Outlaws’ guitarist Freddie Salem passed away from “complications due to cancer.” He was 70 years old.
On Monday (9.23,) the rock musician’s death was announced on Facebook with “This morning, the heavens parted for the arrival of a legend. Rock on high, Freddie Salem. Until we meet again.”
Between 1977 and 1983 Salem was a member of the Outlaws and the band paid tribute to their fallen friend with:
“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to tell Outlaws fans about the passing of our former guitarist Freddie Salem. Freddie passed from complications due to cancer and will be remembered for his outgoing personality and passion for music.” “He first appeared with the Outlaws on the album ‘Playin’ to Win’ and then remained in the band for the following four albums. He was an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed.”
In addition to his guitar skills, Freddie helped Outlaws pen ‘White Horses’, ‘Long Gone’ and ‘Devil’s Road’ and in his Road to Jacksonville interview he once described how he “brought a harder rock edge to the band,” stating:
“I definitely brought a harder rock edge to the band.” “At the time, I believe they were ready for the change. I never forgot that (singer and guitarist) Billy (Jones) and (guitarist) Hughie (Thomasson) were the nucleus of the Outlaws. We couldn’t change that but just enhance it with a more aggressive approach. It paid off.”
Following his stint with the Outlaws, Salem enjoyed a lengthy career as a session musician and producer but warned aspiring guitarists to avoid the profession, adding “Go to medical or law school. It’s a (tough) road out there. I see it daily.”
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Carl Lender at https://www.flickr.com/photos/clender/