Final answer:
Bob Dylan shocked his fans in 1965 by transitioning from acoustic to electric performances, which many viewed as a betrayal of his protest singer image.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1965, Bob Dylan shocked his fans by departing from his acoustic folk roots and embracing electric instrumentation during his performance at the Newport Folk Festival. Having been known for his folk music that resonated with the spirit of the civil rights movement and anti-war sentiment, Dylan's shift was seen as a betrayal by many of his loyal fans who had associated his acoustic music with political activism. This was a pivotal moment in music history as it marked Dylan's move towards a more rock-oriented sound, demonstrating his artistic independence and unwillingness to be pigeonholed as merely a protest singer.