Vic Flick, born Victor Harold Flick on May 14, 1937, in Surrey, England, was an iconic figure in the world of music. Known best for his unforgettable guitar riff on the "James Bond Theme," Flick’s contribution to the music industry was far-reaching and influential. As a session guitarist, he played on hundreds of recordings, collaborating with some of the greatest artists of his time. He passed away on November 14, 2024, at the age of 87 after battling Alzheimer’s disease, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of music.
Flick’s journey into the limelight began in the 1960s as a member of the John Barry Seven, the band that shaped much of the sound of the early James Bond films. Over the years, his career evolved, and he became known for his work on both iconic movie soundtracks and popular songs. Despite his humble demeanor, Flick’s guitar skills helped define not just the Bond series but also a wide variety of other memorable tracks, from Petula Clark’s "Downtown" to Tom Jones’ "It’s Not Unusual." In this article, we take a look at his career, his lasting impact, and some key moments from his life, including his famous appearance on Pawn Stars.
Key Takeaways
- Vic Flick is best known for his creation of the iconic "James Bond Theme" guitar riff, which defined the sound of the Bond franchise.
- Flick was a highly sought-after session guitarist, contributing to hits by artists like Petula Clark, Tom Jones, and Dusty Springfield.
- He was a member of the John Barry Seven, which played a major role in shaping the musical landscape of early James Bond films.
- Flick’s guitar work also appeared in Beatles-related projects and he collaborated with legendary guitarist Jimmy Page.
- His Fender Stratocaster, used on many famous recordings, was sold at auction for $25,000 after being featured on Pawn Stars.
Vic Flick’s Iconic Guitar Riff – The Bond Theme
When you think of the James Bond franchise, one of the first things that come to mind is the famous theme song. While the composition itself was written by John Barry, it was Vic Flick’s distinctive guitar riff that brought it to life. Flick’s riff, recorded in 1962 for Dr. No, instantly became one of the most recognizable pieces of music in film history. The electric guitar’s sharp, spy-like tone perfectly captured the cool, sleek essence of the character, and it continues to be associated with the 007 series today.
Flick’s contribution to the theme was not just a random chance. As a talented session guitarist, he had already worked with John Barry and other famous musicians, making him the perfect choice for such a prominent piece. The riff has since been replicated and reinterpreted in various forms, but Flick’s original remains the gold standard.
Vic Flick’s Band – The John Barry Seven
Before becoming a household name for his work on the Bond theme, Vic Flick was a member of the John Barry Seven, the influential British band that played a pivotal role in shaping the music of early James Bond films. The band, which formed in the late 1950s, was known for its instrumental tracks and its ability to fuse jazz, pop, and rock influences into something truly unique. As the group’s lead guitarist, Flick’s contributions helped define the band’s signature sound, which would eventually be used as the musical backdrop for the Bond films.
The John Barry Seven provided the sound for several key Bond movies, including Dr. No (1962), Goldfinger (1964), and Thunderball (1965), helping to create the thrilling atmosphere that is now synonymous with the series. Flick’s ability to blend technical skill with emotion was one of the band’s trademarks, and it played a significant role in the success of the Bond series.
Vic Flick’s Guitar in Pop Culture – Pawn Stars and Auctions
One of the most interesting chapters in Vic Flick’s life was his appearance on the popular TV show Pawn Stars. During the episode, Flick brought in his beloved 1961 Fender Stratocaster guitar, the very same instrument he used on countless recordings, including his famous riff for the "James Bond Theme." The guitar was valued at a staggering $55,000, showcasing its immense historical and musical value.
Not long after his appearance on Pawn Stars, the guitar was sold at auction for $25,000, an amount that reflected both its importance to Flick’s career and its place in music history. For fans and collectors alike, the sale of the guitar was a moment of celebration—an opportunity to own a piece of music history that had been part of one of the most famous film themes of all time.
Vic Flick’s Collaboration with Jimmy Page
While Vic Flick was known for his solo career and studio work, he also had the privilege of working with some of the most iconic musicians of his time, including Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. Though Flick and Page were contemporaries in the music world, their paths never fully crossed in terms of band membership. However, Flick’s session work on various projects led him to collaborate with Page and other musicians who shaped the sound of 1960s and 1970s rock music.
One notable collaboration was on a track that involved Page’s legendary guitar work, showcasing Flick’s ability to work alongside some of the best in the business. Despite their different approaches to music, both Flick and Page shared a deep understanding of how to use the guitar to evoke emotion and capture the essence of a song.
Vic Flick’s Discography and Influence
Throughout his career, Vic Flick contributed to a wide range of recordings, spanning genres from pop to film music. His discography includes notable works such as Bond Back in Action (1999) and James Bond Now (2003), as well as his instrumental contributions to soundtracks like Midnight Cowboy and The Return of the Pink Panther. Flick’s versatility as a guitarist allowed him to work on everything from movie scores to pop hits, always leaving his signature touch on each project.
Perhaps most fascinating is Flick’s involvement in Beatles-related projects, where he provided guitar work for the film A Hard Day’s Night and recorded with legendary producer George Martin. While Flick was never an official member of the Beatles, his contributions to their sound added to his already impressive reputation as one of the leading session musicians of his era.
Vic Flick and His Legacy – A True Icon
Vic Flick’s influence on music cannot be overstated. As a guitarist, he created one of the most iconic riffs in film history, shaping the sound of the James Bond franchise for generations. His work with the John Barry Seven, his collaborations with artists like Jimmy Page, and his role in countless recordings made him one of the most respected session musicians in the industry. Flick’s legacy lives on through his music, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and fans alike.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Vic Flick |
| Born | May 14, 1937, Surrey, England |
| Famous for | James Bond Theme, session work |
| Notable Instrument | 1961 Fender Stratocaster |
| Appearance on Pawn Stars | Featured with guitar valued at $55,000 |
| Guitar Sold | 1961 Fender Stratocaster sold for $25,000 |
| Death | November 14, 2024, at age 87 |
FAQ
What is Vic Flick most famous for?
Vic Flick is most famous for playing the iconic guitar riff on the James Bond Theme from the 1962 film Dr. No. This riff became synonymous with the Bond franchise and is one of the most recognizable pieces of music in film history.
What bands was Vic Flick part of?
Vic Flick was a member of the John Barry Seven, a band that played a key role in creating the soundtracks for early James Bond films. He also worked as a session guitarist for many famous artists during his career.
Did Vic Flick work with other famous musicians?
Yes, Vic Flick collaborated with several legendary musicians, including Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Although they were never in the same band, Flick’s session work allowed him to work alongside Page and other influential figures in rock music.
What happened to Vic Flick’s famous Fender Stratocaster guitar?
Vic Flick’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster, which he used on many of his recordings, was featured on the TV show Pawn Stars. It was valued at $55,000 during the episode and was later sold at auction for $25,000.
What other songs did Vic Flick contribute to?
In addition to the James Bond Theme, Vic Flick played on numerous hit songs, including Petula Clark’s "Downtown," Tom Jones’ "It’s Not Unusual," and Dusty Springfield’s "I Only Want to Be With You." His session work spanned various genres, from pop to film soundtracks.