Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee has shared a heartfelt tribute to the Prince of Darkness, reflecting on a comical onstage incident during the 1983 Speak of the Devil tour that left audiences stunned in laughter.
In a recent interview, Lee described how the moment continues to resonate with him decades later. “I still feel like I’m seeing him on stage with me,” he said, recalling the chaotic yet unforgettable night.
The incident occurred midway through a high-energy performance when Osbourne, in his signature theatrical style, experienced an unexpected wardrobe malfunction that escalated into pure rock ’n’ roll absurdity. According to Lee, the singer’s over-the-top reaction—combined with the band’s split-second improvisation—turned potential disaster into one of the tour’s most talked-about moments.
“Ozzy was in the middle of belting out a track when things just… went sideways,” Lee recounted with a laugh. “The crowd didn’t know whether to cheer or gasp—but they ended up roaring with laughter. It was pure Ozzy.”
The Speak of the Devil tour, launched in support of Osbourne’s 1982 live album of the same name, featured a setlist dedicated entirely to Black Sabbath classics. Lee, who replaced Brad Gillis following Randy Rhoads’ tragic death, brought a new fire to the lineup during this pivotal era of Osbourne’s solo career.
Though the two musicians parted ways in 1987, Lee’s enduring respect for Osbourne remains evident. “That night encapsulated everything Ozzy is—unpredictable, fearless, and always entertaining,” he said.
Fans continue to celebrate the legacy of that era, with the anecdote serving as a reminder of Osbourne’s unparalleled ability to turn chaos into legend.
