15 October 2024
ITALO DISCO – Never Stop Dancing! opens on October 11 and runs until April 2, 2025
The Museum of Modern Electronic Music (MOMEM) in Frankfurt has launched a vibrant new exhibition dedicated to the legacy of Italo disco, titled ITALO DISCO – Never Stop Dancing! The exhibition, which opened on October 11 and will run until April 2 next year, delves into the roots of the genre, exploring its global impact and its significant influence on the development of the house music scene in Chicago.
The exhibition showcases music from iconic artists like Raf, Ryan Paris, and Sabrina Salerno, paying homage to the sounds that dominated the 1980s. In a statement on their Instagram account, MOMEM emphasised the pivotal role of Italian artists in shaping global electronic music: "From October 11, 2024, to April 2, 2025, you will have the opportunity to dive deep into the fascinating world of Italo disco and witness the profound influence Italian artists have had on global electronic music."
Known for its signature blend of bold synthesisers, sugary string arrangements and futuristic beats, Italo disco transcended its 1980s origins. As MOMEM highlighted, "While classics like 'Self Control' and 'Another Life' conquered the international charts, club versions were ever-present in Italy’s legendary mega-discos."
The exhibition also shines a light on Italo disco’s enduring influence, with the museum noting its impact on Chicago’s house scene and its ongoing presence on dance floors worldwide. "Contemporary DJs such as Gerd Janson, Purple Disco Machine and Mochakk are carrying the torch for the Italo disco revival, while labels like Bordello A Parigi regularly release new tracks in the genre’s iconic style," the museum added, underscoring the genre’s relevance today.
