Theodore Demos

1945 - 2017

1945 - 2017 Theodore Demos, 71, died on March 17, 2017, in Los Angeles, CA. Ted succumbed to complications from cancer treatments. He died peacefully with the love of his family at his side. Ted was a brilliant, talented and loving individual who is sorely missed by all who knew him. Ted was a voting member of the Grammys since 1991. Billboard Magazine described, "Lead guitarist Ted Demos¿" as "¿excellent," in a review of his performance at the Café Au Go Go (10/26/68). Ted started his professional career as the lead guitarist with the Boston-based garage-rock band C.C. and the Chasers (Hey, Put the Clock Back on the Wall). He evolved into the New York-by-way-of-Boston, Apple Pie Motherhood Band (Atlantic Records) and then onto Shakey Legs (Paramount Records). Apple Pie was signed by legendary co-founder and president of Atlantic Records, Ahmet Ertegun, and released two albums in the late '60s. Felix Pappalardi produced two tracks on the first Apple Pie record. Tom Dowd produced the second album. The bands opened for many major acts like the Mamas and Papas, Jefferson Airplane, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, the Chambers Brothers, John Mayall, Johnny Winter and Edgar Winter, and more. Ahmed Ertegun had the idea to do an album with a trio of amazing rock guitarists, and had chosen Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, and Ted Demos. The idea never came to attainment. More recently Ted collaborated with two of the band members writing songs under Unarmed Writers, yet to be recorded. In 1980 Ted moved to Venice, California, and continued his music career while also expanding into the film industry. He formed Set Logic, which provided technical consulting, art directing and construction coordination. This included music videos with top artists such as David Lee Roth, Stevie Nicks, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Lenny Kravitz, Rolling Stones and many more. Also movies, including Flipper, 3000 Miles to Graceland, Terminator 2, Furious 7, The Strain and numerous commercials & T.V. shows. Ted was born in Quebec, Canada, and raised in Belmont, MA. He was the son of MIT physics Professor Peter Demos and Elizabeth Demos. Ted is survived by his wife, and true companion, Leslie Demos, children Jessie Demos Wicker, Alphia Bustardo & Aimon Bustardo. His brother John Demos & sister Ellen Demos McManus. Grandchildren Olivia, Jacob & Lucas, and numerous nieces & nephews. Memorial donations can be made to MusiCares at www.grammy.org/musicares or Rugged Maniac (American Cancer Society) at www.crowdrise.com/for-the-love-of-my-father-ted/fundraiser/aimonbustardo2