Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman reveals ALS diagnosis
Guitarist Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman has shared news of his diagnosis with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease.
Friedman, who is a founding member of both the Dictators and Manowar, announced his diagnosis in a public statement issued on February 9th.
He honestly admitted, “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.”
On a positive note, Friedman heaped praise upon his support network, including his fans, stating, “I’m absolutely blown away by the love and support from family, friends and fans. I love you all.”
In an accompanying statement, it was revealed that Friedman had been struggling with his health for several months, which they had deemed to be “seemingly unrelated symptoms”, such as weakness in his hands and legs.
Initially, it was believed to be a result of a “series of very minor strokes”. However, the statement went on to note that “changes in diet, exercise and added physical therapy did nothing to slow the progression or increase his strength”.
According to the NHS, motor neurone disease “causes muscle weakness that gets worse over a few months or years.” They also note, “It’s usually life-shortening and there’s currently no cure, but treatment can help manage the symptoms.”
In addition to feeling weakness in hands and legs, another symptom of motor neuron disease is having twitches, spasms or muscle cramps.
Actor Eric Dane, best known for his roles in shows such as Euphoria and Grey’s Anatomy, was diagnosed with ALS in 2025 and has spoken candidly about his battle with the disease.
In December, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, who separated from Dane several years ago, revealed in an essay for The Cut, “Eric has 24/7 nurses now.”
During an interview with Good Morning America last June, Dane described the diagnosis as “sobering” and heartbreakingly confessed that there’s “a very good chance” he will be “taken from [his] girls very young.”
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