Ross "The Boss" Friedman, former Manowar and Dictators guitarist, has died

Ross “The Boss” Friedman, former guitarist of Manowar and the Dictators, has died at the age of 72. The news was announced in a statement from the Metal Hall of Fame. In the message, Friedman is remembered as a pioneering figure who bridged two key eras of electric music: the urgency of early punk and the epic scope of heavy metal. His direct, instantly recognizable guitar style helped shape a language that would go on to influence later generations, while his consistently unwavering attitude made him a touchstone for fellow musicians and fans alike.

At the start of 2026, the musician had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a condition he faced publicly with clear-eyed honesty. In a message shared shortly after the diagnosis, Friedman spoke openly about how hard it was to imagine the future and about the pain of no longer being able to play, while also thanking fans for their support.

His career took shape in the early Seventies with the Dictators, one of the earliest bands on the New York punk scene. With them he recorded three albums – “The Dictators Go Girl Crazy!”, “Manifest Destiny” and “Bloodbrothers” – helping to define a sound that blended irony, energy and proto-hardcore attitude. After the band split in 1980, he went on to rejoin them for various reunions in the years that followed, up through the 2000s.

At the same time, Friedman joined Manowar, where he played from 1980 to 1989, helping to build the epic aesthetic and sound that would make the band one of the most recognizable names in international metal.

Over the years he also took part in numerous other projects, including Shakin' Street, Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, Heyday, Hellacopters, Majesty, Burning Starr, as well as his solo work under the name Ross The Boss.

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