Friday, March 27, 2026

"Mountains," Manowar. RIP Ross the Boss

RIP Ross the Boss/Ross Friedman, co-founder and ex-guitarist of the mighty Manowar. Ross played on Manowar's classic first six albums, Battle Hymns through Kings of Metal.

The news hit today that he has passed into Valhalla, age 72. He was diagnosed with ALS last month.

In honor of his mighty legacy, "Mountains," from Sign of the Hammer.


The lyrics for this one are particularly on point.


Like a man is a mountainside

Greatness waits for those who try

None can teach you, it's all inside

Just climb


I am in the ground, I am in the air

I am all, I live in the hearts of men

I am the call to greatness, not all can hear

I awaken the creator in those who dare

And the day will come when we all must die

And enter the mountainside


Ross climbed the mountain and experienced life at its very peak.

He is where eagles fly, and will live on in the hearts of men.

2 comments:

Christian said...

I skipped his tour down here last year and feeling gutted now. RIP Boss

Brian Murphy said...

I’m still kicking myself for skipping Manowar in 2001 during a U.S. tour. It happens. But no more. I’m seeing all these legacy bands as they come through, knowing this may be it. Cheers and Sign of the Hammer brother.