Happy birthday Vic Flick (May 14, 1937): The Man Behind The James Bond Guitar Riff!

(Title image by DALL-E 3)

Hi WA Friends!

Let's celebrate the birthday of Vick Flick! You'd be wrong if you think you've never heard him play guitar! Lol. Read on to learn more! 😎

Very few people realize that he was the guy who played the original iconic guitar riff for the James Bond theme in the first movie, " Dr. No," and variations of that part in many of the Bond movies that followed!

A little History

Vic was born on May 14, 1937, in Worcester Park, Surrey, England. He began playing guitar in the late 1950s as a member of The John Barry Seven, a group that played a pivotal role in shaping the soundtracks of several early Bond films.

Vic's expertise and unique sound caught the attention of many studio pros, leading to numerous collaborations with famous musicians and bands. One notable student of Vic was a young Jimmy Page, who would later become the legendary guitar player for Led Zeppelin. Vic’s influence on Page and countless others underscores his importance in the world of guitar music.

One of Vic's guitars, a Clifford Essex Paragon De Luxe, has been displayed at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.

Equipment Used (For all you WA gear-heads, Lol)

Vic didn't use a lot of equipment in the studio. He didn't need to because his sound was mostly in his mind and his hands!

(Courtesy of me and ChatGPT):

Guitars:

• Clifford Essex Paragon De Luxe (Hollowbody Electric with DeArmond Pickup)
• 1961 Olympic White Fender Stratocaster
• Gibson Les Paul

Amps:

• Vox AC15 (15-watt) (possibly damaged)
• Vox AC30/6 TB
• Fender Twin Reverb
• Fender 5F11 Vibrolux

Effects Pedals:

• DeArmond 600 Volume Pedal
• Maestro FZ-1 Fuzz-Tone (possibly)pen_spark
• Watkins Copicat tape echo unit

Honors and Awards

Vic Flick's contributions to music have not gone unnoticed!

In recognition of his work, Flick has received several honors and awards. One of his most prestigious accolades came in 2003 when he was awarded a Gold Badge of Merit by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors (BASCA). This award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the music industry.

In 2013, Flick was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the International Guitar Foundation (IGF) Awards. This award recognized his enduring influence and contributions to the world of guitar music.

Additionally, his work on the James Bond theme earned him a place in the hearts of millions of fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as a guitar legend.

Discography

Here’s a list of Vic's notable albums in the music industry: (Courtesy of ChatGPT):

• "Hit and Miss" (1959)
• "Walk Don't Run" (1960) - cover
• "Beat for Beatniks" (1960)
• "James Bond Theme" (1962)

• "Vic Flick, Guitarman" (2000)
• "James Bond Now" (2009)

• "Beat Girl" (1960) - John Barry
• "Thunderball" (1965) - Tom Jones
• "Goldfinger" (1964) - Shirley Bassey

Famous People That Vic Recorded With As A Session Musician

Vic is one of the most famous unknown guitar players ever! This list is not complete, but a sample that reflects his prolific career as a session musician. Hard to believe, right!? (Courtesy of ChatGPT):

• The Beatles
• Cliff Richard
• Tom Jones
• Dusty Springfield
• Shirley Bassey
• Petula Clark
• Herman's Hermits
• John Barry Seven (and John Barry film soundtracks)
• Paul McCartney (Solo Work)
• Engelbert Humperdinck
• Lulu
• Sandie Shaw
• Crispian St. Peters
• Nancy Sinatra
• Burt Bacharach
• Donovan
• The Everly Brothers
• Matt Monro
• Cilla Black
• The Seekers
• The Kinks
• The Troggs
• The Moody Blues
• The Zombies
• P.J. Proby
• Freddie and the Dreamers
• The Honeycombs
• The Fortunes
• The Dakotas
• The Tornadoes
• The Shadows
• The Hollies
• The Searchers
• The Foundations
• The Creation
• The Animals
• The Zombies
• The Byrds
• The Supremes
• Martha and the Vandellas
• The Four Tops
• The Temptations
• The Miracles
• Stevie Wonder
• Marvin Gaye
• Kim Weston
• Mary Wells
• Brenda Holloway
• Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
• The Isley Brothers
• The Beach Boys
• The Four Seasons
• Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
• The Righteous Brothers
• The Drifters
• The Coasters
• The Crystals
• The Ronettes
• Dee Dee Warwick
• Dionne Warwick
• Cissy Houston
• Jerry Lee Lewis
• Carl Perkins
• Roy Orbison
• Johnny Cash
• Marty Robbins
• Chet Atkins
• Owen Bradley
• Floyd Cramer
• Boots Randolph
• Scotty Moore
• D.J. Fontana
• The Nashville Cats

The James Bond Movies

Vic’s association with the James Bond franchise is legendary in the film industry! Here are some of the confirmed James Bond movies he played guitar on. (Courtesy of ChatGPT):

1. Dr. No (1962): The original James Bond theme, which features Vic’s iconic guitar riff.
2. From Russia with Love (1963)
3. Goldfinger (1964)
4. Thunderball (1965)
5. You Only Live Twice (1967)
6. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969)
7. Diamonds Are Forever (1971)
8. Live and Let Die (1973)
9. The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Vic's Appearance On "Pawn Stars"

In 2013, Vic Flick made an appearance on the popular reality TV show "Pawn Stars." This show, set in the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, often features unique and historically significant items brought in by various sellers. Vic’s visit to the shop was no exception, as he brought with him a piece of music history – his 1961 Fender Stratocaster!

After a thorough examination, the guitar was appraised at an estimated value of around $70,000 due to its historical significance and excellent condition. You can see in the photo that Vic replaced the bridge pickup with a Seymour Duncan Hot Rails humbucker, but he had the original pickup in his guitar case.

Vic was offered $55,000, aiming to leave room for profit. This sale made headlines, not just for the amount but for the sheer historical importance of the guitar.

Here is the episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/0m0vVubKXtY?si=CekSnOq3K6I_cJr7

It is rumored that the guitar eventually sold for only $25,000 by Heritage auctions! I would have easily paid that price for the guitar!

Tell me what you think

Is this the first time you've heard of Vic?

What do you think of the guitar parts in the James Bond movies?

Happy Birthday, Vic! 🎂

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, AND ...

Keep On Rockin'! 🤘
Frank 🎸

~ 65% Human-written content