The Untold Story Of Freddy Moore: 7 Facts About The Musician Who Gave Demi Moore Her Famous Name

The legacy of rock musician Freddy Moore, a power-pop icon from the 1970s and 80s, continues to resonate, even after his passing in August 2022. While widely known as the first husband of Hollywood superstar Demi Moore—who adopted his surname as her permanent stage name—Moore was a talented songwriter and guitarist in his own right, leading the influential Los Angeles band, The Nu Kats. This article, updated for late December 2025, delves into his life, his musical contributions, his famous marriage, and his final years battling Alzheimer's disease, providing a fresh look at a true rock and roll journeyman. Freddy Moore's journey was marked by a flamboyant on-stage persona, compelling songwriting, and a pivotal relationship that accidentally cemented one of the most recognizable names in cinema history. From his Minneapolis roots to the vibrant L.A. music scene, his story is one of creative passion and enduring influence that stretches beyond the shadow of his famous ex-wife.

Complete Biography and Profile of Frederick George Moore

Frederick George "Freddy" Moore, also known to family and friends as Rick, carved out a significant, albeit often overlooked, niche in the American rock music scene. Here is a detailed look at his life and career:

• Full Name: Frederick George Moore
• Known As: Freddy Moore (stage name), Rick (by family)
• Date of Birth: July 19, 1950
• Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
• Date of Death: August 25, 2022
• Place of Death: In hospice care
• Cause of Death: Complications related to Alzheimer's disease
• Occupation: Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Bandleader
• Notable Bands: The Nu Kats (also known as The Kats)
• Famous Song: "It's Not A Rumour" (1980)
• Spouses:
  • Demi Moore (née Demi Gene Guynes; married 1981, divorced 1985)
  • Renee Moore (married 2005, until his death in 2022)

Moore's professional career began to flourish in the 1970s, establishing him as a talented artist who was willing to experiment with different musical styles.

The Nu Kats and the Power-Pop Anthem "It's Not A Rumour"

Freddy Moore is best remembered for his work as the lead singer and guitarist of the power-pop band, The Nu Kats. The band was a fixture in the Los Angeles music scene, known for their energetic performances and Moore's flamboyant "feline" on-stage alter ego. This group, sometimes simply called The Kats, was instrumental in defining the sound of the early 1980s rock landscape in L.A. The band's most enduring track is the 1980 song "It's Not A Rumour." This song gained particular notoriety because it was co-written by Moore and his then-wife, Demi Moore (then Demi Guynes). The actress even appeared in the music video for the track, cementing a brief but memorable collaboration between the two. The song itself became an unorthodox, story-driven piece that has since been used as the title for a book detailing Moore's rock and roll journey and his later fight with Alzheimer's. Despite his musical success and a strong following, Moore officially retired from the music business in 1985, the same year his divorce from Demi Moore was finalized. However, his influence and music have seen a resurgence in recent years, with fans and peers celebrating his unique contributions to the genre. He was known for his willingness to collaborate and experiment, keeping his creative spirit alive for decades.

The Marriage That Created a Hollywood Icon: Freddy and Demi Moore

One of the most significant aspects of Freddy Moore's public profile is his marriage to actress Demi Gene Guynes, which had a lasting impact on her career. The two married in 1981 when Demi was just 18 and Freddy was 12 years her senior. The relationship began when Demi was only 17. The marriage, which lasted approximately four years (1981 to 1985), was pivotal for the young actress because she adopted her first husband's surname, "Moore," as her professional stage name. Even after their divorce, she kept the name, which has since become one of the most recognizable in Hollywood, synonymous with films like *Ghost*, *A Few Good Men*, and *G.I. Jane*. The relationship was short-lived, with sources indicating the divorce was finalized in 1985. Demi Moore's subsequent high-profile marriages to Bruce Willis (1987-2000) and Ashton Kutcher (2005-2013) often overshadow her first union, but the permanent change to her name ensures Freddy Moore's name is inextricably linked to her fame.

Later Life, Final Years, and Enduring Legacy

After his retirement from the music scene in the mid-1980s, Freddy Moore led a more private life, though he did remarry in 2005 to Renee. In his later years, Moore faced a challenging battle with Alzheimer's disease. His journey through this illness and his life in rock and roll are chronicled in the book *It's Not a Rumour: A Rock & Roll Journey Through Life and Alzheimer's*. This personal account provides a touching and unconventional look at his survival and resilience. Moore passed away peacefully in hospice care on August 25, 2022, a fact confirmed by his longtime wife, Renee. His passing marked the end of a career that, while not always in the mainstream spotlight, was deeply cherished by his fans and peers. Today, Freddy Moore is remembered not just as the man who married Demi Moore, but as a talented, charismatic, and innovative musician from Minneapolis who left behind a distinct sonic fingerprint on the power-pop genre. His music, particularly the tracks he recorded with The Nu Kats, continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts who appreciate the raw energy and songwriting talent of the 1980s L.A. rock scene. His life story serves as a testament to the enduring power of music and the lasting, often unexpected, ways people influence one another.