In Memory Of Johnny Guitar, My friend

[Andy DePaule]

In Memory Of Johnny Guitar, My friend who died in Saigon two days ago.
He was just 52 years old and very talented.
We played together for a few years in the clubs of Saigon.
It seems he died from a massive septic infection.

This is a photo of Johnny with my Son Buddy who died 9 months ago.

Johnny and I at the Dublin Gate, Saigon about 2017 or 2018?


We did a duet thing for a while and he learned to play C&W style instantly.
It was about a year before I learned his real name was Achmed Salame so no wonder he went by Johnny Guitar. When I found out his name I told him it sounded like something you put on a pizza. He laughed. As it turned out me, a jew and him a muslim got along well and over time built the band to 4, 5 and then 6 members.
I sure wish I'd not been stuck here in the US when he passed.

He was born in Aleppo, Syria. Grew up in the UK and then Australia. Played a few years in Malasia and Thailand before ending up in Saigon, Viet Nam about 12 years ago... He often joked that if ISIS got him he'd be missing his head quickly for his lifestyle. I'll sure miss his sick humor and great playing.

Here are a mix of pictures people posted on facebook over the years.

[Ross Shafer]

Condolences to you and Johnny's family Andy....52 is pretty dang young to leave the building. Godspeed Johnny!

[Andy DePaule]

Thanks Ross,
Yes way too young and full of talent too.
We say goodbye to people in such a casual way and all seems normal until we learn it was the last goodbye.
We can never know.

[Landon Jarrel]

Look at all the smiles in the photos!

All the best to you, Andy.

[Godfrey Arthur]

Godspeed Johnny!

The loss of a friend at any age is heart wrenching!

Condolences Andy!

[Andy DePaule]

Thanks to Landon and Godfrey.
As they say, the memories of them live on forever.
I sure have a lot of good things to remember that we did.

[Stu Schulman]

Andy,My condolences...very sad.

[Doug Taylor]

So sorry Andy. Our music partners hold special places in our lives, there is a special bond there.

[Andy DePaule]

So sorry Andy. Our music partners hold special places in our lives, there is a special bond there.

So true... Music, and I guess all arts in general take a special place in our brain and memories.
As in the way a musical phrase or song remind us of a specific time when something was going on at the same time you heard it.
Same way a smell or taste can bring back an unrelated memory.

[Jim Fogle]

Andy,

Sorry for the loss you and everyone that knew Johnny Guitar is feeling at this time.

Thanks for sharing the photos with us.

I remember your post about Buddy. That's a pain no parent that hasn't experienced it can understand.

[Andy DePaule]

Thanks Jim,
Yes it is a sad time and this last year has been less than a good one.
Now with the corona19 virus so many people have lost so many loved ones.
I'm thankful that at least no one I know has had it or lost a loved one to it. Hope that does not seem selfish?

I'll miss Johnny and the good times we had playing together for some time.

Your right about the loss of my son. Nothing else in my life has ever hit me like that.
I'm sure I'll miss him every day until my last.
Thought I had an idea what that would be like when it happened to others, but I was wrong. It's a whole different thing.
Seems the list or people I pray for each day is getting longer all the time.
Best wishes,
Andy