Legendary Guitarist Dies At 70

Freddie Salem, the former Outlaws guitarist who helped popularize the rebellious sound of southern rock, has died at 70.

The New York Post reported that Salem died of complications from cancer, as confirmed by a statement from his former band. “It’s with a heavy heart that we have to tell Outlaws fans about the passing of our former guitarist Freddie Salem,” the statement began on the Outlaws’ Facebook page. “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 4 albums. He was an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed.”

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The incendiary soloist had in recent years been performing under his eponymous group Freddie Salem & Lonewolf. “This morning, the Heavens parted for the arrival of a legend. Rock on high, Freddie Salem. Until we meet again,” the group wrote in its own online statement, the Post reported.

Salem took up guitar later in life, first picking strings at 16 while playing with various bands from the midwest before joining The Chambers Brothers Band as their lead guitar player, according to the artist’s website. He signed with the Outlaws in 1977, replacing original guitarist Henry Paul in time for the band’s fourth studio album “Playin’ to Win” to which he also contributed vocals. He stayed with the group for another nine years and four albums including 1979’s “In the Eye of the Storm,” 1980’s “Ghost Riders,” 1982’s “Los Hombres Malo” and 1986’s “Soldiers of Fortune.” Some of the best-known Outlaws songs featuring Salem’s singing and songwriting include “White Horses,” “Long Gone,” “Devil’s Road” and “Don’t Stop.”

The Outlaws reached mainstream success in 1978 when the Rolling Stones asked Salem and his bandmates to open for them during the American leg of their international Some Girls tour. They opened alongside solo act Peter Tosh. “Billy [Jones] and Hughie wanted to take it to the next step musically and direction of the group on all fronts including the live performances,” Salem said in a 2013 interview about his time on the road with the Stones. “It all seemed to click upon my arrival,” he added.

The band fell on hard times in 1983 when their existing label declined to renew their contract, forcing Salem to depart their ranks. He spent part of the 1980s recording two albums with The Godz. After his department, Outlaws has remained active with members Paul, Jeff Aulich, Jimmy Dormire, Randy Threet, Dave Robbins and Mike Bailey.

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