Legend Ross Friedman Dies at 72

Ross “The Boss” Friedman passed away just weeks after announcing he was battling ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, he was 72 years old.

Friedman Goodbyes

The Metal Hall of Fame issued the following statement: “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, Metal Hall of Fame Inductee, and Global Metal Ambassador Ross “The Boss” Friedman. Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best know as a founding member of The Dictators and Manowar. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.

“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 achievement 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.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, bandmates, and fans worldwide during this difficult time. Further details will be shared as they become available.”

The statement added that he fought this illness “with the same courage and honesty that defined his life and career.”

Friedman disclosed his diagnosis in February in a released statement. “The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs. A series of very minor strokes was initially thought to have been the cause, but changes in diet, exercise and added physical therapy did not slow the progression or increase his strength.”

ALS attacks the nervous system and impacts nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It causes loss of muscle control and get worse over time, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Becoming Legendary

The rock legend was born in New York in 1954 and founded The Dictators in 1973, as a proto-punk pioneer. After recording three albums, including “Go Girl Crazy!” he moved to Europe to play with Shakin Street, French hard rockers. He joined the band after their original guitarist, Armik Tigrane was dismissed for selling his guitar to purchase heroin.

Friedman he recorded “Scarlet: The Old Waldorf, August 1979” live and a self-titled studio album before disbanding in 1981.

Friedman joined Manowar alongside bassist Joey DeMaio, singer Eric Adams, and drummer Donnie Hamzik. The band’s appearance in loincloths and fur and signing their recording contract in blood gained them notoriety.

“We wanted to look like something never before seen in heavy metal. We wanted to be wilder than just denim and leather. What would be wilder? Animal fur!” Friedman told Classic Rock.

He recorded five albums with the band including the opening trio of Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride and Hail to England, before being asked to leave the group in 1988.

Friedman played with Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, The Hellacopters, The Nomads, Majesty, the Brain Surgeons, Burning Star, the Ross The Boss Band, and more. He also completed two more stints with the Dictators who released their sixth album in September 2024.

His work with Manowar is the most celebrated. “We invented this thing and they called it power metal. All those musicians that followed Manowar from the beginning, they all became successful. Amon Amarth, Hammerfall, Blind Guardian, Sabaton – Sabaton, my God, they worship us, I mean worship!” Friedman told Classic Rock.

Sources:

Yahoo: Rock legend dies at 72 just weeks after revealing he was battling incurable disease
Rolling Stone: Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, the Dictators and Manowar Guitarist, Dead at 72
Louder: Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, founding guitarist with Manowar and the Dictators dead at 72

Featured Image Courtesy of Ainhoa I.’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License