Heavy Metal Legend Ross "The Boss" Friedman Dies at 72 After ALS Battle

Ross "The Boss" Friedman, the influential guitarist best known for his work with The Dictators and Manowar, has died. He passed away yesterday at the age of 72 after a battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

The news was shared via his official Instagram account. The post reads:

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"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."

"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."

"His music meant everything to him & his guitar was his life’s breath. This insidious disease took that away from him."

"His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross the Boss Band and other collabs will live on forever in our hearts and ears"

It was revealed last month that Friedman had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after noticing symptoms in the months leading up to the diagnosis.
Ross The Boss

Friedman was born in the Bronx, New York on January 3, 1954. He formed The Dictators in 1973 with Andy Shernoff in New Paltz and appeared on three albums: The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!, Manifest Destiny, and Bloodbrothers. Then he went to France and played in Shakin' Street, who supported Black Sabbath on their Heaven And Hell Tour, where Friedman was introduced to Joey DeMaio, with whom he would start Manowar. They did six albums together before DeMaio asked him to leave the band. In 2017 he was inducted into the Hall Of Heavy Metal History.

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