Vic Flick – James Bond Now

Visible this October 5, 2012 performance of the "James Bond Theme" and this 1989 photograph, among other visual media. Originally slated for an eBay auction on February 2, 2013, as reported in this January 20, 2013 Blogcritics interview, it was auctioned via Julien's on November 7, 2015.

Blogcritics, January 30, 2013, "Interview: Axeman Vic Flick Tells Why He's Selling the Guitar That Made "The James Bond Theme" Famous"

Where and when did you get the Clifford Essex? What attracted it to you?

It was 1959 and pure chance how I came to own the Clifford Essex guitar. London musicians used to gather "up the street" every Monday to get work, get paid, talk and maybe have a beer or two in the Red Lion Pub. "The street" was Denmark Street adjacent to Charing Cross Road where I met a very dejected looking Diz Dizley.

Diz and I had worked together in the Bob Cort skiffle group and it was unusual to see him unhappy. Money problems were forcing him to sell his beloved Clifford Essex guitar, so I bought it from him and we both went to the Red Lion Pub to try and cheer him up.

What recordings does the Clifford Essex appear on before the "James Bond Theme"? How about after?

I can't remember any specific recordings but it was always in the trunk of my car along with a 12-string guitar, Spanish guitar, banjo and an amplifier. I definitely used it on Dr. No, From Russia With Love, and Goldfinger.

After the "Bond Theme," the Clifford Essex shared the 007 honors with my second Fender Stratocaster. The first Stratocaster was stolen a couple of months before the Dr. No session.

Did you use the Clifford Essex on your 2000 solo album, James Bond Now, where you updated and rearranged many 007 title songs?

As the guitar has many qualities, and one of them is as a great rhythm guitar, I used it in the back ground of a few tracks just to "authenticate" the CD. I used to enjoy playing the Clifford Essex in the rhythm sections of big bands, like Ted Heath, Eric Winston, etc. Its large cello body makes for a sound that melds well with the bass and drums.

Can you share the story about the guitar going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and why you took it back? I forget where it was displayed after that.

A very good friend of mine, Bob Rush [of the Ripchords] thought the guitar should be in the R&R Hall of Fame and contacted the Museum with his request. The R&R Museum quickly requested the guitar for an exhibit in the foyer where it resided for two years. The Museum rotates its exhibits and asked if I wanted the guitar back or would I donate it to the Museum. I opted to have the guitar back as Harvey Newquist, Director of the National Guitar Museum, wanted the guitar for his touring exhibition. Harvey sent the guitar to me as soon as the auction process started.

Why did you finally decide to sell it? Is this at all pulling on your heartstrings to part with it?

I have had some good offers for the guitar and decided to put it up for auction under the auspices of Matt Sherman of commanderbond.net.

The Clifford Essex is a great guitar with a lot of memories and a lot of historic provenance but the time is right to sell it. I think the price of the guitar will ensure it goes to a good home. Plus, my wife and I can enjoy the results.

Julien's, 2015, November 7, 2015 "LOT #206VIC FLICK PLAYED JAMES BOND GUITAR"

A Clifford Essex Paragon De Luxe guitar circa 1950 owned and played by Vic Flick. Flick used this guitar for the James Bond theme song recording that was used in the first few Bond films, including Dr . No (Eon Productions, 1962), From Russia with Love (Eon Productions, 1963), Goldfinger (Eon Productions, 1964), and Thunderball (Eon Productions, 1965). Serial number 1056. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity signed by Flick and John Barry, composer of the theme songs; two photographs of the guitar at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio; two photographs of Flick with the guitar; a copy of Vic Flick Guitarman (Georgia: BearManor Media, 2008); and a hardshell case.

PROVENANCE From the Collection of Vic Flick

EXHIBITED The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, Cleveland, Ohio