Ross “The Boss” Friedman, the iconic guitar player who contributed to defining both punk rock and heavy metal with his contributions to The Dictators and Manowar, has passed away at the age of 72. The musician from the Bronx, New York City passed away on March 26, 2026, only a short time after revealing his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis.
Word of Friedman’s passing came out on March 27 via a post on his official Instagram page. “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 guitar player disclosed his ALS diagnosis on February 9, detailing the catastrophic effect the degenerative condition had on his capacity to perform. “His music meant everything to him and his guitar was his life’s breath. This insidious disease took that away from him,” the Instagram statement noted.
Friedman’s professional journey covered 50 years and numerous musical styles. Born January 3, 1954, he helped establish The Dictators in 1973 alongside Andy “Adny” Shernoff and Scott “Top Ten” Kempner, establishing himself as a cornerstone of New York City’s developing punk movement. The group put out three records during their original period—”The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!,” “Manifest Destiny,” and “Bloodbrothers”—receiving critical praise for their proto-punk approach.
Following The Dictators’ initial breakup in 1980, Friedman temporarily became part of French rock group Shakin’ Street, fronted by Fabienne Shine. The ensemble opened for Black Sabbath on their Heaven and Hell tour, a link that would become crucial for Friedman’s subsequent phase. During his time touring with Black Sabbath, he encountered bassist Joey DeMaio, who was serving as the band’s bass technician. Ronnie James Dio introduced the two musicians, and together they formed Manowar.
Manowar became associated with grand, mythology-influenced heavy metal and extravagant stage clothing. The band members wore fur and loincloths, developing an appearance 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 dedication to extremes went beyond their wardrobes. In 1984, the Guinness Book of World Records named Manowar the loudest band on the planet, solidifying their standing for sonic intensity.
Friedman, frequently observed playing his Gibson SG, performed on Manowar’s initial six studio records, including beloved releases “Battle Hymns,” “Into Glory Ride,” and “Hail To England.” His forceful performance and distinctive sound contributed to establishing the band’s musical character. DeMaio asked Friedman to leave the band in 1988 following the “Kings of Metal” album, and he departed in 1989.
Manowar broke their silence following news of his death. “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’ life, and he left his mark across both heavy metal and punk rock,” the band said in a statement.
After leaving Manowar, Friedman stayed involved in the music scene. He played with several projects, including Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom and The Brain Surgeons, while simultaneously fronting his own Ross the Boss Band. He rejoined The Dictators for two more periods and kept recording, putting out his latest solo record, “Born of Fire,” in 2020.
When Friedman disclosed his ALS diagnosis in February, his publicist described that the symptoms had emerged slowly. “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 created to help with Friedman’s medical expenses collected more than $38,000 from supporters around the globe. His passing occurred five weeks after actor Eric Dane succumbed to the same disease on February 19.
Friedman had been inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside his Manowar bandmates. The organization issued a tribute calling him their “Global Metal Ambassador” to the world, adding that “his 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.”
Fellow guitarists paid tribute across social media. Testament’s Alex Skolnick wrote on Instagram: “Farewell Long Island legend Ross The Boss, who, in a very rare combination, brought tasty licks to both ’70s punk and ’80s bombastic metal, with The Dictators and Manowar.”
Friedman’s Instagram statement concluded with gratitude for his supporters: “His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross the Boss Band and other collaborations will live on forever in our hearts and ears.”
