James Bond theme song guitarist Vic Flick dies aged 87

James Bond theme song guitarist Vic Flick dies aged 87

As a seasoned moviegoer with a penchant for the golden era of cinema, I find myself deeply saddened by the news of Vic Flick’s passing. His fingerprints are all over some of my most cherished memories of the big screen, particularly those moments when the James Bond theme song filled the theater and sent a shiver down my spine.


Vic Flick, the guitarist behind the iconic James Bond theme song, has died at the age of 87.

The news was shared in a Facebook group that Vic Flick, the husband of Judith and father to Tyler, among others, had sadly passed away on Thursday. This marks the end of his long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

The statement noted that donations to charities St Judes and Alzheimer’s are “welcomed”, with further details of arrangements to follow.

In the year 1937, Flick started his career by joining the John Barry Seven band towards the end of the ’50s. His piece, Zapata, achieved success for him in the year 1961.

In the soundtrack of the James Bond movie Dr. No, Flick served as the primary guitarist for the iconic theme tune, skillfully strumming the memorable guitar riff that is widely recognized and cherished by many.

The Clifford Essex Paragon De Luxe, adorned with that specific theme, had previously been exhibited at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located in Ohio.

James Bond theme song guitarist Vic Flick dies aged 87

In a conversation with Jon Burlingame for “The Music of James Bond,” Flick described it as having a sharp, energetic quality. He deliberately emphasized it by aggressively strumming the thick lower strings with a stiff pick, playing slightly before the beat, resulting in a thrilling sound that seemed to match the bold image of James Bond.

During an interview with Guitar Player in 2021, Flick shared insights about recording the theme’s riff, stating: “The unique sound was achieved using a specific plectrum and the guitar’s strings. I positioned the DeArmond pickup close to the bridge, and I placed a crumpled cigarette packet beneath it to bring it closer to the strings. This technique helped create that distinctive round sound.

Above all, when it came to sound quality, the Vox AC15 amp stood out. During my tour, it was reliable, never failing me – that is, until it accidentally fell eight feet into a music pit and broke apart.

Through his professional journey, Flick played a significant role in composing James Bond soundtracks from the 1960s to the late 1980s. During this time, he also collaborated with several renowned artists such as Dusty Springfield, Nancy Sinatra, Cliff Richard, and Shirley Bassey.

Flick is survived by his wife Judith, his son Kevin and grandchild, Tyler.

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2024-11-20 14:07