#RipItUp

This summer, join us for the first major exhibition dedicated to Scottish pop music, exploring the musical culture of the nation over more than half a century, from influential indie pioneers to global superstars.

From the days of the dancehalls to the emergence of pop in an explosion of colour in the 60s, through the 70s and New Wave, Rip It Up will feature global stars and independent local heroes from pop's early days right up to today’s outstanding newcomers.

Artists and bands to be featured include Lonnie Donegan, Gerry Rafferty, the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Lulu, The Rezillos, Midge Ure, Simple Minds, The Skids, Big Country, Garbage, Franz Ferdinand, Young Fathers, and many more. The exhibition will be brought to life through original stage outfits and instruments, many loaned by the artists themselves, plus memorabilia, props, film and, of course, music.

The slideshow below gives you a taster of what's to come...

During the exhibition a programme of musical events will allow you to participate in and experience Scottish pop music first hand through live performances, talks and discussions hosted at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as other associated events taking place across Edinburgh. Find out more about upcoming associated events here.

A three-part BBC TV series along with digital and radio content will bring another dimension to the story through the voices of those who made the music, those who witnessed it from behind the scenes, and the fans who lived for it.

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Header image: Rezillos objects on loan from Fay Fife and Eugene Reynolds.