Guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman was a founding member of both heavy metal icons Manowar and rock/punk legends The Dictators. Sadly it was reported on Friday that Friedman passed away just a little more than a month after it was announced that he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 72 years old.
The Metal Hall of Fame made the announcement saying: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, and Metal Hall Of Fame inductee Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman. Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of The Dictatotrs and Manowar. Ross will always be the Metal Hall Of Fame’s ‘Global Metal Ambassador’ to the world. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.”
The statement continued: “Earlier this year, Ross publicly shared his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),facing it with the same courage and honesty that defined his life and career. Ross’s impact on music is immeasurable. From the raw energy of early punk to the epic scale of heavy metal, his work left a lasting mark on the genre and on everyone who experienced it. Beyond his achievements on stage and in the studio, Ross was deeply respected by his peers and beloved by fans across continents. His legacy will live on through his music, his influence, and the countless lives he touched.”
An announcement also appeared on Ross’s Facebook page reading: “A legendary guitarist and beloved father, his music and spirit impacted fans around the world as much as you impacted him. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support you all have shown throughout his career and especially these last few months. His music meant everything to him & his guitar was his life’s breath. This insidious disease took that away from him. His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross The Boss and other collabs will live on forever in our hearts and ears.”
