The iconic James Bond theme is unrecognizable without the signature riff from guitarist Vic Flick, who passed away recently at 87.

The session musician also performed with The Beatles and played on hits for Tom Jones, Petula Clark and Peter and Gordon.

Vic Flick, a prolific session guitarist who helped give the James Bond franchise its signature sound, playing the hard-driving guitar riff in the 007 theme, died Nov. 14 at a nursing home in Los Angeles.

Vic Flick, who was the lead guitarist on the famous track, is said to have been paid £6 to rearrange and record Monty Norman’s theme tune for Dr No, the first James Bond film. Flick’s son, Kevin, announced on social media that his father had died aged 87 after having been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

The iconic James Bond theme was recorded in 1962, with Flick playing a key role in shaping the tune as we know it today, along with arranger John Barry and composer Monty Norman. In an interview, Flick said the music editor wasn’t happy with the first theme that was written.