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NEED TO KNOW
Ross "The Boss" Friedman has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
The founding member of rock band The Dictators and heavy metal band Manowar was diagnosed with the nervous system disease after several months of various symptoms
"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," he said in a statement
Ross "The Boss" Friedman has been diagnosed withamyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS).
The founding member of the rock band The Dictators and heavy metal band Manowar, 72, was diagnosed with the nervous system disease after several months of various symptoms.
"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 a statement.
Lorne Thomson/Redferns
"I'm absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all," he continued.
Friedman, before his official diagnosis, experienced weakness in his hands and legs.
A press release stated that the rocker had a series of "very minor strokes" that were thought to be the cause of his symptoms. However, dietary changes, exercises and physical therapy "did nothing to slow the progression or increase his strength."
ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, according toMayo Clinic. The disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, causes loss of muscle control.
There is no cure for ALS and it is ultimately fatal.
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Lorne Thomson/Redferns
Friedman co-founded the hard rock band The Dictators in 1973 with his friends Andy Shernoff and Scott Kempner. Years later, in 1980, he started the heavy metal band Manowar with bassist Joey DeMaio.
The New York City native has also played in the bands Shakin' Street, Death Dealer, The Spinatras and The Brain Surgeons.
He formed Ross The Boss Band in 2009, and was inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame in 2017.
Friedman has contributed to several albums, includingThe Dictators Go Girl Crazy,Manifest DestinyandBattle Hymns. Ross the Boss Band released theirLegacy of Blood, Fire & Steelcompilation album in 2023, followed by their single "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" in 2025.
According to Friedman'swebsite, he has a son who was born in 1991.
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In a 2022 interview withGuitar World, the rocker reflected on his musical inspiration, saying "Oh, I loved the Monkees."
"As a kid, seeing them on TV was really exciting. They had amazing songs. I could really relate to Last Train to Clarksville. What a solo! Of course, I didn't know it was studio musicians on those first records, and it didn't matter. The playing was incredible," he shared.
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