It was revealed today that 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 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.
In a statement, Ross said, “It is 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.absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you.”
Ross co-founded The Dictators in 1973 with friends Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. In 1980 Ross started the heavy metal band, Manowar with bassist Joey DeMaio. He has played in several notable bands through the years, including his own Ross The Boss Band, the French band Shakin Street as well as Death Dealer, The Spinatras and The Brain Surgeons, among others. He has put his signature rapid-fire, melodic guitar riffs on dozens of albums and collaborations. He was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017.