Igor Gutiérrez
As the founder and proprietor of Theflyshades, I bring my Basque heritage and global perspective to every aspect of the brand. Based currently in Frankfurt but driven by an innate 'wanderlust', I have transformed my lifelong passion for U2 and iconic eyewear into a dedicated mission.
My vision is twofold: preserving the distinctive 'space era' fly sunglasses that defined an aesthetic movement, while reviving other iconic eyewear designs over 30 years old that vanished from the market decades ago. Each piece is legally registered and refined with premium materials - a highly selective collection for those who value character over trends.
Through meticulous research, design innovation, and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship, I ensure these cultural artifacts continue to inspire new generations while honoring their storied past.
WHERE IT ALL BEGUN
THE FLY
In 1991, U2's Achtung Baby marked a bold reinvention. Bono's leather-clad alter ego 'The Fly' introduced the distinctive wraparound sunglasses that would become iconic.
For me, this was the moment everything changed. Discovering Achtung Baby and witnessing The Fly's aesthetic ignited a passion that would shape my life. Those futuristic 'space era' shades weren't just accessories - they represented transformation, rebellion, and fearless reinvention.
I became obsessed with tracking down these rare pieces of rock history, never imagining that decades later, I would dedicate myself to preserving and reviving them for a new generation.
A Full Circle Moment
2011
In 2011, during the filming of U2's documentary From the Sky Down, Bono personally requested two pairs of our Viking 1973 sunglasses. Recognizing the same frames he wore 20 years earlier, he was immediately captivated.
What started as a personal request for the Berlin documentary evolved into an official collaboration. Universal Music and U2's management ordered thousands of pairs to include as a premium souvenir in the 20th anniversary Achtung Baby Über Deluxe box set.
Each pair featured one-piece frames with 'THE FLY' logo - Bono's trademark - on the left arm. Our Viking 1973 in black has since become known by various names: 'THE FLY' sunglasses, 'ÜBER' fly shades, or 'ACHTUNG BABY' fly sunglasses.
This collaboration transformed our passion project into an official part of U2 history.
Visit U2.com for more details.
U2:UV AT SPHERE OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE
2023 - 2024
On September 29, 2023, U2 launched their Las Vegas residency at the Sphere with U2:UV Achtung Baby Live, performing their 1991 album in full. Bono returned as "The Fly" wearing our SPARTAN 1968 fly glasses - the same model from the 1993 Zooropa tour, thirty years earlier.
From the second show onward, he added our VIKING 1973 model, switching between both throughout each performance during the encore. His collection evolved from purple to blue, and after the November break, he requested lighter versions of both, favoring light purple Viking glasses until the residency's final show on March 2, 2024.
VIKING 1973: Pure retro style with legendary pedigree.
The iconic wraparound style famously worn by Bono as "The Fly" in U2's groundbreaking video (1991) and ZooTV tour (1992) — now available with Bono's trademark THE FLY logo branding. This bold shield design delivers full UV protection, ergonomic contoured fit for optimal eye coverage, lightweight TR90 construction, and all-day comfort.
First included in U2's Achtung Baby über deluxe box set (2011) and later as exclusive Sphere U2:UV residency merchandise (2023-2024), this design has become a collector's icon for fans worldwide.
Last chance to own a piece of rock history — bold statement, complete protection, legendary style. Limited remaining stock from the final production run.