KUALA LUMPUR: British guitarist Vic Flick whose distinctive riff defined the James Bond theme, passed away on Nov 14 in Los Angeles at the age of 87.
His son, Kevin, confirmed the cause of death as Alzheimer's disease, the New York Times reported.
Flick's iconic guitar sound first captivated audiences in the opening credits of Dr No (1962), the inaugural James Bond film.
His thrumming performance, layered over a brass-and-string orchestra, became synonymous with the suave and dangerous world of Ian Fleming's fictional spy.
In his 2008 autobiography, Vic Flick, Guitarman: From James Bond to The Beatles and Beyond, Flick shared insights into crafting the legendary sound.
He achieved its unique timbre by overplaying his guitar and leaning into the thick low strings.
To refine the tone further, he placed a pack of Senior Service cigarettes under the guitar's bridge.
"The selection of strings back then was abysmal compared to today," he wrote, reflecting on the ingenuity required during that era.
Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues described Flick as "a musician's musician" in the autobiography's foreword.
"He played for all the greats, and on so many treasured records. He was in demand, and he delivered."
Born Victor Harold Flick on May 14, 1937, in Surrey, England, his early years were shaped by the turmoil of World War II.
After the war, music became a family pursuit, with his father and brother performing at local churches.
Flick's own passion for the guitar began at 14 when he purchased a Gibson Kalamazoo acoustic guitar.
"I practiced until the tips of my fingers bled," he recalled in his autobiography.
Before dedicating himself to music, Flick worked in a bank and later as a heating technician.
His breakthrough came after joining Bob Cort's band, where he met John Barry, the composer who arranged the Bond theme.
Flick contributed to the theme's gritty, unforgettable sound, which played a key role in the franchise's success.
Beyond James Bond, Flick enjoyed a prolific career as a session musician.
His credits include tracks with Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, and Paul McCartney.
His Fender Stratocaster can also be heard in the 1964 Beatles film A Hard Day's Night during the instrumental version of "This Boy."
In recognition of his contributions to music, Flick received a lifetime achievement award from the National Guitar Museum in 2013.
Flick is survived by his wife, Judith, his son, and a grandson. His daughter, Jayne, predeceased him in 2000. Reflecting on his legacy in a 2021 interview, Flick advised aspiring musicians, "Don't forget to make every note music."