Ross "The Boss" Friedman has died at age 72, according to an announcement on his official Instagram account
NEED TO KNOW
Friedman was a founding member of The Dictators and later joined the heavy metal band, Manowar
The guitarist revealed in February that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Ross "The Boss" Friedman, a member of the rock bands The Dictators and Manowar, has died. He was 72.
On Friday, March 27, a post on Friedman'sofficial Instagram accountannounced his death, just weeks after he had publicly shared hisamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS) diagnosis.
"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 caption of the post read. "A legendary guitarist and beloved father, his music and spirit impacted fans around the world as much as you impacted him."
The caption continued, "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," the post added, referring to his ALS diagnosis. "His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross the Boss Band and other collabs will live on forever in our hearts and ears."
Friedman announced his ALS diagnosis on Feb. 9. In a press release at the time, he revealed that his diagnosis came after suffering "very minor strokes," as well as weakness in his hands and legs.
"It's difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar, but the outpouring of love has been so, so strong," Friedman said in a statement.
Advertisement
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control, according toMayo Clinic. It is ultimately fatal.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Friedman was one of the founding members of the hard rock band The Dictators, formed in 1973, alongside his friends Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. In 1980, the Bronx-born musician left the band to join the heavy metal band Manowar with Black Sabbath bass tech Joey DeMaio.
Friedman left Manowar in 1989. He went on to perform with Death Dealer, Shakin' Street, The Spinatras and The Brain Surgeons. In 2009, he started the Ross The Boss Band.
Friedman's notable albums includeThe Dictators Go Girl Crazy,Manifest DestinyandBattle Hymns. In 2023, Ross the Boss Band released theirLegacy of Blood, Fire & Steelcompilation album and in 2025, dropped their single "Fooled Around and Fell in Love."
Friedman was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017.
Read the original article onPeople
0 Comments