Overview
- The diagnosis was publicly confirmed on Feb. 9 in a statement from his publicist.
- Friedman, 72, said he can no longer play guitar and expressed gratitude for strong support from fans, friends and family.
- His symptoms began with weakness in his hands and legs, and efforts with diet, exercise and physical therapy did not slow the decline.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, ALS progressively damages motor neurons, leads to loss of muscle control and currently has no cure.
- He co-founded The Dictators and Manowar, recording six albums with the latter before exiting after 1988’s Kings of Metal, and The Dictators canceled a November show citing a hand injury.