Outlaws guitarist Freddie Salem has died, his band confirmed on Monday. He was 70.
The band shared a post to Facebook confirming that Salen died from “complications due to cancer.”
“[Salem] will be remembered for his outgoing personality and passion for music,” they wrote in part.
“He was an electric performer and beloved musician and he will be missed,” the statement concluded.
The group also posted a picture of Salem rocking out on stage to their Instagram Story and wrote, “Rest in peace Freddie Salem.”
Salem began his time with the rock band in 1977 on their album “Bring It Back Alive” when he replaced original guitarist Henry Paul and continued with the group for the next four albums.
He continued playing with the band for their next four albums and was along for the ride for several of their hit songs –– including “Riders In the Sky,” “Green Grass and High Tides” and “White Horses.”
Salem eventually left the band in 1983 after it was dropped by Arista Records.
Salem always had a passion for music, but he originally started focusing on being a drummer as a child, according to an interview he did with Road to Jacksonville. When he was 15, he eventually transitioned to the guitar.
“My parents loved music but none were musicians. My father owned a bar. I learned much from Jukebox he had at the place. Great selection and variation of music,” he told the blog.
After mastering the guitar, he began his music career with The Chambers Brother Band in 1973 and toured with them for over a year.
Salem went on to record a solo album called “Cat Dance” with the band the Wildcats in 1982.
This story is developing …