Former Manowar, Dictators, and Shakin’ Street guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman has died, aged 72.
The news was confirmed in a statement released by the Metal Hall Of Fame, and arrives just weeks after a fundraising campaign was launched to pay for the late musician’s medical care following his diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known 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.”
In 1973, Friedman founded proto-punk pioneers The Dictators, and after playing on their first three albums, moved to Europe to play with French hard rock outfit Shakin’ Street to replace the band’s original guitarist, Armik Tigrane.
By the time they disbanded in 1981, he’d already left to join the mythology inspired Manowar alongside bassist Joey DeMaio, singer Eric Adams and drummer Donnie Hamzik, who gained swift notoriety for their onstage outfits – namely their loincloths and fur – as well as for signing a record contract in blood to symbolise their dedication 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 recording five albums with Manowar – including their much loved ‘Battle Hymns’, ‘Into Glory Ride’ and ‘Hail To England’, Friedman was asked to leave the band in 1988. The year’s thereafter saw him play alongside several other acts, including Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, The Hellacopters, The Nomads, the Brain Surgeons, Burning Star and more, in addition to two further stints with The Dictators, who released their sixth album back in 2024.