Five Records That Changed My Life, Part 73: Ross The Boss
New Yorker and guitarist Ross Friedman, aka Ross The Boss, first made a name for himself with punk rockers The Dictators. In 1980, he co-founded heavy metal band Manowar. Ross has also played with Shakin’ Street, Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom, Brain Surgeons, Death Dealer and many more. He continues to create and perform new music with the Ross The Boss Band. Roppongi Rocks’ Stefan Nilsson checked in with Ross The Boss to find out about the five albums that made him a king of metal.
BB King “Live at the Regal” (1965)
“When I first started playing, I was a blues freak. I still am. I think that’s one of the most exciting blues records ever made!”
The Who “Live at Leeds” (1970)
“I really love live records. I think The Who are one of my favourite bands of all time That record captured them at their peak. Some people would argue with me but that era of The Who was just absolutely magnificent. Untouchable!”
The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (1967)
“I bought it the day it came out. It totally changed music forever.”
Black Sabbath “Master of Reality” (1971)
“I think ‘Master of Reality’ has Tony Iommi’s best riffs. I’m a huge fan of Black Sabbath and all of their records but ‘Master of Reality’ is my favourite.”
The Jimi Hendrix Experience “Are You Experienced” (1967)
“Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Are You Experienced’ totally took the electric guitar to new heights. The beginning of a new era!”
“To be honest with you, my favourite albums keep changing but today as I write this those are my favourites. Of course, Cream has to be in there but alas!”
