24 July - 22 October 2012

An exhibit to explore Marley's role as the catalyst to the reggae revolution, as well as his influence on music and culture over the past three decades.

Following a successful run at The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, Messenger - The Bob Marley Exhibition comes to The BME.

Visitors from the UK and around Europe will witness Bob Marley as a private, spiritual man, as a powerful performer who used his lyrics to give a voice to the disenfranchised and as a legend who has inspired legions of fans in the years since his death.

Marley's story is that of an archetype, which is why it continues to have such a powerful and ever-growing resonance: it embodies political repression, metaphysical and artistic insights, gangland warfare and various periods of mystical wilderness. And his audience continues to widen. Bob Marley gave the world brilliant and evocative music; his work stretched across nearly two decades and yet still remains timeless and universal. Bob Marley & the Wailers worked their way into the very fabric of our lives.

Bringing together more than 40 diverse artefacts, rare photographs and more, the exhibition features items from the private collection of the Marley family.  Additionally, Messenger  will include footage created by The GRAMMY Museum which conducted interviews with several artists and musicians who have been influenced by Marley and the role that he played not only as the catalyst to the reggae evolution, but also his influence on music and culture. Interview footage will be featured in the exhibit and includes conversations with Blondie, Carlos Santana, Nas and more.

"My father's message of peace and unity was always of great importance to him and to our family," said Ziggy Marley. "Especially in the current times, it seems appropriate to remind the world of what he stood for and hopefully, by honouring him, we can all make efforts to live our lives with the same message."

Messenger - The Bob Marley Exhibition will be on display at the British Music Experience's Mezzanine Gallery between 24 July - 22 October 2012.

The exhibition is part of a celebration at The O2 of Jamaican culture to mark 50 years of independence. Events at The O2 include 11 days of reggae at indigO2 with performances from legends such as Lee Scratch Perry and Damian Marley alongside Jamaica House, also located at The O2 bubble, celebrating 50 years of independence for 10 days during the Olympics.

Tickets: Viewing Messenger - The Bob Marley Exhibition is included in regular admissions price for the British Music Experience.

Members receive unlimited visits as part of their annual benefits.