Vic Flick, the renowned guitarist best known for performing the iconic riff in the James Bond theme, has passed away at the age of 87.
His son, Kevin, confirmed the news, revealing that Flick had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Surrey in 1937, Flick made his mark in music history when he was paid just £6 to rearrange and record Monty Norman’s composition for Dr. No, the first James Bond film, in 1962.
Using a 1939 English Clifford Essex Paragon Deluxe guitar plugged into a Fender Vibrolux amplifier, Flick created the electric guitar riff that became synonymous with the suave and mysterious 007.
The guitar itself has been displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio, USA, as a tribute to its role in cinematic history.
Monty Norman, who passed away in 2022, once remarked that the electric guitar riff perfectly encapsulated James Bond’s allure, stating, “His sexiness, his mystery, his ruthlessness – it’s all there in a few notes.”
Flick’s influence extended far beyond the Bond franchise.
Over his illustrious career, he collaborated with musical legends, including The Beatles, Tom Jones, the Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Cliff Richard.
He also contributed to other Bond soundtracks, such as Shirley Bassey’s unforgettable theme for Goldfinger in 1964.
In recognition of his contributions to music, Flick received a lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum in 2013.
A spokesperson described him as “one of the world’s great guitarists,” adding, “We have been proud of our association with him. He will be missed.”
Flick is survived by his wife Judith, his son Kevin, and one grandchild.
His legacy, immortalized in one of cinema’s most enduring themes, will continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
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