Bob Dylan's 1966 World Tour remains one of the most mythologised chapters in rock history. Spanning North America, Australia, and Europe across forty-five shows, the tour marked Dylan's controversial transition from acoustic folk hero to electric provocateur. Backed by the Hawks — later to become The Band — Dylan faced boos, walkouts, and the famous "Judas!" heckle in Manchester, all while reshaping the boundaries of popular music in real time.
Off stage, Dylan cultivated an image as carefully constructed as his lyrics. Photographer Barry Feinstein, who documented the UK leg of the tour, captured Dylan in moments of rare stillness between the chaos: leaning against cars, walking through rain-slicked streets, always half-hidden behind a pair of custom Wayfarer-style sunglasses. The dark acetate frame, with its classic trapezoidal silhouette and tinted lenses, became as much a part of Dylan's 1966 look as his blue suede military jacket and wild halo of hair.
The Wayfarer's connection to Dylan during this period is more than coincidence. In a tour defined by confrontation — between acoustic and electric, tradition and reinvention — the sunglasses served as both armour and identity. They shielded his eyes from the flashbulbs and the fury, presenting the world with a version of Dylan that was opaque, enigmatic, and utterly in control. The 1966 World Tour ended in May, and Dylan would not tour again for eight years — but the images from those months, sunglasses firmly in place, remain indelible.
The Ray-Ban Wayfarer RB2140 is one of the most iconic sunglasses models, crafted from durable acetate and defined by its distinctive trapezoidal shape. First introduced in the 1950s, it features bold lines and a slightly tilted front for a unique visual identity. Typically available with G-15, gradient, or polarized lenses, it provides reliable visual clarity and sun protection. The structured frame ensures a secure and comfortable fit for everyday wear.
