5 Icons of Music and Their Sunglasses
Have you ever noticed how some famous musicians always wear cool sunglasses? Well, it’s not just a fashion thing – those shades are part of their signature style. Beyond the beats and lyrics, the five musicians we’ll be discussing are recognized for their distinctive fashion choices, with sunglasses becoming an integral part of their onstage personas and lasting legacy. In the case of John Lennon, his staple eyewear has transcended from being a mere accessory to a rock ‘n’ roll relic and was sold for an astounding $162,500 at a New York City auction.
From rock legends to pop sensations, these music icons not only shaped the recording industry but also made a bold statement with their eyewear, turning sunglasses into a symbol of both confidence and creativity. Let’s take a closer look at the sunglasses that adorned the eyes of these chart-topping figures and explore the stories behind the frames that became synonymous with their legendary personas.
Bono
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Bono has had a remarkable career spanning decades as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the Irish rock band U2. Formed in 1976, the band quickly rose to prominence with albums like The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby, earning critical acclaim and a massive global fanbase. Bono is rarely ever seen without glasses and appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert joking that he can’t remove his sunglasses because he shoots lasers out of his eyes. However, the real reason behind his penchant for tinted, wraparound glasses is due to glaucoma. His now-trademark shades are to protect his sensitive eyes from light and glare. The coolness factor they give off is just a bonus!
Lady Gaga
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Rising to fame with hits like Just Dance and Poker Face, Lady Gaga made waves when she first appeared on the scene with her flamboyant fashion choices and theatrical performances. Gaga’s love for peculiar and avant-garde designs is apparent in her choice of eyewear, ranging from retro vintage pieces by French luxury brand Celine to sleek futuristic designs by Giorgio Armani. She has also dabbled in acting and starred in the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born, for which she wrote a song that garnered her an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Bob Dylan
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Emerging in the early 1960s, Bob Dylan’s poignant lyrics and singing style catapulted him to the forefront of the counterculture movement. Known for classics like Blowin’ in the Wind and Like A Rolling Stone, Dylan’s songwriting prowess won him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016. Unlike the other icons on this list, Dylan had an affinity for a particular type of sunglasses – Wayfarers. These Ray-Ban sunglasses, known for their timeless design, align with Dylan’s approach to his music and persona. The simple frames and sharp lines of Wayfarers complement his enigmatic aura and add a touch of vintage charm to his overall image. To this day, Wayfarers are still one of the most popular eyewear styles in the world.
Elton John
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Sir Elton John’s career has been characterized by versatility, collaborating across genres and delivering unforgettable performances. Chart-topping hits like Your Song and Rocket Man encapsulate his exceptional piano skills and lasting contributions to pop and rock. Notably, his elaborate stage presence and iconic eyewear have become synonymous with his larger-than-life persona. According to some reports, he’s amassed over 250,000 pairs of glasses in all shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from wacky windshield wiper glasses to jewel-encrusted oversized pink frames and more subtle plain round frames.
John Lennon
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A founding member of The Beatles, John Lennon has become an immortal figure in the history of music. Tracks like Imagine and Strawberry Fields Forever, epitomize Lennon’s songwriting genius that molded the sound of the 1960s. Round, wire-framed glasses were inadvertently made popular by Lennon, not for fashion-related reasons, but because he was nearsighted. Lennon’s life was tragically cut short in 1980, but his legacy endures as a symbol of artistic innovation and activism. Now treated as artifacts, glasses worn by Lennon have been put on display in various museums and sold at auctions. Aside from the pair we mentioned earlier, another was sold in 2019 for about $170,000. His influence extends beyond the music industry, impacting culture with a message of love and peace.
These music legends didn’t just make great records; they rocked iconic eyewear, turning sunglasses into a symbol of their creativity. Their style choices were more than just fashion – they were expressions of individuality and innovation.
