In a poignant revelation that has stirred emotions among rock music fans, legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee has shared what he described as his “final words” to former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne during a recent concert appearance. The moment, captured in a heartfelt news brief, underscores the deep, often unspoken bonds forged in the high-stakes world of heavy metal.
Lee, renowned for his blistering guitar work on Ozzy’s blockbuster 1983 solo album Bark at the Moon—which spawned the hit single of the same name—reunited with his ex-boss at the “Back to the Beginning” concert earlier this year. The event, a nostalgic nod to the early days of Osbourne’s solo career, brought together former bandmates for a one-off performance that left an indelible mark on attendees and viewers alike.
In an exclusive video interview released on August 8, 2025, Lee opened up about the encounter, revealing a mix of gratitude and regret. “I should’ve thanked him for that,” Lee said, his voice tinged with reflection as he recounted seeing Ozzy for what he believes may be the last time. The guitarist, now 68, was referring to the transformative opportunity Osbourne gave him early in his career, catapulting him to fame alongside the Prince of Darkness after stints with bands like Ratt and Rough Cutt.
The interview, titled Jake E. Lee’s Final Words to Ozzy, “I Should’ve Thanked Him for That”, has garnered significant attention on platforms like YouTube, where it has sparked discussions about legacy, mentorship, and the fleeting nature of rock stardom. Fans have flooded comment sections with praise for Lee’s candor, with many noting the emotional weight of the moment given Ozzy’s ongoing health struggles, including Parkinson’s disease and mobility issues that have limited his live performances.
Lee’s tenure with Ozzy was short but explosive, spanning from 1982 to 1987 and encompassing two studio albums: Bark at the Moon and the live album Speak of the Devil. Tracks like “So Lonely” and “Centre of Eternity” showcased Lee’s virtuosic style, blending neoclassical influences with the raw energy of metal. However, their partnership ended amid reported tensions, including creative differences and lineup changes. Despite the fallout, Lee has occasionally spoken fondly of the experience, but this latest reflection adds a layer of vulnerability rarely seen from the stoic shredder.
The “Back to the Beginning” concert, held in Los Angeles, featured Osbourne joined by original and former collaborators, including drummers Randy Castillo and Tommy Aldridge, bassist Bob Daisley, and keyboardist Don Airey. For Lee, the event was a full-circle moment, allowing him to perform alongside Ozzy once more. “It was incredible to be back on stage with him,” Lee elaborated in the video. “But looking back, I realize I never properly expressed how much that chapter meant to me. He changed my life.”
Ozzy Osbourne, 76, has been open about his health battles in recent years, announcing in 2023 that he would embark on a farewell tour but has since scaled back due to physical limitations. His last major public appearance was at the 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony, where he performed “Paranoid” from a wheelchair. Fans and collaborators like Lee have rallied around him, with this anecdote serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of his career.
As the rock community continues to celebrate Osbourne’s contributions—over 100 million albums sold worldwide and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—Jake E. Lee’s words resonate as a tribute to the man behind the madness. Whether this truly marks the end of their shared history remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a touching coda to one of metal’s most iconic collaborations.
