Renowned guitarist Jake E. Lee, celebrated for his electrifying solos with Ozzy Osbourne and as the frontman of Red Dragon Cartel, has opened up about the profound emotional support provided by his daughter, Jade Williams, following a harrowing shooting incident in Las Vegas. In a candid interview, Lee highlights how this personal crisis has reinforced the irreplaceable role of family in his life, beyond the spotlight of his storied music career.
The incident, which left Lee grappling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, has been a turning point for the 68-year-old musician. While details of the shooting remain private, Lee has shared how it tested his resilience, underscoring the human side of a man often defined by his genre-shaping riffs. “Since that day in Las Vegas, Jade has been there for me in ways I can’t even put into words,” Lee said. “She’s not just my daughter—she’s been my rock, and having her and her husband by my side has given me a strength I didn’t think I had.”
Lee, who rose to fame in the 1980s with his blistering contributions to Osbourne’s albums Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin, has long balanced the demands of rock stardom with his commitments as a father. He addressed the public’s perception of him as solely “the guy with the guitar,” emphasizing his paternal identity. “It’s easy for people to see me as just the guy with the guitar. But at the end of the day, I’m a dad too,” he reflected. “And seeing Jade step up, not just as my daughter but as a strong, compassionate woman, has been incredible. I’m proud of her every single day.”
Jade’s husband has also emerged as a pillar of support, with Lee praising his son-in-law’s familial approach. “Her husband has been unbelievable—he treats me like family, like I’m more than just the father-in-law,” Lee noted. “Together, they’ve made sure I’ve never had to face any of this alone.”
Throughout his career, Lee has viewed music as a vital outlet for expression, but the Las Vegas ordeal has illuminated the limitations of artistry in the face of real-world adversity. “Music has always been my outlet. But when something like this happens, you need more than music—you need people,” he explained. “And Jade reminded me of that. She reminded me of what truly matters when the amps are off and the crowds are gone.”
As Lee continues to perform and create with Red Dragon Cartel—his passion project since 2013—he credits his family with providing the grounding force that sustains him. “I’m beyond grateful for Jade and her husband,” he concluded. “It’s one thing to have fans cheering you on from the crowd, but it’s another to have your family cheering you on through life. That’s the real gift.”
This revelation comes amid Lee’s ongoing commitment to his craft, where he prioritizes artistic fulfillment over commercial success. Fans and fellow musicians alike have lauded his vulnerability, seeing it as a testament to the enduring bonds that fuel creativity. As Lee heals, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the quiet heroes behind the legends of rock.
