VIC FLICK, GUITARMAN: FROM JAMES BOND TO THE BEATLES AND BEYOND

by Vic Flick

"Vic's book is an amazing read, full of his entertaining sense of humour and a reservoir of miscellaneous facts and tales of the studios and the musicians who made London such a fabulous place to be in the '60s. Miss it at your peril." - Pipeline (UK)This book is by a musician who worked in every major recording and television studio in London during that wonderful musical period of the 1960s and 1970s.One of the first call session guitarists in the UK, Vic Flick has a bounty of true stories. Stories of the drama and humor, the tensions and the rewards of working with first class musicians and internationally known artists in the world of recording, Television and Radio..Vic Flick's connection with the James Bond films is legend. His guitar sound on the James Bond Theme stirred the hearts and imaginations of a generation. Here is a book that tells of the music business from the inside, about the music, the good and the bad business practices, the money, the agents and the managers.From the Beatles to Nancy Sinatra, from Tom Jones to Dusty Springfield, it's all within the pages of Vic's autobiography.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2008

About the author

Victor Harold Flick was an English studio guitarist, best known for playing the guitar riff in the "James Bond Theme".

Reviews

[Othniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Autobiography of one of the most noted studio musicians of the 1960s.

Famous for playing the guitar on the original James Bond theme, Flick takes us through the enviable life of a session musician, from backing huge stars of the era (Dusty, Sandie etc), playing on film soundtracks ("Ringo's Theme" from "A Hard Days Night"), in bands (The John Barry Seven), and from radio and TV shows to cruise ships.

We learn much about the eccentricities of his fellow musicians, and the difficulties of finding a parking-space near central London recording studios, but the workaday tone makes a remarkable life seem almost humdrum; and the lack of a discography is sorely felt.

Still, it's a fascinating historical document. For pop nerds only.

[Peter Dennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This book is a perfect read for fellow musicians who want to to find out about one of our greatest, and most famous session guitarists. Vic relates his story in a precise and exacting manner, though one wishes he had used a "session" writer to eliminate certain writing faux pas like forgetting full stops occasionally. Amazing errors for one of his musical stature. Overall, though, it was a great read and it was interesting to find out about people I was familiar with, like Denny Mann, who I worked alongside on the Q.E.2 . Highly recommended. Read this book it you love the history of music.

[William Head · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful reference point 50/60 's

Not the easiest book read ,rather disjointed use of " American" words/names annoying ( I suppose Mr Flick is "hedging his bets" !)on the plus side insights into recording techniques & some of the more colourful characters enjoyable

[Mauro · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately the book has a lot of potential, Vic is a legend , but the writing didn't went as interesting for me as I expect.

Opinions aside if you are interested to know about one the best studio musicians of all time give this book a try!

[Wesley Britton]

Under-appreciated memoir of a session musician