Former Outlaws Guitarist Freddie Salem Passed Away At 70
via 96.7 The Eagle / Youtube
Former Outlaws guitarist Freddie Salem has passed away at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer. His death was confirmed through a heartfelt message on the Facebook page of his latest project, Freddie Salem and Lonewolf:
“This morning, the heavens parted for the arrival of a legend. Rock on high, Freddie Salem. Until we meet again.”
The Outlaws also expressed their grief on social media, sharing:
“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 was an electric performer and beloved musician, and he will be missed.”
History with the Outlaws
Salem was born on May 15, 1954. Before joining the Outlaws, he had a brief stint with the Chambers Brothers Band. In 1977, he became part of the Outlaws, adding his signature harder rock edge to the group’s sound. Salem appeared on four of the band’s albums, including Playin’ to Win (1978), In the Eye of the Storm (1979), Ghost Riders (1980), and Los Hombres Malo (1982). He also contributed to the band’s live album Bringin’ It Back Alive in 1978.
Reflecting on his time with the band, Salem told Road to Jacksonville:
“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.”
Salem’s Career After Outlaws
In 1983, after releasing his solo album Cat Dance, Salem parted ways with the Outlaws. He explained:
“Things had unraveled after seven years of touring and recording. Our record label had dropped the band, Billy, Harvey [and] Monte were gone, and things deteriorated from there. I did not want to see the band go backwards.”
Salem later built a successful career as a session musician and producer and even owned and managed venues. When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring guitarists, he wryly responded:
“Go to medical or law school. It’s a tough road out there. I see it daily.”
