Ross “The Boss” Friedman, the iconic guitarist whose contributions helped define punk rock and heavy metal via his involvement with The Dictators and Manowar, has passed away at the age of 72. The musician from the Bronx died on March 26, mere weeks following his public announcement of an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
Information about Friedman’s passing surfaced on March 27 via a message shared on his official Instagram page. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the Bronx’s own Ross ‘The Boss,’ Friedman, who died last night after battling ALS,” the statement read.
The musician disclosed his ALS diagnosis on Feb. 9, outlining the terrible toll the progressive illness had taken on his capacity to perform. “His music meant everything to him and his guitar was his life’s breath. This disease took that away from him,” the Instagram statement noted.
Friedman’s musical journey extended across 50 years and numerous musical styles. Born Jan. 3, 1954, he established The Dictators in 1973 alongside Andy “Adny” Shernoff and Scott “Top Ten” Kempner, establishing himself as a pioneering presence in New York City’s developing punk movement. The group released three records throughout their original period—”The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!,” “Manifest Destiny,” and “Bloodbrothers”—garnering praise from critics for their proto-punk approach.
Following The Dictators’ initial dissolution in 1980, Friedman temporarily became part of French rock ensemble Shakin’ Street, fronted by Fabienne Shine. The ensemble performed opening sets for Black Sabbath during their Heaven and Hell tour, a relationship that would become crucial for Friedman’s subsequent career phase. During his time touring alongside Black Sabbath, he encountered bassist Joey DeMaio, who served as the group’s bass technician. Ronnie James Dio facilitated the introduction between these two artists, and they subsequently established Manowar.
Manowar developed a reputation for grandiose, mythology-influenced heavy metal and extravagant performance costumes. The ensemble members donned fur and loincloths, creating a visual presentation unparalleled in their genre. “We wanted to look like something never before seen in heavy metal,” Friedman told Classic Rock. “We wanted to be wilder than just denim and leather. What would be wilder? Animal fur!”
The ensemble’s dedication to extremes went well past their wardrobe choices. In 1984, the Guinness World Records designated Manowar the loudest band on the planet, solidifying their standing for auditory intensity.
Friedman, frequently observed playing his Gibson SG, contributed to Manowar’s initial six studio releases, including albums such as “Battle Hymns,” “Into Glory Ride,” and “Hail To England.” His forceful performance style and distinctive sound contributed significantly to establishing the band’s musical identity. DeMaio requested that Friedman leave the band in 1988 after the “Kings of Metal” album, and his departure occurred in 1989.
Manowar ended their silence after learning of his death. “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, following his ALS diagnosis announced on Feb. 9. Music was Ross’s life, and he left his mark across both heavy metal and punk rock,” the band said in a statement.
After leaving Manowar, Friedman continued his involvement in the music world. He collaborated with various ensembles, including Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom and The Brain Surgeons, in addition to fronting his personal Ross the Boss Band. He rejoined The Dictators for two separate periods and kept producing music, issuing his latest solo record, “Born of Fire,” in 2020.
When Friedman made public his ALS diagnosis in February, his publicist detailed how the symptoms had developed over time. “The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs,” the statement noted. Medical professionals initially thought minor strokes might be responsible, but modifications to diet, exercise, and physical therapy proved unable to halt the disease’s advancement.
A GoFundMe initiative created to assist with Friedman’s healthcare expenses collected more than $38,000 from supporters around the globe. His passing occurred five weeks after actor Eric Dane’s death from the same illness on Feb. 19.
Friedman was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017, together with his Manowar colleagues. The institution released a memorial describing him as their “Global Metal Ambassador” to the world, adding that “his 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.”
Other guitarists offered tributes via social media platforms. Testament’s Alex Skolnick wrote on Instagram: “Farewell Long Island legend Ross The Boss, who, in a very rare combination, brought tasty licks to both ’70s punk and ’80s bombastic metal, with The Dictators and Manowar.”
Friedman’s Instagram statement concluded with gratitude for his supporters: “His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross the Boss Band and other collaborations will live on forever in our hearts and ears.”