Vic Flick, a renowned British session musician, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his iconic contributions. His work on the James Bond theme song and numerous other recordings has made him a household name among music enthusiasts.

Unforgettable Guitarist - Vic Flick's Bond Legacy

The Early Years and Bond Connection

Vic Flick was born in Surrey in 1937. His journey in the music world began when he joined forces with the composer John Barry in the John Barry Seven. It was during this time that Barry was brought in to rearrange Monty Norman's theme for Dr No, the first James Bond film. This marked the start of Flick's association with the Bond franchise.The famous James Bond theme song was recorded in 1962. Flick played the renowned jangly guitar motif on a 1939 English Clifford Essex Paragon Deluxe guitar plugged into a Fender Vibrolux amplifier. This combination added a "heavy sound" that perfectly complemented the Bond image. He was paid a one-off fee of £6, yet his contribution became an integral part of cinematic history.As Flick told Jon Burlingame in his 2012 book The Music of James Bond, "It had an edge to it, sort of a dynamic sound. I overplayed it – leaned into those thick low strings with the very hard plectrum, played it slightly ahead of the beat, and it came out exciting, almost 'attacking'."

The Bond Theme's Guitar Magic

In a 2021 interview with Guitar Player magazine, Flick attributed the "mysterious, powerful sound" of the guitar in the Bond theme to the "plectrum I used and the guitar's strings. I placed the DeArmond pickup near the bridge. I put a crushed cigarette packet underneath it to get it nearer the strings. That helped to get that round sound … it was a sound we created, to a certain extent, and it had a bite that they loved."This unique approach to guitar playing added a distinct flavor to the Bond theme, making it instantly recognizable. Flick's work on the soundtrack of several 007 films, including Shirley Bassey's theme for Goldfinger, further solidified his place in Bond history.

Beyond Bond - A Versatile Musician

Flick's talents extended far beyond the Bond franchise. He played on hundreds of recordings, including hits like Peter and Gordon's A World Without Love, Petula Clark's Downtown, Tom Jones' It's Not Unusual and What's New Pussycat?, Bee Gees' Spicks and Specks, and Ringo's Theme (This Boy) for the Beatles' 1964 film A Hard Day's Night.Over the years, he worked with the likes of Jimmy Page, George Martin, Cliff Richard, Eric Clapton, Nancy Sinatra, and Dusty Springfield. His ability to adapt to different musical styles and collaborate with various artists made him a highly respected figure in the music industry.Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues wrote in the foreword to Flick's 2008 memoir Vic Flick, Guitarman: From James Bond to The Beatles and Beyond, "He was a musician's musician. He always stood up to play! Yes, I know it sounds obvious – but you couldn't play 'our' music sitting down. The real guitar heroes always stood."

A Lifetime of Achievement

In 2013, Flick received a lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum. This recognition was a testament to his decades of hard work and exceptional talent. His influence on the world of music continues to be felt to this day, inspiring future generations of musicians.Vic Flick's legacy as a guitar virtuoso and a key figure in the music industry will never be forgotten. His contributions to the James Bond theme and countless other recordings have left an indelible mark on the history of music.