Ross “The Boss” Friedman, former guitarist for Manowar and The Dictators, has died on the age of 72.
The information was confirmed in a press release shared by the Steel Corridor of Fame on Friday (March 27) afternoon. The assertion reads as follows:
Assertion on the Passing of Ross “The Boss” Ross Friedman
It’s with deep disappointment that we verify the passing of legendary guitarist, our expensive good friend, and Steel Corridor of Fame Inductee Ross “The Boss” Friedman.
Ross was a pioneering pressure in each punk and heavy steel, finest generally known as a founding member of The Dictators and Manowar.
Ross will at all times be the Steel Corridor of Fame’s “World Steel Ambassador” to the world. His highly effective enjoying, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped form generations of musicians and followers around the globe.
Earlier this yr, Ross publicly shared his analysis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), going through it with the identical braveness and honesty that outlined his life and profession.
Ross’s affect on music is immeasurable. From the uncooked power of early punk to the epic scale of heavy steel, his work left an enduring mark on the style and on everybody who skilled it.
Past his achievements on stage and within the studio, Ross was deeply revered by his friends and beloved by followers throughout continents. His legacy will dwell on by means of his music, his affect, and the numerous lives he touched.
We lengthen our heartfelt condolences to his household, associates, bandmates, and followers worldwide throughout this troublesome time.
Additional particulars might be shared as they change into out there.
Again in early February, it was revealed that Friedman had been identified with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after noticing a number of signs within the months main as much as the analysis.
READ MORE: Manowar Legend Ross the Boss Performs His Favourite Riffs
“It’s troublesome to know what lies forward, and it crushes me not to have the ability to play guitar, however the outpouring of affection has been so, so robust,” Friedman mentioned in a press release on the time (as shared by AOL). “I’m completely blown away by the love and assist from household, associates and followers. I really like you all.”
Ross “The Boss” Friedman — A Historical past in Heaviness
Ross “The Boss” Friedman first got here to fame as a member of the ’70s punk outfit The Dictators. The group was based in 1972 by Andy “Adny” Shernoff” and Friedman, finally rounding out their preliminary lineup with Scott “Prime Ten” Kempner and drummer Stu Boy King. Friedman offered backing vocals in addition to enjoying lead guitar.
He appeared on three albums with the band throughout their first incarnation -— The Dictators Go Lady Loopy!, Manifest Future and Bloodbrothers. The group would break up in 1980 and remained inactive till their 1995 return which Friedman was part of. A second stint lasted by means of 2008 and their second reunion additionally featured the guitarist when it kicked off in 2020. After their preliminary three albums, The Dictators issued three extra albums between 1990 and current day.
After the preliminary dissolution of The Dictators, Friedman took up residence enjoying guitar with Manowar. He was a member of the band between 1980-1989, showing on their first six studio albums, which yielded such standouts as “Defender,” “All Males Play On 10,” “Blow Your Audio system” and “Coronary heart of Metal.”
Friedman’s different credit got here with Shakin’ Road, Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, Heyday, The Hellacopters, Majesty, Burning Starr and his solo band Ross The Boss. The musician was inducted into the Corridor of Heavy Steel Historical past in 2017.
See different rockers we have misplaced in 2026 within the gallery under.
Rockers We have Misplaced in 2026
The yr has already seen the lack of some superb skills from the rock and steel world.
Gallery Credit score: Chad Childers, Loudwire
