Salem was founded in late 1979 by two former members from the 'Metal for Muthas' stars Ethel The Frog – Paul Tognola (vocals/guitar) and Paul Conyers (drums). Ade Jenkinson was drafted as the bass player and the first band meeting with Paul Macnamara (lead guitar) was 2 January 1980 in The Red Lion pub in Anlaby, Hull.After a period of song writing and rehearsal, Salem began gigging in Hull and district, and recorded the first demo in January 1981.