James Bond is one of the most iconic film characters in the world. Each film has a unique theme to it, usually being the name of the movie. But, in years past, the films have had opening themes that are not always named after the film, for example "You Know My Name" by Chris Cornell for the 2006 film Casino Royale. But, even if the song is the same as the film, it's still a pretty good opening theme. Ultimate Classic Rock has compiled a list of artists who could possibly pull off a successful James Bond theme
-Some of the artists who have written themes for the 007 series include:
- Paul McCartney: Live and Let Die
- A-Ha: The Living Daylights
- Duran Duran: A View to a Kill
- Madonna: Die Another Day
- Adele: Skyfall
- Chris Cornell: You Know My Name (Casino Royale)
- Carly Simon: Nobody Does It Better
- Tina Turner: Goldeneye, License to Kill
- Jack White: Another Way to Die
It's a major honor for sure. In 1973, a former executive for The Beatles' Apple Records named Ron Kass approached Paul McCartney. He was working with Harry Saltzman, who co-produced the first 9 James Bond films. Kass suggested to McCartney the idea of writing the theme for the 1974 film Live and Let Die, which would be the first film to feature Roger Moore as the title role of 007. McCartney played it cool, writing in his book The Lyrics: 1965 to the Present "Writing a Bond song is a bit of an accolade. And I always had a sneaking ambition to do it. I said 'Yeah, I'd probably be interested.'...trying not to seem too enthusiastic."
At the time of the writing of this article, there are approximately 25 films officially in the 007 series. 27 if you consider the two films not made by EON, which is the primary production company making the James Bond films. Director Dennis Villeneuve is said to direct the next outing for 007, though it's not clear who the role will go to, when the movie will be released or who will write the theme song
Oasis. Or at least Noel Gallager
-December 2025 seen a fan asking Liam Gallagher on social media about the rumors of Oasis being asked to write the next Bond theme song. His reply was as follows: "It's happening you wait till you hear it it's the best BOND tune ever." Oasis fans tend to take his words with a bit of skepticism. the following month, his brother / bandmate Noel cleared the rumors, stating there had been no contact with any of the film's producers, but he did state that if there were any offers, he would accept an offer "in a heartbeat" if it were presented. He told TalkSports "I think those kinds of things should be done by Brits not Yanks."
Bob Dylan
-Certainly an unusual choice. Maybe not. His songs "Man in a Long Black Coat" and "Murder Most Foul" have an aura of mystery about them. That would certainly apply to the Bond theme, lending an air of mystery about the film. He's not a stranger at all to making film references in his music. He's very well versed in film history. In his 2022 book The Philosophy of Modern Song, "People will tell you that they don't watch old movies for a bunch of reasons, because they are in black and white or maybe there's a two-minute sequence that changing times have rendered politically incorrect. These people lack imagination and are fine throwing out the baby with the bathwater."
Nick Cave
-His theatrical style is dark, gloomy and dramatic, making you feel like you're watching Phantom of the Opera more than rock music. But, at least one thing going for him is that he does have prior acting experience. His style of music would actually make a pretty good Bond theme. It's said he could even play Bond himself. His music is intense, emotionally, at times, and he does write songs centering on revenge, death, violence and evil, all topics that seem to pop up in the 007 films
Radiohead
-This band did actually do a Bond song. In 2015, they wrote and recorded a song called "Spectre", which was intended for use on the film of the same name. This song and "Man of War" were rejected, using Sam Smith's "Writing's on the Wall" instead. "Spectre" and "Man of War" were released by Radiohead on their own, but many feel they need a second shot at writing a Bond theme
Tears for Fears
-Curt Smith of the band has some experience writing film scores. He wrote the music for Meth Head, a film that came out in 2011 and Gravy, a film that came out in 2015. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" is a possible consideration for a Bond song
St. Vincent
-This singer is known for moody, emotional music that practically advertises itself as perfect for 007. During a 2024 interview for Rolling Stone UK, she jokingly said her song "Violent Times" give a mysterious Bond vibe. "It was not intentional when I was writing the song whatsoever, but I have noticed that and, yeah, I totally hear it." She stated that if producers came to her to ask for a theme song, she would not object at all. "H--- yeah! I love those movies. Can we just put "Violent Times" in there as the song? Stick it straight in, because if [Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is] reading this it'll save me a h--- of a lot of work."
Elton John
-He's a legend in British music. His voice is filled with emotion on many of his slower songs and it's absolutely gorgeous. Elton John seems like the type who would already have a Bond theme associated with his name, but sadly, this is not the case. He certainly does have his two cents on what would make a good theme. In 2002, during an interview with Sky Sports, he described the theme Madonna sang, "Die Another Day" as "the worst Bond tune ever," despite being a fan of her music. "It hasn't got a tune. James Bond themes are usually very camp and this one's different...They should have gone for somebody like Lulu and Shirley Bassey, or maybe I'm in that league?"
The Killers
-Rumors were a plenty in 2006 that The Killers were being considered as the artists to compose the next Bond theme. The Sun found out from an anonymous source "The Killers have reached the perfect point in their career to do a Bond track. They have the right sound, right look and a huge fanbase, making them the perfect choice." Obviously it has not come to completion, but there's always a chance for them
Alanis Morissette
-There are plenty of women who have composed a James Bond song, including Carly Simon, Shirley Bassey, Nancy Sinatra, Gladys Knight, Madonna, Adele Rita Coolidge, Tina Turner and others. Alanis Morissette would make an interesting addition to that list, with his multi-octave voice and adaptable singing voice
Johnny Marr
-It might be a bit far fetched to suggest him, but technically speaking, Johnny Marr already has his name attached to a Bond theme. On the soundtrack for the 2021 film No Time to Die, he played guitar on the title theme, which was performed by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell. It would be interesting if Marr wrote and even sang it
Chris Stapleton
-Some feel that James Bond and country music simply don't mix. Chris Stapleton is very far from average country music. He's more southern rock, pulling bits and pieces from blue and traditional rock and roll. His song "Cold" has been suggested as sounding like something from a Bond film
Queens of the Stone Age (or at least Josh Homme)
-Someone with a bit too much time on their hands decided to make a mashup of Adele's "Skyfall", the titular track from the 2015 Bond film of the same name and Queens of the Stone Age's "No One Knows". Together, both songs worked well. That should state they should have a fair chance of writing the next Bond theme. Or at least Josh Homme should have a say in writing it
Iron Maiden
-Certainly a metal Bond theme would be interesting and even incredibly awesome. Who better to do it than one of the biggest names in metal themselves? Iron Maiden. To put it in an alternative way, Iron Maiden is to metal what James Bond is to spy films. Plus, Iron Maiden does have extensive experience working with a full orchestra. Sounds like Iron Maiden deserves a chance
Patti Smith
-Patti Smith had never written a song for a movie up until 2014. That rule changed with "Mercy Is", which appeared in the film Noah. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Smith said "Well, I mean, if they want a song for a James Bond film, they wouldn't go to me, you know? They'll go to someone that, you know, has the touch on the public consciousness, who has a strong contemporary voice and I understand that. I really actually never have been sought after to write songs for a movie - but my songs have been in movies." I think she would write an interesting one
Annie Lennox
-She is another vocalist who had rumors swirling about her involvement with writing the next Bond theme. See the cover of Lennox's solo album Diva. She's wearing a headdress that was actually used in the 1983 film Octopussy. With her strong status as a British icon of music, her voice would make a great song for a Bond film
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