Ross “The Boss” Friedman, the legendary guitarist who helped shape both punk rock and heavy metal through his work with The Dictators and Manowar, has died at age 72. The Bronx-born musician passed away on March 26, just weeks after announcing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
News of Friedman’s death emerged on Friday through a statement posted to his official Instagram account. “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 guitarist revealed his ALS diagnosis on February 9, describing the devastating impact the degenerative disease had on his ability to play. “His music meant everything to him & his guitar was his life’s breath. This insidious disease took that away from him,” the Instagram statement noted.
Friedman’s career spanned five decades and multiple genres. Born January 3, 1954, he co-founded The Dictators in 1973 with Andy “Adny” Shernoff and Scott “Top Ten” Kempner, becoming a foundational figure in New York City’s emerging punk scene. The band released three albums during their initial run—”The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!,” “Manifest Destiny,” and “Bloodbrothers”—earning critical acclaim for their proto-punk sound.
After The Dictators’ first split in 1980, Friedman briefly joined French rock band Shakin’ Street, led by Fabienne Shine. The group opened for Black Sabbath on their Heaven and **** tour, a connection that would prove pivotal for Friedman’s next chapter. While touring with Black Sabbath, he met bassist Joey DeMaio, who was working as the band’s bass technician. Ronnie James Dio introduced the two musicians, and together they formed Manowar.
Manowar became synonymous with epic, mythology-inspired heavy metal and outrageous stage attire. The band members wore fur and loincloths, cultivating an image unlike anything heavy metal had seen. “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 band’s commitment to excess extended beyond costumes. In 1984, the Guinness Book of World Records named Manowar the loudest band on the planet, cementing their reputation for sonic extremity.
Friedman, often seen wielding his Gibson SG, appeared on Manowar’s first six studio albums, including fan favorites “Battle Hymns,” “Into Glory Ride,” and “Hail To England.” His powerful playing and unmistakable tone helped define the band’s sound. DeMaio asked Friedman to leave the band in 1988 following the “Kings of Metal” album, and he departed in 1989.
Following his departure from Manowar, Friedman remained active in music. He performed with multiple projects, including Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom and The Brain Surgeons, while also leading his own Ross the Boss Band. He reunited with The Dictators for two additional stints and continued recording, releasing his most recent solo album, “Born of Fire,” in 2020.
When Friedman announced his ALS diagnosis in February, his publicist explained the symptoms had appeared gradually. “The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs,” the statement noted. Doctors initially suspected minor strokes, but changes in diet, exercise, and physical therapy failed to slow the disease’s progression.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Friedman’s medical care raised over $38,000 from fans worldwide. His death came five weeks after actor Eric Dane succumbed to the same disease on February 19.
Friedman’s Instagram statement concluded with gratitude for his supporters: “His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross the Boss Band and other collabs will live on forever in our hearts and ears.”