Legendary guitarist Ross The Boss Friedman, co-founder of the Dictators and Manowar, has died at 72 after a battle with ALS.
- March 29, 2026
AceShowbiz - Ross The Boss Friedman, renowned guitarist and co-founder of both the punk band the Dictators and the heavy metal group Manowar, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of Friedman's death was made public on March 28, 2026, just two days after he died on March 26. This announcement came shortly after he disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
"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," his official social media page stated. "A legendary guitarist and beloved father, his music and spirit impacted fans around the world as much as you impacted him." The message expressed gratitude for the widespread support he received throughout his career and especially during the final months of his illness.
Friedman first gained recognition in the early 1970s as a founding member of the Dictators, a pioneering New York punk band formed in 1973 alongside Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. The group released three albums during their original era, including the critically noted 1977 release Manifest Destiny, which managed to enter the Billboard 200 Albums chart.
After a brief period playing with Shakin' Street, an opening act for Black Sabbath, Friedman joined forces with Joey DeMaio, Black Sabbath’s bass technician, to create the heavy metal band Manowar in 1980. Over the next decade, he contributed to six of Manowar’s albums, notably the 1984 release Hail to England. This album was recognized by Rolling Stone, ranking at number 87 on their list of the 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time.
Manowar became famous for their motto "Death to false metal," and they also set a Guinness World Record for being the loudest band in the world. Following Friedman's passing, the band released a statement expressing sadness over his death after his ALS diagnosis. They acknowledged music as his life and highlighted the significant impact he made on both heavy metal and punk rock music.
The statement concluded by extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans worldwide, honoring his legacy as a musician who left an indelible mark on the genres he helped shape.
