Ross “The Boss” Friedman, known for his work with Manowar, The Dictators and Shakin’ Street, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news was shared through a statement from the Metal Hall Of Fame. It comes only weeks after a fundraising effort had been organised to help cover medical expenses following his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
“Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of The Dictators and Manowar,” the statement read. “Ross will always be the Metal Hall of Fame’s ‘Global Metal Ambassador’ to the world. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.
“Ross’s impact on music is immeasurable. 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.”
Friedman formed proto punk trailblazers The Dictators in 1973. After contributing to their first three albums, he later relocated to Europe where he joined the French hard rock group Shakin’ Street, stepping in for their original guitarist Armik Tigrane.
Before that band split in 1981, Friedman had already moved on to join Manowar, the fantasy themed heavy metal band formed with bassist Joey DeMaio, vocalist Eric Adams and drummer Donnie Hamzik. The group quickly gained attention not only for their sound but also for their stage image, including their fur and loincloth costumes, and for famously signing a record deal in blood to show their commitment to heavy metal.
“We wanted to look like something never before seen in heavy metal,” Friedman previously told Classic Rock. “We wanted to be wilder than just denim and leather. What would be wilder? Animal fur!”
After contributing to five Manowar records, including fan favourites ‘Battle Hymns’, ‘Into Glory Ride’ and ‘Hail To England’, Friedman departed the band in 1988. In the years that followed he performed with numerous other projects such as Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, The Hellacopters, The Nomads, the Brain Surgeons and Burning Star. He also reunited with The Dictators on two later occasions, with the group releasing their sixth album in 2024.
