in memory of MANOWAR guitarist Ross the Boss (1954-2026)

Ross H. Friedman (January 3, 1954 - March 26, 2026)

I know the music of Ross the Boss (New York, USA) through Manowar and the band Ross the Boss. The Metal Archives shows that Ross the Boss was in Manowar from 1980 to 1988, but also in various other bands and projects: Brain Surgeons, Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, Ross the Boss, Death Dealer (California), Heyday, Manitoba, Shakin' Street, The Dictators, and Total Crudd. For fans of heavy metal, Ross "The Boss" Friedman is perhaps best known for his work with Manowar, but his career is a lot more storied than just his time in that band. He played many styles, including punk rock and heavy metal. He started his career in 1973 with a punk band called The Dictators. Later on, he worked with a hard rock band called Shakin' Street. While on tour with them in 1980, he met Joey DeMaio, and they started Manowar. Ross played on the first six albums, including classics like Battle Hymns and Kings of Metal. After Manowar, he went back to playing rock and punk. He played in several groups like Manitoba's Wild Kingdom, The Brain Surgeons, and reunions with The Dictators. In 2006, he started his own metal band called Ross the Boss. He also joined the band Death Dealer (California) in 2012. He released a new album with Death Dealer called Reign of Steel in early 2026. Sadly, he was diagnosed with ALS in February 2026 and passed away on March 26, 2026.

Manowar - Kings of Metal (1988 album Kings of Metal)

Ross the Boss - I Got the Right (2008 album New Metal Leader)