Ross “The Boss” Friedman, pioneering Dictators and Manowar guitarist, dies aged 72
Ross “The Boss” Friedman, guitarist and co-founder of The Dictators and Manowar has died at the age of 72.
Friedman passed away on 26 March, weeks after publicly disclosing that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). News of his death was confirmed via a statement posted to his official Instagram account.
“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 statement reads. “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,” it continues. “This insidious disease took that away from him. His legacy with The Dictators, Manowar, Ross the Boss Band and other collabs will live on forever in our hearts and ears.”
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Born in the Bronx, New York, Friedman emerged in the early 1970s as a co-founder of The Dictators alongside bassist and songwriter Andy Shernoff and rhythm guitarist Scott Kempner. Formed in 1972, the band became an early fixture of the city’s developing punk scene, releasing three albums during its initial run: The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! (1975), Manifest Destiny (1977) and Bloodbrothers (1978). Of those, Manifest Destiny reached the Billboard 200, marking the group’s only chart appearance.
Following his tenure with The Dictators, Friedman briefly performed with Shakin’ Street, who toured as a support act for Black Sabbath, before linking up with bassist Joey DeMaio to form Manowar in 1980. During his decade with the band, Friedman recorded on six studio albums, including 1988’s Kings of Metal, one of their most commercially successful releases.
In 1984, Manowar set the Guinness World Record for the loudest band in the world, a record they have since broken on multiple occasions.
Friedman left Manowar in 1989 but continued working steadily as both a recording and touring musician. He later fronted the Ross the Boss Band, revisiting material from across his catalogue, and played with a range of acts including Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, The Hellacopters, The Nomads and The Brain Surgeons. He also reunited with The Dictators on several occasions, with the band releasing their sixth studio album in 2024.
Friedman was inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History in 2017. A tribute from the organisation describes Ross as a “pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal”: “His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world… 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.”
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
