The metal community continued to rally around ROSS THE BOSS — founding Manowar guitarist and current leader of his own eponymous band — following his February 9 ALS diagnosis announcement. Throughout mid-March, fellow musicians and fans posted messages of support across social media. ROSS THE BOSS's band also issued a statement acknowledging fan concern and noting that live performance plans for 2026 were under review.
The ALS diagnosis drew widespread coverage across metal media and mainstream music press. ROSS THE BOSS had been actively touring in support of recent material when the diagnosis was announced.