Ross “The Boss” Friedman has died aged 72, just weeks after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a type of motor neurone disease (MND)
Iconic guitarist dies weeks after ALS diagnosis after making ‘immeasurable’ impact on music(Image: FilmMagic)
“Deeply respected” punk and metal guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman has died aged 72, just weeks after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a type of motor neurone disease (MND). The rocker rose to fame in 1970s punk band The Dictators, before moving on to be part of metal band Manowar in the 1980s – he said he was “crushed” to be unable to play guitar after his diagnosis.
The Metal Hall Of Fame confirmed the news in a statement, just weeks after a fundraiser was launched to pay for his medical care following his diagnosis. The statement read: “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.
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“Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of The Dictators 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. 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. 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.”
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Announcing his diagnosis in February, his publicist said in a 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 nothing to slow the progression or increase his strength.”
Friedman said at the time: “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. I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all.”
Friedman, who was born in 1954 in New York, founded controversial punk pioneers The Dictators in 1973. Their first three albums, which include the classic debut Go Girl Crazy!, were released in the US, but they disbanded briefly.
After they were released, Friedman moved to Europe to join French band Shakin’ Street, after their original guitarist Armik Tigrane was sacked after he sold his guitar to buy heroin. They released a live album Scarlet: The Old Waldorf, August 1979, followed by a self-titled studio album, before disbanding in 1981.
But Friedman had already left to join Manowar, with bassist Joey DeMaio, singer Eric Adams and drummer Donnie Hamzik. The band were known for their unique attire – fur and loincloths – and they also gained notoriety when they signed a record deal in blood.
After recording five albums with Manowar, including the opening trio of Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride and Hail To England, Friedman was asked to leave the band in 1988. In an interview he said he was sacked because of “money and greed, and him not having to have a partner like me, 50 percent partner.”
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