Outlaws Legend Freddie Salem Passes Away at 70
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The music world has been struck with a somber chord as we bid farewell to a rock legend. Freddie Salem, the dynamic guitarist of the rock band Outlaws, has passed away at the age of 70.
The news was confirmed by the band on Monday through a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that Salem had succumbed to complications related to cancer.
They said: “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 4 albums. He was an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed.”
The beautiful words were posted alongside a joyful image of Freddie Salem “rocking out” on stage which we have shared with you below.
Freddie Salem's legacy is one of electrifying performances and a deep-seated passion for music that resonated with fans across the globe. The band's tribute to their late bandmate highlighted his outgoing personality and his significant contributions to the music that defined an era.
Salem's journey with the Outlaws began in 1977 when he stepped in to replace original guitarist Henry Paul on their live album “Bring It Back Alive”. His tenure with the band saw him contribute to four more albums, leaving a lasting mark on the group's sound and success. His guitar work on hits like “Riders In the Sky,” “Green Grass and High Tides,” and “White Horses” showcased his skill and helped cement the band's place in rock history.
Despite parting ways with the Outlaws in 1983 following their split from Arista Records, Salem looked back on his time with the band with fondness and pride. In an interview with the Road to Jacksonville blog, he reflected on the experience, saying, “We became a magnificent recording and live headlining Band selling out major arenas and coliseum’s [sic] worldwide. It was an exciting time to build the visibility and success of the band. As far as regrets, none.”
Music was always Salem's calling, though he initially gravitated towards the drums in his childhood. It wasn't until he was 15 that he made the transition to guitar—a decision that would shape his destiny. He credited his father's bar and its jukebox for exposing him to a wide variety of music, which influenced his own musical journey.
One of the highlights of his career was a touring stint with the Rolling Stones, an experience he described as “incomparable.” The Stones' larger-than-life approach to touring left a lasting impression on Salem, who cherished the memories and the opportunity to share the stage with such rock royalty.
“No other band in the world tours like the Stones. Its [sic] similar to a traveling 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, nothing even came close to the Stones. Brilliant experience indeed,” he once said.
As we remember Freddie Salem, we reflect on a man whose life was a symphony of rock and roll. His contributions to music have left a lasting mark, and his spirit will live on through the timeless tracks he helped create. To the fans, friends, and family of Freddie Salem, we extend our deepest condolences.!
Members, did you ever listen to the Outlaws music? Did their music touch your life? Or maybe you have a favorite song? Whatever it may be, we’d love for you to share it with us in the comments below. Let's celebrate the life of a musician who brought so much joy and rock 'n' roll to our lives!
The news was confirmed by the band on Monday through a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing that Salem had succumbed to complications related to cancer.
They said: “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 4 albums. He was an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed.”
The beautiful words were posted alongside a joyful image of Freddie Salem “rocking out” on stage which we have shared with you below.
Freddie Salem passes away aged 70. Image source: Facebook / Outlaws.
Freddie Salem's legacy is one of electrifying performances and a deep-seated passion for music that resonated with fans across the globe. The band's tribute to their late bandmate highlighted his outgoing personality and his significant contributions to the music that defined an era.
Salem's journey with the Outlaws began in 1977 when he stepped in to replace original guitarist Henry Paul on their live album “Bring It Back Alive”. His tenure with the band saw him contribute to four more albums, leaving a lasting mark on the group's sound and success. His guitar work on hits like “Riders In the Sky,” “Green Grass and High Tides,” and “White Horses” showcased his skill and helped cement the band's place in rock history.
Despite parting ways with the Outlaws in 1983 following their split from Arista Records, Salem looked back on his time with the band with fondness and pride. In an interview with the Road to Jacksonville blog, he reflected on the experience, saying, “We became a magnificent recording and live headlining Band selling out major arenas and coliseum’s [sic] worldwide. It was an exciting time to build the visibility and success of the band. As far as regrets, none.”
Music was always Salem's calling, though he initially gravitated towards the drums in his childhood. It wasn't until he was 15 that he made the transition to guitar—a decision that would shape his destiny. He credited his father's bar and its jukebox for exposing him to a wide variety of music, which influenced his own musical journey.
One of the highlights of his career was a touring stint with the Rolling Stones, an experience he described as “incomparable.” The Stones' larger-than-life approach to touring left a lasting impression on Salem, who cherished the memories and the opportunity to share the stage with such rock royalty.
“No other band in the world tours like the Stones. Its [sic] similar to a traveling 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, nothing even came close to the Stones. Brilliant experience indeed,” he once said.
As we remember Freddie Salem, we reflect on a man whose life was a symphony of rock and roll. His contributions to music have left a lasting mark, and his spirit will live on through the timeless tracks he helped create. To the fans, friends, and family of Freddie Salem, we extend our deepest condolences.!
Members, did you ever listen to the Outlaws music? Did their music touch your life? Or maybe you have a favorite song? Whatever it may be, we’d love for you to share it with us in the comments below. Let's celebrate the life of a musician who brought so much joy and rock 'n' roll to our lives!
