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Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, Founding Guitarist of The Dictators and Manowar, Dies at 72

His death follows a February ALS diagnosis that prompted a community fundraiser.

Overview

  • Statements from the Metal Hall of Fame and his official accounts Friday confirmed his death at 72.
  • Friedman, who disclosed an ALS diagnosis in early February, died Thursday, March 26, a little over a month after the announcement.
  • His family said in a message on his official pages that the disease took away the guitar playing that had been his life’s breath.
  • He co-founded The Dictators in 1973 and later helped launch Manowar, appearing on the band’s first six albums.
  • Friends had launched a fundraiser for his medical care, and tributes followed from Manowar and the Metal Hall of Fame.