Ross The Boss Friedman Dies at 72 After ALS Battle

Ross "The Boss" Friedman, the influential guitarist and cofounder of the punk band The Dictators and heavy metal group Manowar, died on March 26 at the age of 72 after a brief battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

Friedman, born in the Bronx in 1954, announced his ALS diagnosis in early February, just weeks before his death. The progressive neurodegenerative disease, which affects motor neurons and leads to muscle weakness and paralysis, had caused symptoms including weakness in his hands and legs as well as minor strokes. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support his medical care raised more than $38,000 from supporters. In a statement following the diagnosis, Friedman expressed the personal toll of the illness. "It crushes me not to be able to play guitar," he said, adding that he was overwhelmed by the support from family, friends, and fans.

His family announced the death on his official Instagram page. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the Bronx's own Ross 'The Boss' Friedman who died last night after battling ALS," the post read. "A legendary guitarist and beloved father, his music and spirit impacted fans around the world as much as...