In a surprising revelation, guitarist Jake E. Lee shared a story from the recording of Badlands’ 1989 self-titled debut album, where co-producer Paul O’Neill offered him a bribe to change a single note in a guitar solo. The incident occurred during the creation of the track “Winter’s Call,” after Lee had left Ozzy Osbourne’s band and formed Badlands, seeking greater creative freedom.
In a recent Guitar World interview, Lee recounted how the unconventional first note of the solo sparked a disagreement. O’Neill found the note jarring and pleaded with Lee to alter it, saying it threw him “for a loop.” Lee, however, stood firm, explaining that the note’s unique quality was exactly why he wanted to keep it. “I think that note’s perfect,” Lee recalled telling O’Neill.
Determined to sway him, O’Neill escalated his efforts, offering $500 cash from his wallet, tickets to the musical Cats, and a dinner at a top restaurant. Despite the tempting offer, Lee refused to budge, prioritizing his artistic vision.
The anecdote highlights Lee’s commitment to creative control during his post-Osbourne career, showcasing a pivotal moment in the making of Badlands’ debut album.
