Friday, March 27, 2026

ITP V.026 ONLY ONE PER COFFIN: R.I.P. ROSS "THE BOSS" FRIEDMAN (FORMER MANOWAR GUITARIST)

 

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 Auburn, New York, U.S.A. based power metal warriors MANOWAR'S publicist has announced former guitarist  ROSS "THE BOSS" FRIEDMAN  died 3/26/2026 after been diagnosed with ALS. (LOU GEHRIG'S DISEASE) at 72..  

MANOWAR unleashed "THE FINAL BATTLE I" (EP), 3/29/2019 via MAGIC CIRCLE MUSIC.

 FROM MANOWAR: 

 

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Ross "The Boss" Friedman, following his recently announced ALS diagnosis.
Music was Ross's life, and he left his mark across both heavy metal and punk rock.
Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans everywhere.
Rest in peace, Ross.

 FROM METAL HALL OF FAME: 

 

"It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of legendary guitarist, our dear friend, and Metal Hall Of Fame inductee Ross 'The Boss' Friedman," the statement read.

"Ross was a pioneering force in both punk and heavy metal, best known as a founding member of THE DICTATORS and MANOWAR.

"Ross will always be the Metal Hall Of Fame's 'Global Metal Ambassador' to the world. His powerful playing, unmistakable tone, and uncompromising spirit helped shape generations of musicians and fans around the world.

FROM ROSS THE BOSS PUBLICIST: 

"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.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, bandmates, and fans worldwide during this difficult time.

"Further details will be shared as they become available

 FROM DORO: 

 I'm speechless. Another great one has left us. So quickly, so unexpectedly. I sent you my best wishes for a speedy recovery in the hospital just last week, and now you're gone... Ross, we will miss you terribly. You were one of the all-time great riff masters of heavy metal. This is so sad... RIP, my friend!

FROM KEEP IT TRUE FESTIVAL PROMOTERS: 

."
This morning I got the tragic news of the passing of my great friend Ross Friedman
After the announcement he got ALS i feared the worst, but did not think the end would come so fast. I am still in deep shock!
I was a Die Hard Manowar Fan since the mid 80s, I saw and adored him since my first show in 1986. I went to every tour since then...
I got to meet him in person for the first time at the Earthshaker festival in 2005 and we became friends. I introduced him to Majesty and Tarek Maghary and also Atlantean Kodex for whom he recorded a solo and me some backing vocals. I helped creating his first solo band with Matze Mayer , Carsten Kettering and Patrick Fuchs. It was his rebirth, the shows were exciting and I am still so happy I could convince him going back to his Manowar days.
He even headlined my 40th birthday party together with Oliver Barth and Powerwolf.
In 2016 we celebrated his 2nd comeback with one of the best shows at KEEP IT TRUE Festival ever when he was the surprise guest with the unbelievable great Mike Cotoia on vocals. We did two fabulous gigs in this line up together that wrote Metal History.
Since we first met we had a deal...no politics as we were the complete opposite to each other there, but we were comrades, brother and friends in every musical aspect.
Ross' playing was unique. Rooted in Blues and Rock 'n' Roll, he created Epic Metal together with his Ying/Yang partner Joey DeMaio. These immortal hymns will live forever and will sound in Valhallas great hall.
A monumental musician left our scene and cannot be replaced, but we can cherish this music forever. We will do that at KIT in April.
Farewell over the rainbow bridge my friend, my heart is broken.
FROM DAVID ELLEFSON:
Very sad to hear about the passing of Ross the Boss — a true originator of the power metal sound through his work with Manowar and beyond.
He was always a kind soul, and I’m grateful for the laughs and moments we shared over the years.
🙏 💐 Rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world.

 

FROM HELLS HEROES (FESTIVAL): 

RIP Legend, your riffs will ring eternal 

 

FROM LORD AHRIMAN (DARK FUNERAL): 

 

RIP Ross “The Boss” Friedman (1954–2026).
A true pioneer whose riffs helped shape heavy metal and inspired generations. Your legacy will forever echo through the halls of metal. Rest in power.

 FROM POSSESSED: 

 

Rest in peace, Ross…
This one hurts.
You were the real deal—no ego, no bullshit—just a genuine soul with a love for music and life. Moments like this remind me how fast it all goes… one minute we’re laughing, the next we’re left with memories.
I’m grateful for the time we shared, the stories, the smiles… and the energy you brought into every room.
You’ll be missed more than words can say.
Until we meet again, my friend. 🖤

FROM BLABBERMOUTH.NET: 

 

"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."

The 72-year-old Friedman added in 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."

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disease that destroys motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and loss of voluntary muscle control.

 

 

Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-R.I.P. \m/  

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