Ross
Friedman
Ross "The Boss" Friedman was an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose thunderous riffs helped shape both punk rock and heavy metal. A classically trained prodigy on piano and violin, he...
Ross remembered.
In 1973, Friedman co-founded The Dictators with Andy Shernoff in New York City. Often cited as the first signed punk rock band, The Dictators helped launch the legendary CBGBs scene and released landmark albums including The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! (1975), Manifest Destiny (1977), and Bloodbrothers (1978). Their raw energy and irreverent attitude laid the groundwork for punk as a movement.
In 1980, Ronnie James Dio introduced Friedman to bassist Joey DeMaio during Black Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell" tour. Together they co-founded Manowar, one of the most iconic heavy metal bands of all time. Over eight years, Ross crafted the guitar work on genre-defining albums like Battle Hymns (1982), Into Glory Ride (1983), Hail to England (1984), Sign of the Hammer (1984), Fighting the World (1987), and Kings of Metal (1988). He is widely regarded as the definitive Manowar guitar player.
Beyond his two most celebrated bands, Ross's career spanned an extraordinary range. He played with Shakin' Street in France, Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, the Death Dealer supergroup, and collaborated with acts like The Hellacopters and The Nomads. He also produced early recordings for Anthrax. As a solo artist under the Ross The Boss banner, he released acclaimed albums including New Metal Leader (2008), Hailstorm (2010), By Blood Sworn (2018), and Born of Fire (2020).
In 2017, he was inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History and was named Global Metal Ambassador by the Metal Hall of Fame — honors befitting a guitarist who played on over 70 records across five decades.
On February 9, 2026, Ross publicly revealed his diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). In his own words: "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." He passed away on March 27, 2026, at the age of 72. His legacy — from the raw rebellion of punk to the soaring power of metal — endures in every riff he ever played.
]]>A life in moments.
Born in the Bronx, New York City
Ross Friedman was born in the Bronx, New York City. A musical prodigy from an early age, he was classically trained on piano and violin before discovering the electric guitar — the instrument that would define his life.
Co-founded The Dictators
Together with Andy Shernoff, Ross co-founded The Dictators in New York City. Often considered the first signed punk rock band, they helped launch the legendary CBGBs scene and became pioneers of proto-punk.
The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! Released
The Dictators' landmark debut album was released, blending hard rock with humor and attitude. Though initially a commercial disappointment, it became hugely influential and is now considered a cornerstone of punk rock.
Co-founded Manowar
After being introduced to bassist Joey DeMaio by Ronnie James Dio during Black Sabbath's "Heaven and Hell" tour, Ross co-founded Manowar — a band that would become one of heavy metal's most iconic acts.
Battle Hymns — Manowar's Debut
Manowar released their debut album Battle Hymns, which Ross also produced. The album established Manowar's epic, larger-than-life approach to heavy metal and remains a genre classic.
Hail to England & Sign of the Hammer
In a prolific year, Manowar released two albums — Hail to England and Sign of the Hammer — further cementing their status as true metal warriors. Ross's guitar work on these records is considered some of his finest.
Kings of Metal — Final Manowar Album
Ross's final album with Manowar, Kings of Metal, was released. Containing anthems like "Hail and Kill" and the title track, it became one of the band's most beloved records. Ross departed shortly after, but his eight-year tenure defined the band's sound.
Reunion with Manowar at Earthshaker Festival
Ross made a special guest appearance with Manowar at the Earthshaker Festival in Germany — a momentous reunion that thrilled fans who had long hoped to see him back on stage with the band he helped create.
New Metal Leader — Solo Debut
Ross launched his solo career with the album New Metal Leader, proving that his fire and creativity burned as brightly as ever. Signed to AFM Records, he embarked on a new chapter that would span nearly two decades.
Death Dealer at Headbangers Open Air
Ross performed with his supergroup Death Dealer at the Headbangers Open Air festival, showcasing his undiminished power and stage presence alongside vocalist Sean Peck and drummer Rhino.
Inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History
Ross was inducted into the Hall of Heavy Metal History and named Global Metal Ambassador by the Metal Hall of Fame — fitting recognition for a guitarist whose riffs shaped the sound of an entire genre across five decades.
Born of Fire Released
Ross released his fourth solo album Born of Fire, continuing to deliver powerful heavy metal. The album demonstrated that even four decades into his career, his passion for music remained undimmed.
Publicly Announced ALS Diagnosis
Ross courageously shared his diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) with the world. His words moved the metal community: "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."
Passed Away at Age 72
Ross "The Boss" Friedman passed away from ALS at the age of 72. From The Dictators to Manowar to his prolific solo career, he left behind an extraordinary legacy — over 70 records, countless live performances, and riffs that will echo through the ages.
The people they loved,
and the people who loved them.
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Photographs
kept by the family.
For the record.
- Born
- January 3, 1954 · Bronx, New York City, New York
- Died
- March 27, 2026
- Age at passing
- 72