Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, Punk and Metal Pioneer, Dies at 72 After ALS Battle
Guitarist Ross “the Boss” Friedman, co-founder of influential punk band The Dictators and heavy metal powerhouse Manowar, has passed away at 72 after a battle with ALS.
Punk and metal lost a true icon. Ross “the Boss” Friedman, guitarist and co-founder of The Dictators and Manowar, died on March 26 at the age of 72.
The news arrived just a month after Friedman publicly shared his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
His official social media page shared a heartfelt message: “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.”
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Friedman's career began in the early days of New York's burgeoning punk scene. In 1973, he co-founded The Dictators alongside Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. The band released three albums, including 1977’s Manifest Destiny, which broke into the Billboard 200.
In 1980, after playing with Shakin’ Street, Friedman joined forces with Joey DeMaio (then a Black Sabbath bass tech) to create Manowar. During his decade with the band, Friedman contributed to six albums, including 1984’s Hail to England, which earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time.
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Known for their unapologetic heavy metal anthems and the slogan “Death to false metal,” Manowar once held a Guinness World Record for being the loudest band in the world. Manowar released a statement saying: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, following his recently announced ALS diagnosis. 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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After leaving Manowar in 1989, Friedman continued to make music with groups like Death Dealer, the Spinatras, the Brain Surgeons, and his own Ross the Boss Band, and reunited with The Dictators.
His social media statement concluded: “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.”
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