The metal community continues to rally behind Ross "The Boss" Friedman following his devastating announcement that he has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the progressive neurodegenerative disease that gradually robs patients of their ability to control voluntary muscle movement. Musicians from across the entire metal spectrum — from thrash to power metal, from black metal to traditional heavy metal — have shared heartfelt tributes and messages of support for the 72-year-old founding member of both THE DICTATORS and MANOWAR.
Friedman's career spans over five decades of groundbreaking music. As a founding member of THE DICTATORS in 1973, he helped pioneer proto-punk and early American punk rock, influencing bands like THE RAMONES and THE DEAD BOYS. His subsequent co-founding of MANOWAR in 1980 took him in a radically different direction, as the band became one of heavy metal's most unapologetically bombastic and beloved acts. His guitar work on classic MANOWAR albums like "Battle Hymns," "Into Glory Ride," and "Hail To England" defined an era of epic heavy metal that influenced countless power metal bands worldwide.
After departing MANOWAR in 1988, Friedman continued making music with various projects before launching a highly successful solo career as ROSS THE BOSS, releasing acclaimed albums that proved his songwriting and guitar skills remained razor-sharp well into his seventies. He was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in recognition of his immense contributions to heavy metal.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with Friedman's medical expenses, drawing significant donations within its first days of going live. "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," Friedman said in his initial statement. The diagnosis, which he received after months of experiencing weakness in his hands and legs, has united a community that often fractures along subgenre lines in a powerful display of solidarity.