# James Bond Theme > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/James_Bond_Theme > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/James_Bond_Theme.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond_Theme > Source revision: 1355273479 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Main theme music of the James Bond films This article is about the signature theme of [Eon Productions](/source/Eon_Productions)' [James Bond film series](/source/List_of_James_Bond_films). For other James Bond music, see [James Bond music](/source/James_Bond_music). "James Bond Theme" Artwork for 1963 US single Single by John Barry & Orchestra from the album Dr. No B-side "The Blacksmith Blues" Released September 1962 Recorded CTS Lansdowne Recording Studios Genre Jazz big band surf Length 1:48 Label United Artists, reissued on Liberty Records Songwriter Monty Norman Producer John Burgess Alternative release Side A of the 1962 UK single James Bond theme singles chronology "James Bond Theme" (1962) "From Russia With Love" (1963) The "**James Bond Theme**" is the main signature [theme music](/source/Theme_music) of the [James Bond films](/source/List_of_James_Bond_films) and has been used in every Bond film, starting with *[Dr. No](/source/Dr._No_(film))* in 1962. The piece, composed in [E minor](/source/E_minor)[1] by [Monty Norman](/source/Monty_Norman), has been used as an accompanying [fanfare](/source/Fanfare) to the [gun barrel sequence](/source/Gun_barrel_sequence) in every [Eon Productions](/source/Eon_Productions) Bond film except *[Casino Royale](/source/Casino_Royale_(2006_film))* (played fully, instead, at the end of that film). The "James Bond Theme" has accompanied the opening titles twice, as part of the medley that opens *Dr. No* and then again in the opening credits of *[From Russia with Love](/source/From_Russia_with_Love_(film))*. It has been used as music over the end credits for *Dr. No*, *[Thunderball](/source/Thunderball_(film))*, *[On Her Majesty's Secret Service](/source/On_Her_Majesty's_Secret_Service_(film))*, *[The World Is Not Enough](/source/The_World_Is_Not_Enough)*, *[Casino Royale](/source/Casino_Royale_(2006_film))*, *[Quantum of Solace](/source/Quantum_of_Solace)*, *[Skyfall](/source/Skyfall)*, and *[Spectre](/source/Spectre_(2015_film))*. In 2008, the original recording of "The James Bond Theme" by [The John Barry Seven and Orchestra](/source/The_John_Barry_Seven) on the [United Artists](/source/United_Artists) label was inducted into the [Grammy Hall of Fame](/source/Grammy_Hall_of_Fame).[2] ## Authorship and origin [Monty Norman](/source/Monty_Norman) wrote and composed the "James Bond Theme" and received [royalties](/source/Royalties) from 1962 until his death in 2022. Norman collected around £600,000 in royalties between 1976 and 1999.[3] For *[Dr. No](/source/Dr._No_(soundtrack))*, Norman scored the film and the theme was [arranged](/source/Arrangement) by [John Barry](/source/John_Barry_(composer)), who would later go on to compose the soundtracks for eleven [James Bond](/source/James_Bond) films. Courts have ruled that the theme was written by Norman, despite claims and testimony by Barry that he had actually written the theme. Norman consequently won two [libel](/source/Libel) actions against publishers for claiming that Barry wrote the theme, most recently against *[The Sunday Times](/source/The_Sunday_Times)* in 2001.[3] Norman describes the distinctive [rhythm](/source/Rhythm) of the guitar in the first few bars of the "James Bond Theme" as "Dum di-di dum dum". He said that it was inspired by "Bad Sign, Good Sign", a song he composed for a musical adaptation of [V. S. Naipaul](/source/V._S._Naipaul)'s novel *[A House for Mr Biswas](/source/A_House_for_Mr_Biswas)*, set in the Indian community in [Trinidad](/source/Trinidad). Norman showed his manuscript music from *A House for Mr Biswas* in a filmed interview and sang its lyrics. In 2005, Norman released an album called *Completing the Circle* that features "Bad Sign, Good Sign", the "James Bond Theme", and a similar-sounding song titled "Dum Di-Di Dum Dum". For these songs Norman added lyrics that explain the origin and history of the "James Bond Theme".[4][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*] Although the "James Bond Theme" is identified with John Barry's [jazz](/source/Jazz) arrangement, parts of it are heard throughout Monty Norman's score for *Dr. No* in non-jazzy guises. Barry's arrangement is repeated ("tracked") in various scenes of the first Bond film. This is consistent with the account given by Barry and some of the film-makers, contained in supplementary material on the DVD release of *Dr. No*: Barry was called in to make an arrangement of Norman's motif after Norman had completed the score. The origins of the distinctive [ostinati](/source/Ostinati), [countermelodies](/source/Countermelodies), and bridges introduced by Barry that are juxtaposed with Norman's motif in order to flesh out the arrangement are less clear. These added musical figures have become as recognizable to listeners as Norman's motif, which is probably responsible for the controversy over the authorship of the "James Bond Theme" as listeners have come to know it.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] On 21 June 1962 (64 years ago) (1962-06-21), the "James Bond Theme" was recorded using five [saxophones](/source/Saxophone), nine [brass instruments](/source/Brass_instruments), a solo [guitar](/source/Guitar), and a [rhythm section](/source/Rhythm_section).[5] The guitar [motif](/source/Ostinato) heard in the original recording of the theme was played by [Vic Flick](/source/Vic_Flick) on a 1939 English [Clifford Essex](/source/Clifford_Essex) Paragon Deluxe guitar plugged into a [Fender Vibrolux](/source/Fender_Musical_Instruments_Corporation#Amplifiers) amplifier. Flick was paid a one-off fee of £6 (equivalent to £110 in 2025) for recording the famous "James Bond Theme" motif.[6] [John Scott](/source/John_Scott_(composer)) played the saxophone. Barry, who was paid £250 for his work (equivalent to £4,670 in 2025), was surprised that the theme appeared so often in *Dr. No*. He was told by Noel Rogers, the head of United Artists Music, that although the producers would not give him any more money or a writing credit, they would get in touch with him if another Bond film were made.[7] ## Use in the James Bond films This section may contain original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (May 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Within the Bond films themselves, many different arrangements of the theme have been used, often reflecting the musical tastes of the specific times. The [electric guitar](/source/Electric_guitar) version of the theme is most associated with the [Sean Connery](/source/Sean_Connery) era although it was also used in some [Roger Moore](/source/Roger_Moore) films, in [Timothy Dalton](/source/Timothy_Dalton)'s final film *[Licence to Kill](/source/Licence_to_Kill)* and in the Bond films starring [Pierce Brosnan](/source/Pierce_Brosnan) and [Daniel Craig](/source/Daniel_Craig) with the arrangement by [David Arnold](/source/David_Arnold). For every Bond movie which John Barry scored, he orchestrated a slightly different version of the Bond theme, as can be heard during the [gun barrel sequence](/source/Gun_barrel_sequence). These specialised Bond themes often reflected the style and locations featured in the movie, and the actor playing Bond. The "James Bond Theme" and its variations found in the movies are played during many different types of scenes. Early in the series, the theme provided background music to Connery's entrances. It was not until *[Goldfinger](/source/Goldfinger_(film))* in 1964 that John Barry began to use the theme as an action cue. Since then, the primary use of the "James Bond Theme" has been with action scenes. ### Sean Connery (1962–1967) The first appearance of the "James Bond Theme" was in *Dr. No*. There it was used as part of the actual gun barrel and main title sequence. It was also used when [James Bond](/source/James_Bond_(literary_character)) first introduces himself. In *[From Russia with Love](/source/From_Russia_with_Love_(film))*, the "James Bond Theme" appears not only in the gun barrel pre-title sequence, but as part of the main title theme and in the track "James Bond with Bongos". It is a slower, jazzier, somewhat punchier rendition than the original orchestration. The original Barry arrangement from *Dr. No* is heard during a check of Bond's room for [listening devices](/source/Covert_listening_device). In *Goldfinger*, the "James Bond Theme" can be heard on the soundtrack in "Bond Back in Action Again" (gun barrel and pre-title sequence). The "James Bond Theme" for this movie is heavily influenced by the [brassy, jazzy theme song](/source/Goldfinger_(Shirley_Bassey_song)) sung by [Shirley Bassey](/source/Shirley_Bassey). *[Thunderball](/source/Thunderball_(film))* used a full orchestral version of the theme in the track "Chateau Flight". Another full orchestral version was intended for the end titles of the film. *[You Only Live Twice](/source/You_Only_Live_Twice_(film))* had a funereal orchestration with Bond's "burial" at sea sequence in [Hong Kong harbour](/source/Victoria_Harbour). A full orchestral version of the theme was used in the *[Little Nellie](/source/Wallis_WA-116_Agile)* [autogyro](/source/Autogyro) fight scene. ### George Lazenby (1969) The [George Lazenby](/source/George_Lazenby) film *[On Her Majesty's Secret Service](/source/On_Her_Majesty's_Secret_Service_(film))* used a unique high-pitched arrangement with the melody played on a [Moog synthesizer](/source/Moog_synthesizer). The cue is called "This Never Happened to the Other Feller" and a similar recording was used over the film's end credits. The film has a downbeat ending and the explosive burst of the "James Bond Theme" at the film's very end suggests Bond will return in spite of the situation he finds himself in at the climax of this movie. ### Sean Connery (1971) With the return of Sean Connery in [*Diamonds Are Forever*](/source/Diamonds_Are_Forever_(film)), the guitar made a comeback along with a full orchestral version during a [hovercraft](/source/Hovercraft) sequence. On the [soundtrack](/source/Diamonds_Are_Forever_(soundtrack)), this track is named "Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd/Bond to Holland." ### Roger Moore (1973–1985) When Roger Moore came to the role, the "James Bond Theme" became a string orchestra driven piece. In *[Live and Let Die](/source/Live_and_Let_Die_(film))*, the James Bond theme was featured in a [funk](/source/Funk)-inspired version of the tune reflecting the music of [Blaxploitation](/source/Blaxploitation) films popular at the time. The brief quote of the theme in the pre-credits music of *[The Spy Who Loved Me](/source/The_Spy_Who_Loved_Me_(film))*, titled "Bond 77", featured a [disco](/source/Disco) sound, reflecting a style of music which was very popular at the time. *The Spy Who Loved Me* returned briefly to using the [surf-rock](/source/Surf_music) guitar associated with the theme from the early days. One unusual instance occurred in *[Octopussy](/source/Octopussy)*, when Bond's contact Vijay ([Vijay Amritaj](/source/Vijay_Amritraj)), who is disguised as a [snake charmer](/source/Snake_charmer), plays a few notes of the tune for Roger Moore's James Bond, presumably as a pre-arranged identification signal. This is an example of the tune being used as [diegetic music](/source/Diegesis#Film_sound_and_music). In Moore's last Bond film, *[A View to a Kill](/source/A_View_to_a_Kill)*, the melody of the theme was played on strings. ### Timothy Dalton (1987–1989) The first Bond film with Timothy Dalton, *[The Living Daylights](/source/The_Living_Daylights)*, which was the last Bond film scored by Barry, used a symphonic version with the melody played on strings. This version of the Bond theme is notable for its introduction of sequenced [electronic](/source/Electronic_music) rhythm tracks overdubbed with the orchestra – at the time, a relatively new innovation. In *[Licence to Kill](/source/Licence_to_Kill)*, the Bond theme was arranged by [Michael Kamen](/source/Michael_Kamen) using [rock](/source/Rock_music) drums to symbolise a harder and more violent Bond. This gun barrel is the first one since *Dr. No* not starting with the Bond theme, but orchestral hits though the surf guitar makes returns soon after. ### Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002) The [gun barrel](/source/Gun_barrel_sequence) of the Pierce Brosnan film *[GoldenEye](/source/GoldenEye)* opened with a synthesised arrangement by [Éric Serra](/source/%C3%89ric_Serra) which plays the guitar riff on (almost indistinct) kettle drums. A more traditional rendition by [John Altman](/source/John_Altman_(composer)) is heard in the film during the [tank](/source/Tank) chase in [St. Petersburg](/source/St._Petersburg). This version of the "James Bond Theme" is not included in the *GoldenEye* soundtrack. Additionally, [Starr Parodi](/source/Starr_Parodi) composed a version of the "James Bond Theme" for the 1995 trailer.[8] [David Arnold](/source/David_Arnold)'s gun barrel arrangements in *[Tomorrow Never Dies](/source/Tomorrow_Never_Dies)* and *[The World Is Not Enough](/source/The_World_Is_Not_Enough)* dropped the guitar melody line, jumping straight from the tune's opening to its concluding bars. An electronic rhythm was added to the gun barrel of *The World Is Not Enough*. The typical Bond guitar line can be heard during some action scenes. The *[Die Another Day](/source/Die_Another_Day)* gun barrel recalls the version of *From Russia with Love* but with a more [techno](/source/Techno)-influenced rhythm. It also contains the guitar riff of the "James Bond Theme". ### Daniel Craig (2006–2021) Daniel Craig's first James Bond film, *[Casino Royale](/source/Casino_Royale_(2006_film))*, does not feature the "James Bond Theme" in its entirety until the very end of the movie during a climactic scene. In *Casino Royale*, the main notes of the song "[You Know My Name](/source/You_Know_My_Name)" are played throughout the film as a substitute for the "James Bond Theme". A new recording of the classic theme, titled "The Name's Bond…James Bond", only plays during the end credits to signal the beginning of the character's new arc as the 21st century version of James Bond. Although that is the first time the theme is played in its entirety, the first bars of the song (the chord progression) appeared as a slow background music in seven moments throughout the movie: after Bond's conversation with [M](/source/M_(James_Bond)) ([Judi Dench](/source/Judi_Dench)) during his flight, after winning the [Aston Martin](/source/Aston_Martin), when he makes his first appearance in a tuxedo (accompanied by a few bars of the bridge), after he has survived the poisoned martini, when he wins the final match at Casino Royale, when Bond is following [Vesper Lynd](/source/Vesper_Lynd) ([Eva Green](/source/Eva_Green)), and when Bond speaks with M on the phone. At the end of *[Quantum of Solace](/source/Quantum_of_Solace)*, the theme appears with Craig's new official gun barrel sequence, unusually shown at the end of the film. The theme here is very similar to the classic style in *Casino Royale*. It appears sparingly throughout the score itself, never in an immediately recognizable variation. David Arnold said in an interview on the DVD extras for *Tomorrow Never Dies* that the "James Bond Theme" is what he expects to hear as an audience member in action scenes, yet his scores for *Casino Royale* and *Quantum of Solace* only use it during the end credits. The next film, *[Skyfall](/source/Skyfall)*, includes the theme as part of the harmony to [Adele's](/source/Adele) vocals during the title theme "[Skyfall](/source/Skyfall_(song))" and is used as the chord progression, including a faint surf guitar riff. Also, in a similar way to *Quantum of Solace*, the gun barrel sequence is shown at the end of the film. The theme that plays along with the sequence and into the end credits is David Arnold's *Casino Royale* track "The Name's Bond…James Bond". Despite this, the film's score was composed by [Thomas Newman](/source/Thomas_Newman), who also incorporated the "James Bond Theme" throughout the entire film. In *[Spectre](/source/Spectre_(2015_film))*, the theme appears at the beginning of the film as part of the opening gun barrel sequence, indicating a return to the franchise's classic era of 1962 to 2002. The theme is used again in *[No Time to Die](/source/No_Time_to_Die)*, in the tracks named "Gun Barrel" and "Back to MI6". A reworked, [salsa](/source/Salsa_music)-like version was used in "Cuba Chase". This is the only film in the Craig era that doesn't use the Bond theme in the credits, instead using "[We Have All the Time in the World](/source/We_Have_All_the_Time_in_the_World)" from *On Her Majesty's Secret Service*. This is because of Bond's death at the end of the film. Additionally, [the film's title track](/source/No_Time_to_Die_(song)) performed by [Billie Eilish](/source/Billie_Eilish) features a single trumpet solo interpolating the theme. ## Chart performance The John Barry Orchestra recording peaked at number eleven on the [UK Singles Chart](/source/UK_Singles_Chart) on the week of 6–12 December 1962.[9] ## Cover versions Apart from the James Bond soundtracks themselves, John Barry re-recorded the "James Bond Theme" in 1966 for his [CBS](/source/CBS_Records_International) album *The Great Movie Sounds of John Barry*, which features driving percussion ostinati (with a prominent role for [bongos](/source/Bongos)), as well as a piano and brass improvisation superimposed over the last few bars.[10] For his 1972 [Polydor](/source/Polydor_Records) album *The Concert John Barry*, he re-scored the theme again as part of a James Bond suite for full symphony orchestra, in this case the [Royal Philharmonic Orchestra](/source/Royal_Philharmonic_Orchestra).[11] This more lush arrangement was to feature in his later Bond film scores, notably *Octopussy*. Monty Norman recorded his own version of the "James Bond Theme", shorn of Barry's orchestration, in his 2005 album *Completing the Circle*.[12] Over 70 [cover versions](/source/Cover_versions) of the "James Bond Theme" have been recorded by artists such as: - [Barry Adamson](/source/Barry_Adamson) - [The Art of Noise](/source/The_Art_of_Noise) - John Barry - [Ray Barretto](/source/Ray_Barretto) - [Count Basie](/source/Count_Basie) - [Bond](/source/Bond_(band)) - [Biddu](/source/Biddu) - [Stanley Black](/source/Stanley_Black) - [Al Caiola](/source/Al_Caiola) - [Glen Campbell](/source/Glen_Campbell) - [Cannibal Corpse](/source/Cannibal_Corpse) - [Frank Chacksfield](/source/Frank_Chacksfield) - [Crazy Frog](/source/Crazy_Frog) (titled "The Crazybond") - [Danny Davis](/source/Danny_Davis_(country_musician)) - [Taylor Davis](/source/Taylor_Davis_(violinist)) - [Fanfare Ciocărlia](/source/Fanfare_Cioc%C4%83rlia) - [Ferrante and Teicher](/source/Ferrante_and_Teicher) - [Lannie Flowers](/source/Lannie_Flowers) - [Richard Fortus](/source/Richard_Fortus) - [The Four Esquires](/source/The_Four_Esquires) (vocal version) - [Leroy Holmes](/source/LeRoy_Holmes) - [Johnny and the Hurricanes](/source/Johnny_and_the_Hurricanes) - [George Martin Orchestra](/source/George_Martin) - [Ray Martin](/source/Ray_Martin_(orchestra_leader)) - [Hank Marvin](/source/Hank_Marvin) - [Meco](/source/Meco) - [Moby](/source/Moby) - [Hugo Montenegro](/source/Hugo_Montenegro) - Paradise (sampled in "Blue Feeling") - [Franck Pourcel](/source/Franck_Pourcel) - [Pendulum](/source/Pendulum_(drum_and_bass_band)) - [Perez Prado](/source/Perez_Prado) - [Poets of the Fall](/source/Poets_of_the_Fall) - [The Selecter](/source/The_Selecter) - [Brian Setzer](/source/Brian_Setzer) - [Roland Shaw](/source/Roland_Shaw_(bandleader)) - [The Skatalites](/source/The_Skatalites) - [Ed Starink](/source/Ed_Starink) - [Billy Strange](/source/Billy_Strange) - [The Ventures](/source/The_Ventures) - [Si Zentner](/source/Si_Zentner) - [John Zorn](/source/John_Zorn) ### Moby's remix "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" Single by Moby from the album I Like to Score and Tomorrow Never Dies Released 3 November 1997 (1997-11-03) Genre Electronica[13] Length 3:13 3:23 (I Like to Score version) Label Mute Elektra Songwriter Monty Norman Producer Moby Moby singles chronology "Come On Baby" (1996) "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (1997) "Honey" (1998) Music video "Moby - James Bond Theme (Moby’s Re-version)" on YouTube American [electronica](/source/Electronica) musician [Moby](/source/Moby) produced a remixed version of the theme entitled "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" for the Bond film *Tomorrow Never Dies*. It first appeared as the second track on *[I Like to Score](/source/I_Like_to_Score)*, a compilation of Moby's songs used in films, and later featured as the fifteenth and final track on the [*Tomorrow Never Dies* soundtrack album](/source/Tomorrow_Never_Dies_(soundtrack)). Moby has said "It did feel a little strange remixing something that was perfect in its original state",[*[attribution needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Attribution_needed)*] further admitting that he "still thinks the original is miles better than the version I did".[*[attribution needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Attribution_needed)*] Released as a single, "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" charted at number eight on the UK Singles Chart, besting "[Go](/source/Go_(Moby_song))"'s number 10 peak six years earlier to become, at the time, Moby's highest-peaking single on the chart.[14] It also reached number one in Iceland and peaked within the top 20 in Finland, Switzerland, and on the [Irish Singles Chart](/source/Irish_Singles_Chart). The song features two samples of dialogue from the Bond films: Pierce Brosnan saying "Bond, James Bond" as heard in *[GoldenEye](/source/GoldenEye)*, and the conversation between Sean Connery, as Bond, and [Gert Fröbe](/source/Gert_Fr%C3%B6be) as [Auric Goldfinger](/source/Auric_Goldfinger) in *Goldfinger*: "Do you expect me to talk?" / "No, Mr. Bond. I expect you to die." #### Track listings - **CD single (CDMUTE210)** 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" – 3:13 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" ([Grooverider](/source/Grooverider)'s Jeep Remix) – 7:42 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (Da Bomb Remix) – 7:51 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" ([CJ Bolland](/source/C._J._Bolland) Remix) – 5:14 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" ([Dub Pistols](/source/Dub_Pistols) Remix) – 5:51 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (CJ Bolland – Dubble-Oh Heaven Remix) – 6:07 - **Australian CD single (Elektra 7559638712)** 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (Moby's Main Mix) – 3:23 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (CJ Bollands's Dubbel Oh Heaven Remix) – 6:07 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (Moby's Extended Mix) – 5:50 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (Piet Blanc's Da Bomb Mix) – 7:50 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" ([Danny Tenaglia's](/source/Danny_Tenaglia) Acetate Dub) – 7:41 (NB: only 7:07 on the actual disc) 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (Grooverider's Jeep Mix) – 7:44 - **12-inch single (12MUTE210)** 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (...O Lieb's L.S.G. Remix) – 8:05 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (Moby's Extended Dance Mix) – 5:50 1. "James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)" (Tenaglia Twilo Mix) – 11:57 #### Charts Weekly charts Chart (1997–1998) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[15] 65 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[16] 44 Belgium Dance (Ultratop Flanders)[17] 14 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[18] 27 Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[19] 7 France (SNEP)[20] 41 Germany (GfK)[21] 48 Hungary (Mahasz)[22] 10 Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[23] 1 Ireland (IRMA)[24] 18 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[25] 27 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[26] 37 Scotland Singles (OCC)[27] 11 Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[28] 31 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[29] 17 UK Singles (OCC)[14] 8 UK Dance (OCC)[30] 14 UK Indie (OCC)[31] 1 US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[32] 1 Year-end charts Chart (1997) Position Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[33] 98 Chart (1998) Position Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[34] 94 #### Release history Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref. United States 16 September 1997 Contemporary hit radio Elektra [35] 22 September 1997 Alternative radio [36] 3 November 1997 Top 40 radio [37] United Kingdom 12-inch vinyl CD cassette Mute [38] United States 25 November 1997 12-inch vinyl Elektra [39] United Kingdom 8 December 1997 Mute [40] ## Video games - An [8-bit](/source/8-bit) recording of the song was used in the inaugural 1984 James Bond video game, *[James Bond 007](/source/James_Bond_007_(1984_video_game))*, for the [Atari 2600](/source/Atari_2600) and other contemporary systems. - [Sega](/source/Sega) recorded an 8-bit version for [Game Gear](/source/Game_Gear)/[Master System](/source/Master_System) and the first [16-bit](/source/16-bit) version for [Sega Genesis](/source/Mega_Drive) of the tune for the 1992 video game *[James Bond 007: The Duel](/source/James_Bond_007%3A_The_Duel)* (known as 007 Shitou −007死闘- in [Japan](/source/Japan).) - The opening gun barrel sequence for the 1997 [Nintendo 64](/source/Nintendo_64) game *[GoldenEye 007](/source/GoldenEye_007_(1997_video_game))* uses a [rock](/source/Rock_music)-influenced version of the theme. The game's soundtrack also makes recurring use of its motifs throughout, with corresponding variations in [rhythm](/source/Rhythm), [scale](/source/Scale_(music)) and [instrumentation](/source/Instrumentation_(music)). - An original cover recording for the "James Bond Theme" was also created by [Richard Fortus](/source/Richard_Fortus) as [downloadable content](/source/Downloadable_content) for the 2008 video game *[Guitar Hero World Tour](/source/Guitar_Hero_World_Tour)* (a case of corporate synergy, as *Guitar Hero* publisher [Activision](/source/Activision) also held the license to produce games based on the James Bond franchise at the time).[41] Fortus later played the tune live with [Guns N' Roses](/source/Guns_N'_Roses) during their 2012 [Up Close and Personal Tour](/source/Up_Close_and_Personal_Tour_(Guns_N'_Roses)).[42] - An electrified version of the theme is played in the credits of the *GoldenEye 007* game for the [Wii](/source/Wii).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] ## See also - [Outline of James Bond](/source/Outline_of_James_Bond) - "[Secret Agent Man](/source/Secret_Agent_Man_(Johnny_Rivers_song))", a song inspired by the James Bond theme. ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["James Bond theme"](https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/monty-norman/james-bond-theme). Retrieved 31 March 2023. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["GRAMMY Hall Of Fame | Hall of Fame Artists | GRAMMY.com"](https://grammy.com/awards/hall-of-fame-award). *grammy.com*. Retrieved 16 May 2024. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Guardian_obit_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Guardian_obit_3-1) [Laing, Dave](/source/Dave_Laing) (11 July 2022). ["Monty Norman obituary"](https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/jul/11/monty-norman-obituary). *The Guardian*. London. Retrieved 16 July 2022. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Siegel, Robert (6 December 2005). ["The James Bond Theme: From Naipaul to 007"](https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5041409). *[NPR.org](/source/NPR.org)*. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Lindner, Christoph (2003). *The James Bond phenomenon: a critical reader*. Manchester University Press. p. 124. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7190-6541-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7190-6541-5). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Prown, Pete (1 April 2012). ["Vic Flick: 007 Guitar Man"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120412203336/http://vicflick.com/vicflickapr2012.pdf) (PDF). *Vintage Guitar*. Archived from [the original](http://vicflick.com/vicflickapr2012.pdf) (PDF) on 12 April 2012. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Fiegel, Eddi (29 November 2012) [1998]. [*John Barry: A Sixties Theme: From James Bond to Midnight Cowboy*](https://archive.org/details/johnbarrysixties0000fieg_j2z2). London: Faber & Faber. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-571-29911-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-571-29911-9). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Starr Parodi Named President of the Alliance for Women Film Composers"](https://variety.com/2019/music/news/starr-parodi-president-alliance-for-women-film-composers-1203153992/). 3 March 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Official Singles Chart Top 50 (06 December 1962 – 12 December 1962)"](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19621206/7501/). *Official Charts*. Retrieved 28 October 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["John Barry & His Orchestra – the Great Movie Sounds of John Barry"](https://www.discogs.com/John-Barry-Great-Movie-Sounds-Of-John-Barry/master/266723). *[Discogs](/source/Discogs)*. 1966. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by John Barry – the Concert John Barry"](https://www.discogs.com/John-Barry-With-The-Royal-Philharmonic-Orchestra-The-Very-Best-Of-John-Barry/master/327545). *[Discogs](/source/Discogs)*. 1972. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Completing the Circle | Monty Norman | Singer, Composer, Lyricist and Writer - Composer of James Bond Theme"](https://www.montynorman.com/completing_the_circle). *Montynorman.com*. Retrieved 20 May 2026. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-AllMusic_Ruhlmann_13-0)** Ruhlmann, William. [Various Artists - *The Best of Bond...James Bond* (2012) Review](https://www.allmusic.com/album/mw0002415266) at [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic_(identifier)). Retrieved 27 December 2024. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-uk_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-uk_14-1) "[Official Singles Chart on 15/11/1997 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19971115/7501/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 22 Feb 1998"](http://i.imgur.com/Cfbm8i6.jpg). [Australian Recording Industry Association](/source/Australian_Recording_Industry_Association). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Flanders_Moby_16-0)** "[Moby – James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Moby&titel=James+Bond+Theme+(Moby's+Re-Version)&cat=s)" (in Dutch). [Ultratop 50](/source/Ultratop). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Flanders_Dance_Moby_17-0)** "[Moby – James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Moby&titel=James+Bond+Theme+(Moby's+Re-Version)&cat=s)" (in Dutch). [Ultratop](/source/Ultratop) Dance. Retrieved 19 November 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Eurochart Hot 100 Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-11-22.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 14, no. 47. 22 November 1997. p. 18. Retrieved 15 April 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Finland_Moby_James_Bond_Theme_(Moby's_Re-Version)_19-0)** "[Moby: James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)](https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/moby/kappale/james-bond-theme-mobys-re-version)" (in Finnish). [Musiikkituottajat](/source/Musiikkituottajat). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_France_Moby_20-0)** "[Moby – James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)](https://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Moby&titel=James+Bond+Theme+(Moby's+Re-Version)&cat=s)" (in French). [Le classement de singles](/source/SNEP). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Germany_Moby_21-0)** "[Offizielle Deutsche Charts](https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-3570)" (in German). [GfK Entertainment charts](/source/GfK_Entertainment_charts). To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Top National Sellers"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1998/MM-1998-01-17.pdf) (PDF). *Music & Media*. Vol. 15, no. 1–3. 17 January 1998. p. 14. Retrieved 15 April 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (27.11. – 4.12.1997)"](https://timarit.is/page/2962249#page/n7/mode/2up). *[Dagblaðið Vísir](/source/DV_(newspaper))* (in Icelandic). 28 November 1997. p. 22. Retrieved 3 October 2019. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Ireland2_Moby_24-0)** "[The Irish Charts – Search Results – Moby](http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=artist&placement=Moby)". [Irish Singles Chart](/source/Irish_Singles_Chart). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Dutch40_25-0)** "[Nederlandse Top 40 – week 47, 1997](https://www.top40.nl/top40/1997/week-47)" (in Dutch). [Dutch Top 40](/source/Dutch_Top_40). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Dutch100_Moby_26-0)** "[Moby – James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)](https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Moby&titel=James+Bond+Theme+(Moby's+Re-Version)&cat=s)" (in Dutch). [Single Top 100](/source/Dutch_Single_Top_100). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Scotland_27-0)** "[Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 15/11/1997 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19971115/41/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved 5 November 2018. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Sweden_Moby_28-0)** "[Moby – James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)](https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Moby&titel=James+Bond+Theme+(Moby's+Re-Version)&cat=s)". [Singles Top 100](/source/Sverigetopplistan). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Switzerland_Moby_29-0)** "[Moby – James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)](http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Moby&titel=James+Bond+Theme+(Moby's+Re-Version)&cat=s)". [Swiss Singles Chart](/source/Swiss_Hitparade). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_UKdance_30-0)** "[Official Dance Singles Chart on 15/11/1997 – Top 40](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/19971115/104/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_UKindie_31-0)** "[Official Independent Singles Chart on 15/11/1997 – Top 50](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-singles-chart/19971115/130/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved 5 November 2018. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboarddanceclubplay_Moby_32-0)** "[Moby Chart History (Dance Club Songs)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Moby/chart-history/DSI)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved 10 July 2016. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["Árslistinn 1997 – Íslenski Listinn – 100 Vinsælustu Lögin"](https://timarit.is/page/2963913?iabr=on#page/n15/mode/2up/). *Dagblaðið Vísir* (in Icelandic). 2 January 1998. p. 25. Retrieved 16 February 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Íslenski Listinn Topp 100 – Vinsælustu Lögin '98"](https://timarit.is/page/2978871?iabr=on#page/n29/mode/2up). *Dagblaðið Vísir* (in Icelandic). 2 January 1999. p. 34. Retrieved 8 February 2020. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** "New Releases". *[Radio & Records](/source/Radio_%26_Records)*. No. 1214. 12 September 1997. p. 49. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** "Be on the Lookout". *[Gavin Report](/source/Gavin_Report)*. No. 2173. 19 September 1997. p. 56. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** "Moby: James Bond Theme (Moby's Re-Version)". *Gavin Report*. No. 2174. 26 September 1997. p. 13. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** ["James Bond Theme (Re-Version)"](https://www.missmoneypennysarchives.com/info/discog_event_single.php?776). Miss Moneypenny's Archives. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170324081630/https://www.missmoneypennysarchives.com/info/discog_event_single.php?776) from the original on 24 March 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** Sandiford-Waller, Theda (15 November 1997). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight". *Billboard*. Vol. 109, no. 46. p. 87. On Nov. 25, look for Moby's '007 Theme'... 1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** "New Releases: Singles". *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. 6 December 1997. p. 27. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** ["Guitar Hero(R) Catalog Expands With New Music From Rock 'n' Roll Icons Queen and Jimi Hendrix This Month"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090305202133/http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F03-03-2009%2F0004981873&EDATE). [PR Newswire](/source/PR_Newswire). 3 March 2009. Archived from [the original](http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/03-03-2009/0004981873&EDATE) on 5 March 2009. Retrieved 6 March 2009. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** ["Guns N' Roses Concert Review – "Up Close and Personal Tour," Live at House of Blues Chicago – Sunday, 2/19/12 (With Setlist) – Chicago At Night"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150710074708/http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-at-night/2012/02/guns-n-roses-concert-review-up-close-and-personal-tour-live-at-house-of-blues-chicago-sunday-21912-with-setlist/). Archived from [the original](http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-at-night/2012/02/guns-n-roses-concert-review-up-close-and-personal-tour-live-at-house-of-blues-chicago-sunday-21912-with-setlist/) on 10 July 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2014. ## External links - ["Bond theme writer wins damages"](https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/1229406.stm)—[BBC News](/source/BBC_News), 19 March 2001 - [*The Sound of 007*](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt16433236/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))—A 2022 documentary on six decades of James Bond music. v t e James Bond music Themes "James Bond Theme" "007 Theme" "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" "Bond 77" Eon soundtracks Dr. No From Russia with Love Goldfinger Thunderball You Only Live Twice On Her Majesty's Secret Service Diamonds Are Forever Live and Let Die The Man with the Golden Gun The Spy Who Loved Me Moonraker For Your Eyes Only Octopussy A View to a Kill The Living Daylights Licence to Kill GoldenEye Tomorrow Never Dies The World Is Not Enough Die Another Day Casino Royale (2006) Quantum of Solace Skyfall Spectre No Time to Die Eon themes "Kingston Calypso" "From Russia with Love" "Goldfinger" "Thunderball" "You Only Live Twice" "We Have All the Time in the World" "Diamonds Are Forever" "Live and Let Die" "The Man with the Golden Gun" "Nobody Does It Better" "Moonraker" "For Your Eyes Only" "All Time High" "A View to a Kill" "The Living Daylights" "Where Has Everybody Gone?" "Licence to Kill" "If You Asked Me To" "GoldenEye" "Tomorrow Never Dies" "The World Is Not Enough" "Die Another Day" "You Know My Name" "Another Way to Die" "Skyfall" "Writing's on the Wall" "No Time to Die" Non-Eon soundtracks Casino Royale (1967) Never Say Never Again Non-Eon themes "Casino Royale" "The Look of Love" "Never Say Never Again" Unused themes "The Juvenile" "Man of War" "Spectre" Compilations Basie Meets Bond The Bond Collection Shaken and Stirred The Incredible World of James Bond The Best of Bond... James Bond Video games "Everything or Nothing" "First Light" Category Authority control databases International VIAF National France BnF data Other MusicBrainz work --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [James Bond Theme](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond_Theme) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond_Theme?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.