HAIL GODS OF WAR! 🎸🎤🥁🤘💣🤘Ross The Boss, Eric Adams & Scott Columbus Honored in Epic Heavy Metal Tribute Event……..
In an electrifying celebration that shook the foundations of true heavy metal, legends Ross “The Boss” Friedman, Eric Adams, and the late Scott Columbus were honored this past weekend in an unforgettable tribute aptly titled “HAIL GODS OF WAR!”. The event, held at the historic Kings of Steel Amphitheatre in upstate New York, drew thousands of metal warriors from across the globe, united in their devotion to the pioneers of true metal.
Ross The Boss, founding guitarist of Manowar and former axeman of The Dictators, took center stage in a blinding wall of sound and flame, tearing through classic anthems that once raised swords and fists to the heavens. He was joined by none other than Eric Adams, the golden voice behind Manowar’s most iconic albums, whose vocal power—still thunderous at 70—sent shivers down spines with every battle cry.
Though drummer Scott Columbus tragically passed away in 2011, his spirit loomed large throughout the evening. A massive video wall played archival footage of Columbus performing with the band during their peak, while a life-sized bronze statue was unveiled before the headlining set. The statue, sculpted by metal artist Gunnar Blüdforge, portrays Columbus behind his signature stainless steel drum kit, immortalized mid-blast.
“This is not just a concert,” Ross The Boss told the roaring crowd. “This is a resurrection of the spirit that once ruled the world with riffs, roars, and raw power. Tonight, we ride once more… for Scott, for heavy metal, for the brothers of steel!”
The event also featured performances from notable metal acts who cited Manowar as a key influence—among them Sabaton, Grand Magus, and Eternal Champion—each delivering covers and tributes with heartfelt reverence. The crowd erupted when Eric Adams returned for an encore of “Hail and Kill”, “Battle Hymns”, and a rousing rendition of “Warriors of the World United”, with thousands singing every word in unison.
For many, it wasn’t just about nostalgia. This event marked a spiritual return to the roots of heavy metal. Fans donned leather, chainmail, face paint, and war hammers as they moshed, headbanged, and saluted their metal forebears. Viking reenactors patrolled the grounds, and blacksmiths forged swords and tankards in tribute to the band’s mythical imagery.
Metal historian and Sirius XM host Eddie Trunk, who hosted the event, called it “one of the most powerful and emotional tributes I’ve ever witnessed. These men didn’t just play music—they built a kingdom of sound that inspired millions. To see Ross and Eric together again… it was like witnessing the gods themselves descend from the mountaintop.”
As the night came to a thunderous close with fireworks and a flaming sigil of the Manowar logo burning above the stage, one thing was clear—true metal is eternal. And for one sacred night, the gods of war rode again.
HAIL GODS OF WAR! Long live Ross The Boss. Long live Eric Adams. Forever hail Scott Columbus.
🛡️🔥⚔️ Metal shall never die. ⚔️🔥🛡️
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