Bob Dylan “going electric” is one of the most infamous and controversial moments in music history. The singer-songwriter, already a legend, was booed and labelled a “Judas” when he revealed his new electric sound at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
The guitar he strummed on that stage as he suffered those slings and arrows, a Sunburst Fender Stratocaster, was sold for an incredible $965,000 a few years ago and it recently found its way into the hands of one Courtney Barnett.
The Australian singer-songwriter was one of several musicians, including Dinosaur Jr’s J Mascis, Irish star Hozier, Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith, and Hiss Golden Messenger’s MC Taylor, who was recently given a chance to strum away on the legendary axe.
Readers can check out the video of these musical heroes playing their own hero’s famous six-string below, including the famously left-handed Barnett exclaiming that the guitar is “upside down” after she’s shocked to be handed the rare guitar.