Ross ‘the Boss’ Friedman, the Dictators and Manowar Guitarist, Dies at 72 Following ALS Diagnosis

Escher WalcottSun, March 29, 2026 at 10:18 AM UTC

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Ross 'The Boss' Friedman in 1984Credit: Fin Costello/Redferns -

Ross "The Boss" Friedman has died at age 72, according to an announcement on his official Instagram account

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's official Instagram account announced his death, just weeks after he had publicly shared his amyotrophic 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."

Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman has died at the age of 72Credit: Ross Friedman/Instagram

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.

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ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control, according to Mayo Clinic. It is ultimately fatal.

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Joey DeMaio, Scott Columbus, Eric Adams, Ross Friedman of Manowar in 1984Credit: Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty

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 include The Dictators Go Girl Crazy, Manifest Destiny and Battle Hymns. In 2023, Ross the Boss Band released their Legacy of Blood, Fire & Steel compilation album and in 2025, dropped their single "Fooled Around and Fell in Love.”

Friedman was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”