Manowar founder Ross 'The Boss' Friedman diagnosed with motor neurone disease
"It crushes me not to be able to play guitar."
Ross 'The Boss' Friedman, founding guitarist of heavy metal outfit Manowar and punk band The Dictators, has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
A statement from Friedman’s publicist issued on Monday (9th February) confirmed the 72-year-old is battling MND – also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's Disease in the US.
"The diagnosis followed several months of seemingly unrelated symptoms that included weakness in his hands and legs," the publicist said.
"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."
Motor neurone disease is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative condition that attacks the nerves (motor neurones) in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscles to waste away and weaken.
According to the NHS, MND causes muscle weakness that gets worse over months or years, resulting in issues with mobility and movement; speech and communication; breathing, swallowing, eating and drinking; and emotions, feelings, thoughts and behaviour.
"It's difficult to know what lies ahead, and it crushes me not to be able to play guitar," says Friedman. "But the outpouring of love has been so, so strong. I'm absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all."
Other musicians battling motor neurone disease include Jason Becker, who was diagnosed in 1990, and Zac Brown Band’s John Driskell Hopkins.
English rugby league player Rob Burrow died from complications of MND aged 41 in 2024, and late astrophysicist Stephen Hawking was diagnosed in 1963 and had the disease for 55 years.
Ross the Boss’ most recent UK performance was at Bloodstock in August 2019 where he was joined by Judas Priest legend K.K. Downing for the final four songs of his set.