Former Manowar guitarist Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman has died at the age of 72 after battling ALS. An announcement was shared on Instagram confirming his passing.
The official statement was posted on Friedman’s Instagram account. It confirmed his passing and reflected on his musical legacy.
“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,” the statement read. “A legendary guitarist and beloved father, his music and spirit impacted fans around the world as much as you impacted him.”
The announcement continued to acknowledge the support Friedman received throughout his career and during his illness.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and support you all have shown throughout his career and especially these last few months,” the statement continued. “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.”
Manowar also issued a statement reacting to The Boss’ passing and wrote, “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. Rest in peace, Ross.”
Friedman’s death marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned multiple decades and genres. His work left an indelible mark on both punk and heavy metal music.
The Gauntlet reported that Friedman was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal. He co-founded The Dictators in the proto-punk era before transitioning to metal where he achieved his greatest recognition. In 1980, he co-founded Manowar alongside bassist Joey DeMaio. He helped pioneer a grandiose, mythologically-themed style of heavy metal emphasizing power, speed, and theatricality.
During his formative years with Manowar, Art Threat noted that Friedman recorded six influential albums between 1982 and 1988. These included Battle Hymns (1982), Into Glory Ride (1983), Hail to England (1984), and Sign of the Hammer (1984). He was asked to leave the band in 1988 after the release of Kings of Metal.
After leaving Manowar, Friedman pursued a diverse musical path. The Rock Revival documented that he formed The Brain Surgeons in the late 1980s, exploring experimental and progressive rock directions. He collaborated with various artists including punk icon Dee Dee Ramone. He also played with acts including Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, The Hellacopters, Majesty, and Burning Star.
In the 2010s, Friedman experienced a resurgence through the Ross the Boss Band. He released albums like New Metal Leader (2008), Hailstorm (2010), and By Blood Sworn (2018). Louder Sound confirmed that he reunited periodically with Manowar for special performances and had two further stints with The Dictators. The Dictators released their sixth album in September 2024.
The Metal Hall of Fame described Friedman as a pioneering force whose work influenced generations of artists and listeners. This Day in Metal highlighted that he was widely respected for his powerful tone, precise technique, and unwavering dedication to classic metal traditions. His distinctive guitar work and uncompromising spirit left a lasting mark on multiple genres of rock music.
