Rip It Up

This exhibition has now closed.

#RipItUp🎸

This first major exhibition dedicated to Scottish pop music explored 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 featured global stars and independent local heroes from pop's early days right up to today’s outstanding newcomers.

Featured artists and bands included 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 was brought to life through original stage outfits and instruments, many loaned by the artists themselves, plus memorabilia, props, film and, of course, music.

‘Bay City Rollers jacket, 1976 tour programme, supersonic floppy disc and fan club badge on loan from a private collection; Bay City Rollers gold disc, guitar and earliest unreleased Bay City Roller acetate recording on loan from a private collection.
Objects on loan from Simple Minds.
Objects on loan from Garbage.
Objects on loan from Altered Images
Objects on loan from Fairground Attraction.
Chantal Meteor 200 jukebox made in Bristol between 1959 and 1962.
Detail of coat belonging to the Bay City Rollers.
Detail of PVC jumpsuit owned by Eugene Reynolds of the Rezillos.
Detail of purple and yellow dress belonging to Fay Fife of the Rezillos.
Detail of orange jacket belonging to Shirley Manson.

Throughout the exhibition, a programme of musical events allows 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.

A three-part BBC TV series along with digital and radio content brought 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.

You can hear tracks from the exhibition in the playlist below, and check out playlists from artists and people involved in creating the exhibition here.

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Rip It Up associated events

As well as a host of live performances, talks and discussions hosted at the National Museum of Scotland, an exciting programme of associated events will be taking place across Edinburgh during the exhibition run.

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Rip It Up playlists

To get you in the mood for Rip It Up, we're sharing playlists of music inspired by the exhibition's themes, from Scottish pop classics to the tracks that mean the most to the people involved in creating the exhibition.

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Rip It Up: The Ultimate Playlist

To celebrate our Rip It Up exhibition, we’ll be compiling the ultimate playlist of Scottish pop songs, chosen by you! We want you to nominate the Scottish songs that mean the most to you, that bring back precious memories or hold a special place in your heart.

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Rip It Up blog posts
Go behind the scenes at our major summer exhibition

Discover what's happening behind the scenes of our major summer exhibition for 2018, Rip It Up: The Story of Scottish Pop

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Future Features

Future Features is a campaign created by students from Edinburgh Napier University to celebrate the Rip It Up exhibition.

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Rip It Up: The Story of Scottish Pop by Vic Galloway
You've seen the exhibition – now read the book!

£14.99

Rip It Up charges through the astonishing story of Scottish pop and rock music from the 1950s to the present day, from Lonnie Donegan to Calvin Harris.

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Exhibition information

When

22 Jun - 25 Nov 2018

Where

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh - Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3

How much

Members: free
Adult: £10
Concession:* £8
Child (12–15): £7 (under 12s free)
National Art Pass holders: 50% discount

* 60+, students with valid NUS or Young Scot card, unemployed with ID, disabled people. Carers of disabled people free.

All tickets include a discretionary donation. If you do not wish to make a charitable donation the admission prices are: Adult £9, Concession £7.20, Child £6.30. Tickets are subject to a transaction booking fee and postal costs.