theatrical aesthetics. Characteristic features of their expression include falsetto vocals, the use of accordion, double bass and percussive instruments, and a strong emphasis on dramatic stylization.
In the first half of the 1990s, the band released a number of early albums, including Births, Marriages and Deaths (1994), Spit Bucket (1995), Ad Nauseam (1995), The Brothel to the Cemetery (1996), and Farmyard Filth (1997). The album Low Life Lullabies followed in 1998, and during the same period the band created one of its most significant projects — the theatrical production and accompanying album Shockheaded Peter, an adaptation of Heinrich Hoffmann’s grotesque stories. This project substantially broadened the band’s international presence and had a lasting influence on its orientation toward theatre-music forms.
In the following years, the albums Circus Songs (2000) and Bouquet of Vegetables: The Early Years (2000) were released. In 2003 the band introduced The Gorey End, created in collaboration with the Kronos Quartet and inspired by the work of American illustrator Edward Gorey. This project brought the band wider recognition beyond the alternative cabaret scene. Numerous other studio and live albums followed, documenting various phases of the band’s work and thematic cycles.
The Tiger Lillies have long been active in staging theatrical and performance projects. In addition to Shockheaded Peter, the band creates productions inspired by literary works, social themes and urban narratives. They often collaborate with theatres, dance companies or visual artists, combining music with performative forms.
The band continues to perform and produce new material. In 2025 they released the album Serenade from the Sewer, which explores the environment of London’s Soho and the life stories of people living on the margins of society. The album is accompanied by a concert series in a historic London theatre venue. In this way, the band’s work continues along a line of projects focused on social, existential and urban themes.
Experimental, Dark, Cabaret, Avant-garde
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