MANOWAR have issued an official statement following the passing of their former guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman, who died at the age of 72.
The band shared a tribute via Facebook, writing: “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 comes just over a month after he publicly revealed he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
The news was also confirmed by the Metal Hall Of Fame, which released a detailed statement honoring the guitarist’s legacy: “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.”
“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.”
“Earlier this year, Ross publicly shared his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS),facing it with the same courage and honesty that defined his life and career.”
“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.”
A separate message shared on Friedman’s official Facebook page offered a more personal farewell: “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.”
“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 and other collabs will live on forever in our hearts and ears.”
Friedman first went public with his illness earlier this year after months of unexplained physical symptoms. Initially believed to be minor strokes, the condition was later identified as ALS when treatments failed to slow its progression. The disease attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to loss of muscle control and paralysis.
As a founding member of both THE DICTATORS and MANOWAR, Friedman played a crucial role in shaping two distinct musical movements. With The Dictators, he helped ignite the early punk scene in the 1970s, releasing influential records like Go Girl Crazy! (1975), Manifest Destiny (1977), and Bloodbrothers (1978).
In the 1980s, he transitioned into heavy metal and co-founded MANOWAR, contributing to a defining run of albums including Battle Hymns (1982), Into Glory Ride (1983), Hail To England (1984), and Kings Of Metal (1988), records that would go on to cement the band’s place in metal history.
Reeder, the visionary behind Metal Addicts, has transformed his lifelong passion for metal into a thriving online community for metal aficionados. As a fervent devotee of black metal, Reeder is captivated by its dark, atmospheric, and often unorthodox soundscapes.