The global metal community is mourning the loss of Ross “The Boss” Friedman, who passed away at the age of 72. Friedman was a pioneering figure in the development of heavy music, notably as a founding member of both the punk icons The Dictators and the heavy metal legends Manowar. His death follows a recently disclosed diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a terminal neurodegenerative condition. Manowar released an official statement confirming the news, expressing profound sadness and noting that music was the core of Friedman’s life.
Friedman’s influence spanned several decades and genres. He performed on the first six Manowar studio albums, including the landmark 1988 release Kings of Metal, before departing to pursue other projects. In recent years, he led his own band under the Ross The Boss moniker, releasing four full-length albums. His final recorded output was with the project Death Dealer, specifically the album Reign Of Steel, which was issued in January 2026. Industry peers have recognized him as a Global Metal Ambassador whose unmistakable tone shaped generations of musicians.