In a heartfelt interview with Guitarist, Jake E. Lee opened up about his complex history with Ozzy Osbourne and the profound impact the late “Prince of Darkness” had on his life and career. Lee, who played guitar in Osbourne’s band during the early 1980s, described the emotional weight of mending their decades-long rift at Osbourne’s final Back to the Beginning show in July 2025, an event that served as both a celebration of Osbourne’s legacy and a moment of personal redemption for Lee.
Lee joined Osbourne’s band in 1982, stepping into the formidable role of replacing the late Randy Rhoads, who tragically died in a plane crash. Determined to carve his own path without mimicking Rhoads or chasing trends like Eddie Van Halen, Lee faced challenges connecting with Osbourne personally. Their relationship was professional but not deeply personal, and tensions arose when Lee was allegedly pressured by Sharon Osbourne into signing a contract that denied him writing credits and significant earnings for the 1983 album Bark at the Moon. This led to further disputes during the recording of 1986’s The Ultimate Sin, culminating in Lee’s dismissal in 1987.
Despite these challenges, Lee expressed admiration for Osbourne’s unique charisma. “He had a rare personality,” Lee said. “He was clownish, funny, and sweet. That’s why it’s so hard to comprehend that he’s gone.” After his departure, Lee forged a successful career with bands like Badlands and Red Dragon Cartel, but he often felt his contributions to Osbourne’s music were overshadowed by those of Rhoads and Zakk Wylde. However, Osbourne later acknowledged Lee’s role, noting in the 1997 compilation The Ozzman Cometh that Lee crafted the iconic riff for Bark at the Moon, the first song they wrote together.
The Back to the Beginning show was a turning point for Lee. Supported by fellow guitarists like Nuno Bettencourt and Tom Morello, Lee felt validated for his contributions and his distinctive style. “Everybody was so supportive,” he shared. “Nuno surprised me—he was so helpful, and so was Tom Morello.” The event allowed Lee to reconnect with Osbourne and find closure. “I always wanted to reconcile, tell him there weren’t any hard feelings,” Lee said. “I got to do that.”
Reflecting on Osbourne’s death, Lee admitted the loss hit hard despite their nearly 40-year estrangement. “He might be the single most important person in my life, other than my wife,” Lee said. “He put me in the spotlight. Whether that would’ve happened without him is anybody’s guess.” Lee described Osbourne’s magnetic presence, noting, “He was bigger than life, but deep down, he was kind. He made you like him, and you felt like he liked you too.”
Lee takes pride in his role in proving Osbourne’s career could thrive post-Rhoads, particularly through the success of Bark at the Moon. “It was such a good tune,” he said. “It helped confirm that Ozzy wasn’t over. I’m proud to have been a part of that.” As Lee continues to process Osbourne’s passing, he remains grateful for the opportunity to reconcile and celebrate the legacy of a man who forever changed his life.
