Ross Friedman, widely known as Ross “The Boss,” a founding member of both Manowar and The Dictators whose impact on heavy metal and punk rock continues to resonate, has been diagnosed with ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative condition that targets motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to increasing muscle weakness, paralysis, and the gradual loss of voluntary muscle control.
A statement issued by Friedman’s publicist reads as follows:
“Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, founding member of punk rock legends The Dictators and heavy metal stalwarts Manowar, has been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs. A series of very minor strokes was initially thought to have been the cause, but changes in diet, exercise and added physical therapy did nothing to slow the progression or increase his strength.”
Ross also issued his own statement: “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.”
Friedman played on Manowar‘s first six albums, including influential releases like Battle Hymns, Into Glory Ride, and Hail To England, before his departure after 1988’s Kings Of Metal.
Ross was a key early figure in both punk rock and heavy metal, first making his mark with The Dictators in the mid-1970s, whose debut Go Girl Crazy! predated releases by Ramones, The Clash, and the Sex Pistols. He later bridged punk and metal with Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, worked with bands such as The Hellacopters and The Spinatrats, reunited with The Dictators in the late 1990s, teamed up with Blue Öyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard in Brain Surgeons, and ultimately shifted his focus toward metal through projects like Death Dealer and his solo band, Ross The Boss.
In April 2025, Ross strongly criticized Manowar‘s decision to re-record their classic albums, deeming the practice “horrible” and “unnecessary.”
“What do I think of it? I think it’s horrible. I honestly do,” he stated. “I think it’s totally unnecessary and a waste of time, and I don’t know why. I don’t know why they would do that.”
His core objection lies in altering the original chemistry and conditions under which the albums were made. “I could see re-recording those records with maybe the same personnel, the same people,” he clarified. “But not with a different group and a different guitar player. I just think it sounds horrible. It just sounds horrible.”
