BONO's ZOO TV FLY SUNGLASSES, THE TRUTH BEHIND.

 

Many U2 fans, even today, have the believe that Bono wore between 1991 and 1993 the same pair of fly shades during his roll as the fly persona. If you still think so, then "everything you know is wrong". In fact, there were two models, and not only one, of the fly shades. Still can't believe this? Read, read...

I did not realize about this issue till a friend of mine showed me some pictures from 1993 of Bono wearing a different style of fly glasses, I also couldn't believe it at that time... But after several comparissons, videos, photo studios, calendars and live pictures of Bono between 1992 and 1993, I finally encountered big differences between two models.. 1993 is bigger fly shades than the ones he wore on 1991 and 1992, round lenses instead of the oval lenses, and so forth.

* First style of fly shades: THE 1992 ZOO TV FLY SUNGLASSES.  This pair of fly shades Bono wore them only in dark brown color and is the same style you watch on tv during "the fly" video. Many people still think they are tinted black, but they were not, only brown. Originals were made in a weak plastic material, even more due to the time have passed since they were made till Bono showed us on 1991 (go imagine how weak they are now, almost 40 years since they were originally manufactured), nose bridge also cracked up easily when wearing them for a few times, due to the pression between the temples when opening arms. The most interesting thing about this style is that they are beautiful, gorgeous and unique, its lines, forms, ovaled lenses, a perfect design.

* Second style of fly shades: THE 1993 ZOOROPA FLY SUNGLASSES.  This second pair have appeared as the fly shades in substitution of the 1992 smaller model. Pityfuly and fortunately, during the last 6 months of the 1992 zoo tv tour, you can see easily on several pictures, that a crack hair started to grow on the front part of the nose bridge for the pair of flys Bono was wearing.

So that is why Bono started to wear another style on 1993, a bit bigger and in green color instead of the brown pair he had on 1992. Besides those differences, these fly shades seems to be similar when wearing them and at far away, when people look at you. Originals '93 fly glasses are very much resistent in quality than the 1992 style. Great design, beautiful shades, really gorgeous and very dark.
 
 

U2 Licensed Fly Glasses

Description

These glasses are the ones that the U2 organization offered through Propaganda magazine to its members back in the early 1990's, shortly after Achtung Baby came out but also later during 2001 on their site. While not the real "Fly" glasses that Bono wears, they are U2 authorized merchandise. Since they are no longer manufactured, they do have some value as a collectors item. Original cost: roughly $15 U.S.

Distinguishing Characteristics

They say "Fly" on the temples just past the lenses, and have "© 1993 NOT US LTD." and "LICENSED U2 PRODUCT MADE IN IRELAND" molded into the inside of the temples. The glasses are very tight, and pinch your head pretty badly. The major way in which you can tell these glasses from real "Fly" glasses is by the sharp corners in the design: the top of the nose bridge and the temples on the side form distinct V shapes rather than smooth curves. The back part of the temple is also much pointier than the real "Fly" glasses.

 

1992 "Zoo Tv" Fly Glasses

Description

These glasses are beautiful faithful reproductions of the model Bono wore during "THE FLY" video but also during "zoo tv tour" on 1992, same dark brown color as originals worn by Bono. Original pairs date back to the 1970's. As a tribute to them, I respected their beautiful shape, dimensions and sizes. The lenses are very large and ovaled. I also updated them (more strong). Originals were flawed in some ways, but it took years for the problems to show. They definitely got the look right the first time, but the weak nose bridge was a problem.

Distinguishing Characteristics

These glasses are molded from a single piece of Polycarbonate plastic (no hinges). On the right temple near the back is the word "Viking 1973 - Italy" molded into the plastic. They are very confortable when wearing. These fly mirror copy sunglasses are a fine update, very resistent and they are improved in strength, with UV protection.


Cutler & Gross Glasses

Description

These glasses are the same brand, model and style Bono wore during "EVEN BETTER THAN THE REAL THING", "ONE" and "I'VE GOT YOU, UNDER MY SKIN" videos. He also wore them off stage during zoo tv / zooropa tour. They are from a very well known british brand of sunglasses. Frames are black and lenses tinted in solid grey.   Manufactured in England. Model: 0276. Original cost: £249.99

Distinguishing Characteristics

They are hinged sunglasses. Very nice design and extremely hard to find out these days, even when they were made at the beginning of the 90's.


 

1993 "Zooropa Tour" Fly Glasses

Description

These glasses are huge, beautiful and they are the model Bono wore during "LEMON" video but also during "zooropa  tour" all along on 1993, in very dark green color. Originals date back to the 1960's and were called as LUNASPORT glasses. As a tribute to them, We'll respect their beautiful shape, dimensions and sizes, but not the holes at the end of its arms. Molds are being made right now, so soon will have them also available on this website. The lenses are very large and rounded. We will also update them making them more strong.

Distinguishing Characteristics

These glasses are molded from a single piece of Polycarbonate plastic (no hinges). At the end of the arms have holes on both temples. They are very confortable when wearing. These fly sunglasses will be updated as well, very resistent and they will improve in strength, with modern UV protection coats.


 

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