Ross 'the Boss' Friedman, a founding member of iconic bands The Dictators and Manowar, has announced his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The news, shared Monday, February 9, comes after several months of unexplained symptoms for the influential punk and metal guitarist.
Friedman, whose career spans decades and includes a 2017 induction into the Metal Hall of Fame, expressed profound sadness about his inability to play guitar. However, he also highlighted the overwhelming support he has received from his global community of fans, friends, and family.
Key Takeaways
- Ross 'the Boss' Friedman, known for The Dictators and Manowar, has been diagnosed with ALS.
- The diagnosis follows months of symptoms, initially thought to be minor strokes.
- Friedman expressed heartbreak over not being able to play guitar but is moved by widespread support.
- He was a pioneer in New York's early punk scene and a significant figure in heavy metal.
A Challenging Diagnosis for a Guitar Icon
Friedman's medical journey began with what he initially believed were minor strokes. He experienced weakness in his hands and legs. These symptoms prompted him to make significant lifestyle changes, including adjustments to his diet and exercise routines. He also engaged in physical therapy.
Despite these efforts, the symptoms persisted and worsened. The progression of weakness in his limbs did not slow. This led to further medical investigation, culminating in the ALS diagnosis.
"It crushes me not to be able to play guitar, but the outpouring of love has been so, so strong," Friedman stated. "I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all."
What is ALS?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. The disease typically worsens over time, impacting a person's ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
From Bronx Punk to Metal Legend
Born in the Bronx, Ross Friedman's musical journey began in the vibrant, nascent New York punk scene of the early 1970s. In 1973, he co-founded The Dictators alongside friends Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. The band quickly became a pivotal act in the punk rock movement, known for their raw energy and distinctive sound.
During their initial run, The Dictators released three influential albums. Their 1977 release, Manifest Destiny, even managed to secure a spot on the Billboard 200 Albums chart, a notable achievement for a punk band at the time.
The Dictators: Punk Pioneers
The Dictators are widely recognized as one of the first bands to blend punk rock with elements of hard rock and proto-metal. Their aggressive sound and humorous lyrics influenced countless bands across various genres, cementing their place in music history.
Forging Heavy Metal History with Manowar
After his pioneering work with The Dictators, Friedman embarked on a new musical chapter, co-founding the heavy metal band Manowar with bassist Joey DeMaio. Manowar quickly established itself as a force in the burgeoning heavy metal scene, known for their epic, bombastic sound and uncompromising dedication to the genre.
Manowar famously adopted the slogan, "Death to false metal," a declaration of their commitment to pure, unadulterated heavy metal. The band even earned a Guinness World Record for being the loudest band, a testament to their powerful live performances.
Manowar's Enduring Legacy
Friedman's tenure with Manowar spanned the 1980s, a period during which they released six seminal albums. Among these was 1984's Hail to England, an album that earned critical acclaim and was later ranked at Number 87 on Rolling Stone's prestigious list of the 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. His guitar work during this era helped define the sound of true metal.
- Notable Manowar Albums with Friedman:
- Battle Hymns (1982)
- Into Glory Ride (1983)
- Hail to England (1984)
- Sign of the Hammer (1984)
- Fighting the World (1987)
- Kings of Metal (1988)
A Diverse Career Beyond Manowar
Following his time with Manowar, Friedman continued to be an active and influential figure in the music world. He explored various musical avenues, leading his own project, the Ross the Boss Band. This allowed him to further showcase his distinctive guitar style and songwriting.
His collaborative spirit also saw him work with a diverse range of artists and bands. He played with the French group Shakin’ Street, contributed to the metal supergroup Death Dealer, and lent his talents to The Spinatras and The Brain Surgeons. His versatility and enduring passion for music remained evident throughout these projects.
The recognition of his significant contributions to music culminated in his induction into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017, an honor reflecting his lasting impact on both punk and heavy metal genres.
The music community continues to send messages of support to Ross Friedman as he navigates this challenging diagnosis. His powerful riffs and influential songwriting have left an indelible mark on generations of musicians and fans worldwide.