Vic Flick, Iconic Guitarist Behind James Bond Theme, Passes Away at 87

Vic Flick, the renowned British guitarist best known for his iconic contribution to the James Bond theme song, has passed away at the age of 87. His family announced his death on Facebook, revealing that he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease.

Flick’s career spanned several decades and was marked by his work with some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He began his professional journey in the 1950s, playing with the band John Barry Seven. It was during this time that he was instrumental in creating the James Bond theme, which first appeared in the 1962 film *Dr. No*. The theme, played on his Clifford Essex Paragon De Luxe guitar, has become an indelible part of pop culture.

Beyond his work on the James Bond franchise, Flick was a prolific session guitarist. He collaborated with legendary artists such as the Beatles, Tom Jones, Petula Clark, Peter and Gordon, and Engelbert Humperdinck. His contributions can be heard in hits like “A World Without Love” by Peter and Gordon, “Downtown” by Petula Clark, and “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones. He also worked with notable figures like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Dusty Springfield, and George Martin.

Flick’s impact on music was recognized with several honors. In 2012, he performed the James Bond theme live at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as part of “The Music of Bond: The First 50 Years.” He was also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Guitar Museum in 2013. His autobiography, *Vic Flick Guitarman: From James Bond to The Beatles and Beyond*, published in 2008, provides a detailed account of his illustrious career.

Vic Flick is survived by his wife, son, and grandson. His legacy as a guitarist and his contributions to some of the most iconic songs in history will continue to be celebrated by music enthusiasts around the world.