Ex-MANOWAR Guitarist ROSS THE BOSS To Be Inducted Into 'Hall Of Heavy Metal History'

Wacken Open Air, one of the world’s largest heavy metal music festivals, and the Hall Of Heavy Metal History, have joined forces to induct legendary guitarist Ross “The Boss” Friedman into the Hall Of Heavy Metal History. A special ceremony inducting Friedman as “Global Metal Ambassador,” will take place onstage at Wacken Open Air festival on August 3 in front of 75,000 metal fans in Wacken, Germany. Joining Ross on stage for the induction ceremony will be various Wacken Open Air officials, AFM Records representatives, and executives from the Hall Of Heavy Metal History.

“It is a great honor to join with Wacken Open Air to induct Ross ‘The Boss’ Friedman, with the ‘Global Metal Ambassador Award,’ says Hall Of Heavy Metal History founder/CEO Pat Gesualdo.”If anyone deserves this award, it’s Ross. He’s been working extremely hard for decades to ensure that metal continues to thrive.”

“We are very happy to be part of this very special ceremony and looking forward to having Ross The Boss on our stage for the very first time inWacken,” says one of the Wacken Open Air promoters, Thomas Jensen.

The Hall Of Heavy Metal History is part of the non-profit organization D.A.D. (Drums And Disabilities). Proceeds from both organizations are donated to establish free therapy services and programs to help disabled children and their families. Every January, iconic musicians and music industry personalities are inducted into the Hall Of Heavy Metal History in Anaheim, California.

The new lineup of ROSS THE BOSS, the band led by former Friedman, performed at this year’s Hall Of Heavy Metal History induction ceremony in January at the Anaheim Expo Center in Anaheim, California.

Joining Friedman in the group’s incarnation are SYMPHONY X bassist Mike LePond, former MANOWAR drummer Kenny “Rhino” Earl and LET US PREY vocalist Marc Lopes.

One of the great metal guitarists, Friedman first made his name with THE DICTATORS, before briefly teaming up with French band SHAKIN’ STREET. But in more recent times, he became renowned for his work with MANOWAR. A founding member, Ross recorded six albums with the band, before leaving after 1988’s “Kings Of Metal”. Since then he’s worked with MANITOBA’S WILD KINGDOM, BRAIN SURGEONS and THE SPINATRAS. Now he’s back doing what he does best — playing loud, true heavy metal with DEATH DEALER and ROSS THE BOSS.