Fans of legendary rocker Ross “The Boss” Friedman were stunned by the recent news of his death.
He was 72.
Friedman’s passing on Friday came just weeks after he announced that he was battling ALS, which is commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
The Metal Hall of Fame issued a statement announcing his passing.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, Metal Hall of Fame Inductee, and Global Metal Ambassador Ross “The Boss” Friedman,” the post on the Hall of Fame’s Facebook page read. “Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of The Dictators and Manowar. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.”
The Hall of Fame added that Friedman battled his disease “with the same courage and honesty that defined his life and career.”
Fans were quick to share their love.
“RIP Ross,” Dalia E. Hettfield replied. “Condolences to his family, fans and friends. Awful news. Rest In Peace and in Music.”
“Such a heart break man,” Joseph Della Mast wrote. “Such a good guy.”
“RIP to this Manowarrior,” CJ Fattoruso wrote. “Never used a foot pedal. Criminally underrated player. All Hail, Ross The Boss of the Mighty Manowar.”
Friedman first revealed his battle in February.
“The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs,” a statement he released read. “A series of very minor strokes was initially thought to have been the cause, but changes in diet, exercise and added physical therapy did not slow the progression or increase his strength.”
ALS is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. It causes loss of muscle control and gets worse over time.
It is not known what causes the disease.
“It’s difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar,” Friedman said earlier this year. “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 is known for co-founding The Dictators, a proto-punk band and playing with the iconic metal band Manowar in 1980. He recorded six albums with Manowar before leaving the band in 1988 after playing on “Kings of Metal.”
Friedman had continued to play with The Dictators until recently. The band announced in November that it was cancelling a show because he had suffered a hand injury that was being evaluated.
“Ross’s impact on music is immeasurable,” the Metal Hall of Fame’s statement read. “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.”
