We recently lost English guitarist Vic Flick (1937-2024)- not a household name - but the session guitarist who played the iconic guitar riff for the James Bond Theme in 1962 for the Dr No movie.

He played this riff on his 1939 Clifford Essex Paragon De Luxe hollow body guitar - played near the bridge - so the treble cut through the mix and was front and center in the theme music.

As a result this riff was not buried in the mix - but instead was immortalized as part of the James Bond legacy and central to the imagery of the iconic opening sequence.

I recently wrote of American jazz guitarist Howard Roberts who wrote many of the iconic riffs for US 60’s TV shows : Batman , Twilight Zone etc - and we can see a similarity : not widely known as players but their contributions inspired millions of future guitar players and no doubt contributed to the success of the movies and TV shows.

Vic Flick would go on to be an in demand session guitarist - and is heard on all Tom Jones’ early hits : It’s Not Unusual , Whats New Pussycat? etc.

He is on Petula’s Clark’s 1964 number one hit Downtown - as well as working with the George Martin Orchestra and working with Paul McCartney.

As previously mentioned , Vic was in the John Barry Seven (playing pop , swing and rock n roll)  from 1958 till 1963.

(Pictured: John Barry - center and Vic Flick on right)

John Barry became known for his film and TV soundtracks : the Bond Theme , From Russia With Love - as well as The Magnificent Seven in the 60’s.

In fact he composed 11 James Bond themes from 1963 till 1987.

Other soundtracks would include : Dances with Wolves , Out of Africa and Chaplin.

A personal favorite is the strident theme from the TV show The Persauders in 1971 - starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis.

It was enigmatic, bold and catchy - something you could sing - in fact everything you would want a film or TV soundtrack theme to be!