Ross “The Boss” Friedman, Founding Manowar Guitarist, Dead at 72

Legendary guitarist Ross 'The Boss' Friedman, best known as a founding member of the heavy metal band Manowar and the proto-punk group The Dictators, has died at the age of 72. His death was confirmed on March 26, 2026, following a recent battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Friedman was widely regarded as a pioneering guitarist who helped bridge the worlds of early punk rock and traditional heavy metal. Born in New York City on January 3, 1954, he first rose to prominence in the early 1970s when he co-founded The Dictators, a band often credited as an early influence on the developing punk movement. The group’s 1975 debut album Go Girl Crazy! became a cult classic and helped shape the aggressive sound and attitude that would later define punk rock.

In 1980, Friedman co-founded Manowar alongside bassist Joey DeMaio. The band would go on to become one of the most recognizable names in power metal and traditional heavy metal. During his time with the group, Friedman recorded six studio albums, including fan favorites such as Battle Hymns (1982), Into Glory Ride (1983), Hail to England (1984), and Kings of Metal (1988). His melodic yet aggressive guitar style became a defining element of Manowar’s early sound.

Friedman left Manowar after the release of Kings of Metal in 1988 but remained active in music for decades. He reunited periodically with former bandmates for special performances and continued releasing music through various projects, including his own band and the heavy metal supergroup Death Dealer. Throughout his career, he was widely respected for his powerful tone, precise technique, and unwavering dedication to classic metal traditions.

In February 2026, Friedman publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS after experiencing weakness in his hands and legs. The disease rapidly progressed, ultimately leading to his death just over a month later. ALS is a degenerative neurological condition that attacks the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscle movement.

Tributes from fellow musicians and fans quickly poured in following the news. The Metal Hall of Fame described Friedman as a pioneering force whose work in both punk and heavy metal influenced generations of artists and listeners. His distinctive guitar work and uncompromising spirit left a lasting mark on multiple genres of rock music.

Over more than five decades in music, Ross “The Boss” Friedman built a reputation as one of heavy metal’s most passionate and enduring figures. From the raw energy of The Dictators to the epic metal anthems of Manowar, his contributions helped shape the sound and identity of two major movements in rock history.