Legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee, renowned for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands, and Red Dragon Cartel, is set to embark on a highly anticipated UK tour in 2025 to celebrate the 38th anniversary of Ratt’s iconic debut album, Out of the Cellar. This tour marks a significant moment for fans, as Lee, who played a pivotal role in crafting the album’s signature sound, will perform the record in its entirety, alongside select tracks from his 2023 release, Jakey Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel. However, contrary to some reports, this tour is not focused on promoting Red Dragon Cartel’s 2018 album Patina, and no confirmed Red Dragon Cartel tour dates for 2025 have been announced.
Tour Details and Context
According to a December 14, 2024, article from 247aroundtheworld.co.uk, Jake E. Lee’s 2025 UK tour will focus on honoring Out of the Cellar, the 1984 album that propelled Ratt to glam metal stardom with hits like “Round and Round” and “Back for More.” Lee’s searing guitar work was instrumental to the album’s success, and this tour promises to deliver a nostalgic experience for fans of 80s hard rock. While specific tour dates and venues have not been fully detailed in the announcement, the article suggests that Lee will be joined by a talented lineup of musicians, though the exact band configuration remains unclear. Fans should monitor official sources like Jake E. Lee’s Facebook page or reddragoncartel.com for updates on dates and ticket information.
The announcement comes on the heels of a challenging period for Lee. On October 15, 2024, he was shot multiple times in a random incident while walking his dog in Las Vegas. Miraculously, Lee survived and has been recovering, sharing updates via social media about his health and determination to return to the stage. In a late 2024 interview with Tone-Talk, Lee clarified that he does not have carpal tunnel syndrome, as previously reported, but is managing wrist pain due to a lack of cartilage in his right hand. He expressed enthusiasm for performing again, stating, “I wanna go out and do a tour,” though he referenced finishing a Patina tour canceled due to COVID, not a new 2025 tour for Red Dragon Cartel.
Clarifying Misinformation
Some confusion has arisen from reports suggesting that Red Dragon Cartel, Lee’s band formed in 2013, is planning a 2025 tour to promote Patina. This appears to stem from misinterpretations of the 247aroundtheworld.co.uk article, which incorrectly implied a Red Dragon Cartel tour focused on Patina. As of now, no credible sources, including Bandsintown, Songkick, or Blabbermouth.net, confirm any Red Dragon Cartel tour dates for 2025. Ticketing platforms like Vivid Seats and Premium Seating list potential 2025-2026 Red Dragon Cartel concerts, but these lack specific dates or venues, suggesting they are speculative. Lee’s focus for 2025 appears to be the Out of the Cellar anniversary tour, not a Red Dragon Cartel project.
What to Expect
Fans attending the 2025 UK tour can anticipate a high-energy setlist centered on Out of the Cellar’s tracklist, including fan favorites like “Wanted Man,” “Lack of Communication,” and “The Morning After.” Lee’s inclusion of tracks from his 2023 Jakey Lee’s Red Dragon Cartel album suggests a blend of classic and contemporary material, showcasing his evolution as a guitarist while paying homage to his roots. Given Lee’s reputation for electrifying live performances, as noted in reviews from past Red Dragon Cartel shows (e.g., Bandsintown user reviews praising his “stunning solos” and “killer” playing), the tour is likely to deliver a memorable experience.
Lee’s decision to focus on Ratt material rather than Ozzy Osbourne or Badlands songs aligns with his past statements about authenticity. In a 2018 Decibel Magazine interview, he noted that playing Ozzy songs in other bands felt “dishonest” because “they belong to Ozzy.” This tour, therefore, offers a rare chance to hear Out of the Cellar performed by one of its key architects, without relying on his more famous Ozzy or Badlands catalog.
Looking Ahead
While the 2025 UK tour is generating excitement, fans should approach unverified claims about Red Dragon Cartel tours with caution. Lee’s recent health scare and ongoing recovery add uncertainty to extensive touring plans, and no official Red Dragon Cartel tour for Patina has been confirmed. For the latest updates, check Jake E. Lee’s official Facebook page, reddragoncartel.com, or trusted ticketing platforms like Ticketmaster. The Out of the Cellar anniversary tour promises to be a celebration of Lee’s enduring legacy, bringing his virtuosic guitar work to UK stages and reigniting the spirit of 80s hard rock.
