Rock Against Racism Exhibition: Love Music, Hate Racism

Rock Against Racism was founded by a collective of musicians and activists  to combat fascism and racism through music.

Between 1976 and 1981, under the slogan Love Music, Hate Racism, the collective put on concerts with reggae and punk bands on the same stage. The gigs attracted large multicultural audiences.

Although RAR didn’t have an official photographer, Syd Shelton managed to produce the largest collection of images of the movement. His subjects included The Clash, Elvis Costello, Misty In Roots, Tom Robinson, The Au Pairs and The Specials as well as the audiences at gigs and carnivals in England.

A touring exhibition of Syd’s photographs, presented in partnership with Autograph ABP, will be on display at Street Level Photoworks in Glasgow from 11th February until 9th April.

There will also be a series of talks and events about Scotland’s role in Rock Against Racism as well as an Exhibition Walk and Talk with Syd Shelton and co-curator, Carol Tulloch.

To augment the exhibition there is a display of Scottish RAR material in Trongate 103. Gathered from individuals involved in anti-racist work in the late 70s and early 80s it includes rare photographs and graphics from the Edinburgh RAR carnival in Craigmillar in 1978. Catch it while you can…

Paul Simonon, Rock Against Racism/ Anti Nazi League Carnival, Victoria Park, London 1978. Photo by Syd Shelton. Courtesy of the artist and Autograph ABP

Skinheads, Petticoat Lane, East London 1979. Photo by Syd Shelton. Courtesy of the artist and Autograph ABP