Ross “The Boss” Friedman, the renowned guitarist known for his work with iconic rock bands such as The Dictators and Manowar, has passed away at the age of 72. The news was confirmed via a heartfelt post on his official Instagram account, which came mere weeks after he revealed his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
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The announcement shared on March 27 expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Friedman, who hailed from the Bronx. The post stated, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the Bronx’ own Ross ‘The Boss,’ Friedman, who died last night after battling ALS.” Fans were reminded of his significant influence as both a musician and a father, with the message describing how his music touched hearts around the globe.
In an emotional tribute, the statement continued: “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support you all have shown throughout his career and especially these last few months.” The post also reflected on the impact of his illness, noting, “This insidious disease took that away from him,” referring to his ability to play guitar. It concluded with a message emphasising his legacy, which will endure through his contributions to music.
Friedman first opened up about his ALS diagnosis on February 9. In a subsequent press release, he explained that he had been experiencing “very minor strokes” alongside a weakening in his hands and legs prior to the diagnosis. He poignantly remarked on the emotional toll of the situation, saying, “It’s difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar, but the outpouring of love has been so, so strong.”
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative condition that progressively affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle control loss and ultimately, fatality. The challenges posed by this illness are profound, making Friedman’s career and life achievements all the more remarkable.
Friedman was notably a founding member of The Dictators, a hard rock band formed in 1973 alongside fellow musicians Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. The band carved out a significant niche within the punk and rock scenes, and they remained influential well beyond their initial formation.
In 1980, Friedman transitioned from The Dictators to join Manowar, a heavy metal outfit formed with the help of Black Sabbath’s former bass technician, Joey DeMaio. His tenure with Manowar lasted until 1989, after which he continued to show his versatility and talent through performances with several other groups, including Death Dealer, Shakin’ Street, The Spinatras, and The Brain Surgeons. In 2009, he established the Ross The Boss Band, which provided him an avenue to continue expressing his musical talents.
Throughout his illustrious career, Friedman produced several notable albums, including The Dictators Go Girl Crazy, Manifest Destiny, and Battle Hymns. More recently, in 2023, his band released the compilation album “Legacy of Blood, Fire & Steel” and a new single titled “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” scheduled for 2025.
Friedman’s legacy was further solidified when he was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017, a recognition that underscored his pivotal role in the evolution of rock and metal music. His influence continues to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike, who will remember him not only for his notable recordings but also for his passion and dedication to music.
As the news of his passing circulates, tributes from friends, fans, and fellow musicians are expected to flood in, celebrating the rich legacy that Friedman leaves behind. His contributions to The Dictators and Manowar, alongside his collaborations with various artists, have firmly entrenched him in the annals of rock history. The music community mourns the loss of a brilliant guitarist and a vibrant spirit who inspired many throughout his career.