THE BEAST

Heavy metal and punk rock legend Ross “The Boss” Friedman, founding guitarist of MANOWAR and THE DICTATORS, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

According to a statement from Friedman’s publicist, the 72 year old musician received the diagnosis after months of unexplained physical symptoms, including weakness in his hands and legs. Doctors initially believed a series of minor strokes may have been responsible, but changes in diet, exercise, and physical therapy did not slow the progression of symptoms, leading to further testing and the eventual ALS diagnosis.

Friedman shared his own words with fans following the news:

“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. I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends, and fans. I love you all.”

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual loss of voluntary muscle control. There is currently no cure.

Ross “The Boss” is widely regarded as one of the true architects of classic heavy metal guitar. As a founding member of MANOWAR, he recorded six studio albums with the band, including genre defining releases such as Battle Hymns (1982), Into Glory Ride (1983), Hail To England (1984), and Kings Of Metal (1988). His riff driven, no frills approach helped shape MANOWAR’s signature sound and influence generations of metal guitarists.

Before his time in MANOWAR, Friedman was already a trailblazer in punk rock with THE DICTATORS. The band’s 1975 debut Go Girl Crazy! predates landmark releases by RAMONES, THE CLASH, and the SEX PISTOLS, cementing Ross as a pioneer at the ground floor of the punk movement. Albums like Manifest Destiny (1977) and Bloodbrothers (1978) further solidified the band’s cult status.

Throughout the decades, Friedman continued to bridge the worlds of punk and metal. He reunited with fellow DICTATORS members in MANITOBA’S WILD KINGDOM, collaborated with Albert Bouchard of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT in BRAIN SURGEONS, and later returned fully to heavy metal with projects such as DEATH DEALER and his solo band ROSS THE BOSS. His career stands as a rare example of an artist who helped shape two major underground movements from the inside out.

News of Friedman’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from fans, musicians, and members of the global metal community. While the road ahead is uncertain, his legacy is carved into the foundations of heavy music itself. Ross “The Boss” is not just a guitarist. He is part of the DNA of metal and punk, and his impact will continue to roar long after the final chord fades.