70s music legend Ross "The Boss" Friedman has died aged 72. The iconic metal guitarist, best known for his time in 1970s punk band The Dictators and the heavy metal band Manowar in the 80s, has passed away just one month after he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
News of his sad passing on March 26 was shared on his Instagram account, with a statement saying: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the Bronx’ own Ross “The Boss,” Friedman. A legendary guitarist and beloved father, his music and spirit impacted fans around the world as much as you impacted him. 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.
A statement shared by Metal Hall of Fame also paid tribute to the late rocker, reading: "Ross will always be [our] ‘Global Metal Ambassador’ to the world. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans worldwide.
"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."
During his career, he founded proto-punk pioneers The Dictators with Andy Shernoff in 1873, playing on their first three albums, The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!, Manifest Destiny and Bloodbrothers, all of which went on to become big hits.
Friedman then supported Black Sabbath on their Heaven And Hell Tour before he was introduced to Joey DeMaio, and they went on to form the heavy metal band Manowar. The band recorded five albums with Friedman, featuring their top hits Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride and Hail To England, when Friedman was asked to leave in 1988.
