Iconic rock guitarist Ross Friedman, known to fans as 'Ross the Boss,' has died at the age of 72 weeks after his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Friedman was among the founding fathers of the punk rock movement as the guitarist of The Dictators, which he helped form in 1973.
While touring with Black Sabbath in 1980, he was introduced to bassist Joey DiMaio, with whom he launched the heavy metal group Manowar.
Friedman shatteringly revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with ALS, which is colloquially known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
The rare, incurable degenerative condition impairs the nervous system over time and causes the muscles to increasingly suffer from paralysis.
It was announced Friday that Friedman had succumbed to the illness the previous night, via a statement posted to his official Instagram page.
Iconic rock guitarist Ross Friedman, known to fans as 'Ross the Boss,' has died at the age of 72 weeks after his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Friedman, pictured in 2016 shatteringly revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with ALS, an incurable degenerative nervous condition known as Lou Gehrig's disease
'His music meant everything to him & his guitar was his life’s breath. This insidious disease took that away from him,' the post read in part.
Friedman
'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.
'I'm absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all,' Friedman added, according to Blabbermouth.
A statement from his publicist revealed: 'The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs.'
The announcement continued: '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.'
