Punk and metal great Ross “the Boss” Friedman, guitarist and co-founder of the Dictators and Manowar, has died at the age of 72.
Friedman’s March 26 death was announced Friday, just a month after the guitarist revealed he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“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,” his official social media page wrote. “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.”
The Bronx-born Friedman first emerged in the very early days of New York’s punk scene, co-founding the Dictators in 1973 with his friends Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. During their original run, the group released a trio of albums, most notably 1977’s Manifest Destiny, which managed to crack the Billboard 200 Albums chart.
In 1980, after a stint with Black Sabbath opening act Shakin’ Street, Friedman linked up with Black Sabbath bass tech Joey DeMaio to form the heavy metal band Manowar. During his decade-long run with that group, Friedman appeared on six of Manowar’s albums, including 1984’s Hail to England, which landed at Number 87 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time.
Manowar, who embraced the slogan “Death to false metal,” once set a Guinness World Record for the loudest band in the world. “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, following his recently announced ALS diagnosis,” Manowar said in a statement. “Music was Ross’s life, and he left his mark across both heavy metal and punk rock. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans everywhere.”
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Friedman left Manowar in 1989 and would later perform with Death Dealer, the Spinatras, the Brain Surgeons, and his own Ross the Boss Band, as well reunite with the Dictators over the past few decades.
“His music meant everything to him & his guitar was his life’s breath. This insidious disease took that away from him,” Friedman’s social media account statement added. “His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross the Boss Band and other collabs will live on forever in our hearts and ears.”
