Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another installment of StageSide Stories here at StageSideUK. This time around we are sharing an interview with Ringham, Warren Ringham and talking all things James Bond and music. If you are interested in music, soundtracks, tributes and all things musical performance, then keep on reading to hear more from Warren Ringham!
Please could you introduce yourself and your role?
My name is Ringham, Warren Ringham – and I run the James Bond Concert Spectacular and the band behind it: “Q The Music”
What inspired you to create and launch The James Bond Concert Spectacular? Was there a particular Bond moment or musical cue that sparked the idea?
Ever since i was a toddler and my very first memories, I was surrounded by both music and James Bond. I grew up in a family steeped in a long history of professional music, with my father being one of the UK’s finest trumpeters. As that required a lot of practice, he had a “mixtape” video of chases he put on to keep me entertained, which included Bond.
Eventually I followed in his footsteps musically, studying music and learning the trumpet, and that turned into my setting up a band which fused my passions of music and James Bond!
Over the years I became a bigger and bigger Bond fan, becoming more involved in and attending Bond events, gatherings, film showings and fan created content.
It was always my intension to bring a Bond concert to supporters that really connected with a shared love of 007, but it was amazing how the James Bond community really took us into their hearts. We’ve become known now around the world for our Bond covers and performances and every Bond fan club consider us the best at it, and that is something we are incredibly proud and privileged to say.
When you first envisioned the show, did you imagine it would connect with audiences in the way it has?
Not in a million years – I just can’t believe what it has become. You have a vision and an idea where you’d like it to go, but we’re so far beyond that now it’s hard to put it into words. The Bond community have basically taken us to their hearts and often taken ownership to ensure the band’s survival. In Covid, supporters donated close to £30,000 to the band members and the company to stop it going under. I think that speaks for itself!
Bond has such a rich cinematic legacy—what made you want to explore and celebrate it through live performance?
Well as mentioned before, I grew up with Bond, but the music is so iconic. There are so many moments of brilliance, but on all sides of music – action, adrenaline, cool, sad, romantic, beautiful – there are so many emotions you can touch on in the performances, which makes it a creative’s dream to work on and constantly come up with new highlights.
How did you go about translating the sound and spirit of Bond from screen to stage?
That was the key part – and that started some 25 years ago, and I think is what has set us apart. Whilst we were the first to do it, many have tried since, and for me they often miss the point. Bond music is often thought of as “orchestral” – which it is, if you are taking into account all the music from the soundtracks (all those amazing cues by John Barry et al), but in reality the songs are a bit of a different case. After Diamonds Are Forever (the 7th film) the rest are really pop and rock songs with orchestral backings. If you approach it in that manner, you can shape the ensemble and arrangements in quite a different way. A very large band is needed (and we have) but actually, the orchestras struggle to capture the sound of Duran Duran or Chris Cornell for example, as they lack the rhythm section power. Conversely, an ordinary standard pop band lineup sounds too thin and weak…so I think we have found the right balance.
Bond music is iconic—bold, brassy, romantic, and thrilling. What’s the key to doing it justice, when performing live?
More than anything – authenticity. I think we get the Bond music because at the heart of it all, we’re just as big fans as those coming to watch. The comments we always have is how people can tell the love is there and the understanding of the music and its context. The level of detail we go to is so deep a lot of it is imperceptible, but the overall sound just oozes that Bond authenticity. In a lot of ways, that detail is there because of the love: it wouldn’t make business sense to commit and spend the time we do on it purely as a business – but because it’s a passion and love, you can commit almost endless time to it as it’s a joy.
How do you select which themes and songs to include in the show? Do you focus on fan favourites, hidden gems, or a bit of both?
Definitely a bit of both – and much more besides. Anniversaries, locations, who is attending, what the theme of the moment might be – all these things play a part. We’re always looking for that emotional connection. How can we elevate and innovate the show with new highs and keep our wonderful supporters coming back.
Has your background as a musician informed your directorial approach to the show?
Of course – I think it has to. I’ve been a professional musician for 30 years, and you have to draw on your experience. I think one thing I’ve got better at is straddling the balance between the Bond geek and the professional. At times, the Bond fan in me wants to jump up and down in delight at some of the things we are doing or playing – and in the moment I have to keep a cooler head and remember we are there to serve those watching. Allowing the fan part to boil over and spoil the professional part would ruin the performance for those in the audience – though of course you want to let enough through into the performance to elevate it.
What role does theatricality play in a concert like this? Is it more than just the music—do you think of it as storytelling in its own right?
Oh it plays a huge part. If you’d been coming to our show for a number of years you’d have seen so many fun nods and moments in the shows. The challenge is knowing where the line is. I often get suggestions where I think “hmm, but that seems cheesy” – which of course Bond isn’t. I like the subtle ones, almost “easter egg” where Bond fans can pick it out. For example, in Another Way To Die – a song universally not…loved…shall we say, we break into a few bars of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. It’s very cool, and so seamless a lot of people don’t even notice. Another favourite of mine – during the curtain calls towards the end of the show, whilst we are introducing the key members of the band, the band break into a little repeated vamp, which is the riff from John Barry’s 007 theme. Not only is it iconic, it is also made up of 007 chord stabs. It’s subtle, but so cool. That’s the kind of detail we go to.
With a franchise spanning over 60 years, how do you keep the material feeling fresh and surprising for returning audiences?
Why do you think Bond endures—not just as a film character but as a cultural phenomenon that resonates across generations?
I think both these questions come with the same answer – it’s the connection to our memories and families, and experiences growing up with these films. So many of us start with a Bond film in the family home watching it all together…and it’s those early memories of experiencing Bond that last. Of course, as you start to grow older, the experience of seeing the films in the cinema then also feed into that.
We’re always looking to bring in special items and iconic moments to the show and each year there’s so much to choose from!
Have you had any memorable interactions with die-hard Bond fans who’ve attended the show?
I think the ones that always amaze me are the ones who fly in from overseas especially to see the show. It actually happens a lot – and it is still mind-blowing to me. US visitors and EU visitors are regular, with occasional Middle East and further – to spend that amount of money and commitment is just so humbling and incredible.
How do you balance appealing to lifelong 007 devotees with welcoming in newcomers to the Bond musical universe?
Well, we don’t really give it too much thought – it takes care of itself! One thing we find (and it’s such a good thing) is the +1’s often come with lower expectations and are coming purely out of love and support of their partner who is maybe a big Bond fan. What tends to happen the next year is they are MORE keen to come than the partner, as they enjoy it so much they want to bring their partner for a treat they will also enjoy!
What’s your personal favourite Bond theme, and does it change over time?
Diamonds Are Forever or You Know My Name are my favourites, and no they’ve not really changed.
Can you tell us about the musicians and vocalists you work with—what makes a performer a great fit for Bond material?
There’s a few things that we look for – outstanding musicianship, technique and flair, being able to fit into a team (as we really are a great family who vibe off each other), a huge and unwavering attention to detail, energy and adaptability to be able to slot into all the different genres and styles of music Bond songs and scores cover.
What do you hope audiences walk away feeling after a night with The James Bond Concert Spectacular—nostalgia, excitement, something new?
Well, we know they will take away the palpable love of Bond both on stage and in the room, but the main aim of the show is about connecting people – not only to like-minded Bond fans, but to their memories. We all grew up with Bond in our lives, and most associate these films with various memories and moments from our past, and the emotion in the room really cherishes and embraces those, so we hope people go away on a massive high (I’ll avoid the over used and easy cliche there!).
If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring director or concert creator, what would it be?
Don’t do it! Ha – not really of course, but it is a very hard role to be in. You need a vision and an unwavering work ethic and then put a great team around you that you can trust and delegate to. I’m very lucky to have an amazing team around me, who not only believe in me and the concept, support me, but also take ownership and responsibility for their role.
A huge thank you to Warren for answering our questions and giving us such a valuable insight into the world of making music, and putting together a show. Warren Ringham and the fabulous James Bond Concert Experience are coming to the Darlington Hippodrome July 20th with tickets still available here.
Have your say!
Are you thinking of starting a career as a Musical Director, conductor, musician or show creator? Are you currently studying any of the above skills? How are you finding the process, and do you have any key techniques, tips or skills to hone? Let me know in the comments and lets get a discussion going!
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