Former Outlaws guitarist Freddie Salem has died aged 70 from “complications due to cancer”.
His current project, Freddie Salem and Lonewolf, confirmed the news in a Facebook statement on Tuesday.
“This morning, the heavens parted for the arrival of a legend. Rock on high, Freddie Salem. Until we meet again,” the post said.
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His former band Outlaws also confirmed the news with a statement posted to social media.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to tell Outlaws fans about the passing of our former guitarist Freddie Salem,” the Facebook message read.
“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.”
Salem was first involved with Outlaws in 1978, replacing original guitarist Henry Paul.
He played on the album Playin’ to Win and remained for the next four albums.
During his time with Outlaws they toured with the Rolling Stones, something Salem recalled to RTJ Webzine in 2021.
“Well. No other band in the world tours like the Stones. It’s similar to a travelling circus.
“Always something going on. The Stones treated the Outlaws very well. The experience was incomparable to anything I had ever experienced, till this day.”
“Even though we had performed with the Grateful Dead and other stadium shows but nothing even came close to the Stones. Brilliant experience indeed.”
In 1983 he departed Outlaws after they were dropped by Arista Records.
Asked to sum up his time with the band, he told the publication: “Most memories of my tenure with the Outlaws were the best of times.
“We became a magnificent recording and live headlining band selling out major arenas and coliseums worldwide.
“It was an exciting time to build the visibility and success of the band. As far as regrets, none.”
He went on to release a solo album called Cat Dance and played on a record for Barbra Streisand.
Salem spent his final years living between Los Angeles and New York while remaining active in producing and session work.
