In a heartfelt social media post that’s resonating with fans worldwide, guitar virtuoso Jake E. Lee – best known for his blistering riffs on Ozzy Osbourne’s Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin albums – opened up about love, loss, and the passage of time on a date that holds profound personal significance.
The 68-year-old rocker, who survived a harrowing shooting incident in Las Vegas last October that left him wounded three times but determined to recover fully, shared a reflective message on Instagram. “Even though I’m happily married to Amy now, I can’t help but notice today’s date which is…” Lee wrote, trailing off in a poignant ellipsis that speaks volumes to those familiar with his storied life.
September 29 marks the anniversary of profound tragedy for Lee: the day in 1995 when his first wife, Karin, tragically passed away. Her untimely death plunged the musician into a dark period marked by grief and substance struggles, a chapter he has candidly discussed in interviews over the years. Yet, in true resilient fashion, Lee’s post pivots toward gratitude and forward momentum, celebrating the joy he’s found in his current marriage to Amy, whom he wed in a star-studded Las Vegas ceremony in October 2019.
Bandmate Anthony “Ant” Esposito of Red Dragon Cartel, Lee’s ongoing project since 2013, captured the electric vibe of that wedding on social media at the time, posting: “Had the most amazing time at the boss’s wedding in Vegas. Congrats Amy and Jake!!! Love you both.” The intimate affair, held amid the neon glow of Sin City, symbolized a fresh start for Lee after decades of highs and lows in the hard rock world.
Fans flooded Lee’s post with supportive messages, hailing his vulnerability as a testament to his enduring spirit. “You’ve been through hell and back, Jake – here’s to the riffs and the love that keeps you going,” one commenter wrote. Another added, “Happy anniversary to you and Amy. The past shaped you, but the future’s yours to shred.”
Lee’s journey from Ozzy’s stage in the ’80s – where he co-wrote hits like “So Tired” and helped propel The Ultimate Sin to double-platinum status – to fronting Badlands and now Red Dragon Cartel has been anything but linear. A 2024 health setback with carpal tunnel syndrome sidelined live performances, but Lee’s 2025 slate includes a highly anticipated UK tour celebrating the 38th anniversary of Ratt’s Out of the Cellar, the album that launched his career with the glam metal icons.
In his post, Lee didn’t delve into specifics of the anniversary’s weight but emphasized moving forward: “Life’s a wild solo – full of bends and bends you never see coming. Grateful for the music, the scars, and the woman who makes every note sweeter.” Accompanying the message was a black-and-white photo of Lee and Amy sharing a quiet moment, his signature Flying V guitar propped nearby like a silent sentinel.
As Lee continues his recovery and creative endeavors – including whispers of new Red Dragon Cartel material – this anniversary reflection serves as a reminder of the rocker’s unyielding humanity. In an industry often defined by excess, Lee’s words cut through like a perfectly timed wah-wah pedal: raw, real, and ready for the next verse.
