The Outlaws’ former guitarist Freddie Salem has died, his former bandmates have confirmed.
In a statement posted on social media, the Florida southern rock group wrote: “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 [1978] album ‘Playin’ To Win’ and then remained in the band for the following four albums [1979’s ‘In The Eye Of The Storm’, 1980’s ‘Ghost Riders’, 1982’s ‘Los Hombres Malo’ and 1986’s ‘Soldiers Of Fortune’].”
The Outlaws went on to describe Salem as “an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed”. He was 70 years old.
See the statement in the post below.
It’s with a heavy heart that we have to tell Outlaws fans about the passing of our former guitarist Freddie Salem….
Posted by Outlaws on Monday, September 23, 2024
The late guitarist and vocalist left The Outlaws in 1983 after the group were dropped by Arista Records. He had initially stepped in to replace original member Henry Paul, who departed the line-up in 1977.
However, Paul remains a current member of The Outlaws following numerous stints in the band. He is joined by Dave Robbins, Randy Threet, Jeff Aulich, Jimmy Dormire and Mike Bailey.
Additionally, Salem appears on The Outlaws’ 1978 live album ‘Bring It Back Alive’.
The collection contains one song he wrote, ‘I Hope You Don’t Mind’, and concludes with an extended 20-minute version of The Outlaw’s signature track ‘Green Grass And High Tides’. The album earned a place in the Top 30 on the Billboard 200 and went gold.
Salem – who was born in Akron, Ohio on May 15, 1954 – wrote numerous other Outlaws tracks such as ‘Don’t Stop’, ‘White Horses’, ‘Long Gone’ and ‘Devil’s Road’. He recorded a solo album too, ‘Cat Dance’, under the moniker Freddie Salem And The Wild Cats.
Elsewhere, he enjoyed a lengthy career as a session guitarist and producer.
The news of his passing was also shared on the Facebook page of his current project, Freddie Salem & Lonewolf. “This morning, the Heavens parted for the arrival of a legend,” it read. “Rock on high, Freddie Salem. Until we meet again.”
The Outlaws – who were formed in Tampa, Florida in 1967 – have previously supported the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Who.
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