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50 Years Later, Dylan’s Electric Guitar Returns To Newport
The guitar that Bob Dylan used to go electric at the Newport Folk Festival 50 years ago is back in Newport.
Festival producer Jay Sweet says through a spokeswoman that “the guitar is home,” as the festival kicked off three days of music on Friday.
Dylan used the Fender Stratocaster in his performance on July 25, 1965.
The moment signified Dylan’s break from the folk movement and is considered one of the most important moments in rock history.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay bought the guitar for $965,000 in 2013. It was the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. The curator of his rare guitar collection brought it to the festival Friday.
Photo: Michelle Pemberton/The Indianapolis Star via AP
Indianapolis Colts owner/CEO Jim Irsay holds Fender Stratocaster Bob Dylan played at 1965 Newport Folk Fest.
The festival marks the anniversary with a number of events, including a secret lineup of acts on Sunday paying tribute to Dylan’s 1965 performance.