The music world is in mourning as news spreads of the passing of Vic Flick, the legendary guitarist whose haunting riff on the James Bond theme song became an indelible part of cinematic history. Flick, who died on November 14, 2024, at the age of 87, leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond his most famous recording session.
From Humble Beginnings to Musical Heights
Born in Surrey, England, in 1937, Vic Flick’s musical journey began at an early age. His father, a music teacher, introduced him to the piano when he was just seven years old. But it was the guitar that truly captured young Vic’s heart. By age 14, he had acquired his first instrument, a Gibson Kalamazoo, and was already devising ways to amplify its sound using a tank commander’s microphone and his father’s radio.
Flick’s passion and talent soon led him to the professional music scene. He played with various groups in the 1950s, including the Vic Alan Quintet and the Bob Cort Skiffle Group, before joining forces with John Barry in 1958. As a member of the John Barry Seven, Flick’s guitar work graced numerous hit singles, including “Hit and Miss” and “Walk Don’t Run.”
The Bond Connection
But it was in 1962 that Vic Flick’s name became forever entwined with the world’s most famous fictional spy. When producers of the first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” approached John Barry to rework Monty Norman’s theme song, Flick was the guitarist they called upon to bring the now-iconic riff to life.
“I’m proud of it, and I’m proud to be associated with it and I’m proud of all the things that developed from it. But at the time I had no idea that it was going to be like that.”
– Vic Flick, on recording the James Bond theme
Armed with his Clifford Essex Paragon guitar and trusty Vox AC15 amplifier, Flick created a sound that would become synonymous with the suave, dangerous world of 007. His decision to play the riff an octave lower than originally written added a depth and moodiness that perfectly captured the essence of the character.
A Session Musician Extraordinaire
While the Bond theme may be his most recognizable work, Vic Flick’s career as a session musician saw him collaborate with an astonishing array of musical talents. From Tom Jones and Dusty Springfield to Shirley Bassey and Paul McCartney, Flick’s guitar work graced countless hits throughout the 1960s and 70s.
His versatility and skill made him an in-demand player, equally at home with pop, rock, and orchestral arrangements. Flick’s contributions can be heard on such diverse recordings as Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” Burt Bacharach’s “Trains And Boats and Planes,” and even the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” soundtrack.
A Life in Music
Throughout his five-decade career, Vic Flick remained passionate about his craft. In addition to his studio work, he composed and arranged music for several Merchant Ivory films in the 1970s and 80s. He continued to perform and record, often revisiting his Bond roots with albums like “James Bond Now” and appearances on soundtracks for the “Licence to Kill” theme and the “From Russia With Love” video game.
In 2000, Flick published his memoir, “Vic Flick, Guitarman: from James Bond to the Beatles and Beyond,” offering a fascinating glimpse into his life and work. His contributions to the world of music were recognized in 2013 when he received the lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum.
Vic Flick’s passing marks the end of an era, but his musical legacy will endure. From the opening bars of the James Bond theme to the countless hits he helped create, Flick’s guitar work has become a part of the very fabric of popular music. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
His versatility and skill made him an in-demand player, equally at home with pop, rock, and orchestral arrangements. Flick’s contributions can be heard on such diverse recordings as Petula Clark’s “Downtown,” Burt Bacharach’s “Trains And Boats and Planes,” and even the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night” soundtrack.
A Life in Music
Throughout his five-decade career, Vic Flick remained passionate about his craft. In addition to his studio work, he composed and arranged music for several Merchant Ivory films in the 1970s and 80s. He continued to perform and record, often revisiting his Bond roots with albums like “James Bond Now” and appearances on soundtracks for the “Licence to Kill” theme and the “From Russia With Love” video game.
In 2000, Flick published his memoir, “Vic Flick, Guitarman: from James Bond to the Beatles and Beyond,” offering a fascinating glimpse into his life and work. His contributions to the world of music were recognized in 2013 when he received the lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum.
Vic Flick’s passing marks the end of an era, but his musical legacy will endure. From the opening bars of the James Bond theme to the countless hits he helped create, Flick’s guitar work has become a part of the very fabric of popular music. He will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
