In a touching moment that highlights the enduring bond between musicians and their admirers, young fan Sawyer Findlay has opened up about his first backstage meeting with rock guitar icon Jake E. Lee, describing the former Ozzy Osbourne axeman as both a “father figure” and his ultimate “idol.”
Findlay, an aspiring guitarist whose passion for heavy metal was ignited by Lee’s blistering solos on classic albums like Bark at the Moon (1983) and The Ultimate Sin (1986), recounted the emotional encounter during a recent interview. The meeting took place backstage at a high-profile event earlier this year, where Lee made a triumphant return to the stage amid his ongoing recovery from a serious shooting incident in 2024.
“Jake E. Lee has been more than just a hero to me—he’s like a father figure,” Findlay said, his voice filled with admiration. “Growing up, his playing pushed me to pick up the guitar and dream big. Meeting him in person was surreal. He was so down-to-earth, taking time to talk about riffs, life on the road, and even giving me advice on dealing with setbacks.”
The backstage reunion occurred at “Back to the Beginning,” the star-studded tribute concert marking Black Sabbath’s final performance and Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell show in July 2025. Lee, who overcame arthritis and lingering injuries from being shot multiple times in Las Vegas, delivered a memorable guest appearance alongside rock heavyweights like Tom Morello and Kirk Hammett.
Findlay gained access through a fan meet-and-greet opportunity and described the moment Lee spotted him holding a vintage Charvel guitar—a nod to Lee’s signature models. “He smiled and said, ‘Nice axe, kid—reminds me of my old Blue Burst.’ We chatted for what felt like hours, but was probably just minutes. He shared stories from the Ozzy days and encouraged me to keep playing no matter what.”
Lee, known for his reclusive nature in recent decades, has been praised for his warmth toward fans during his comeback. Following the event, he spoke publicly about reconnecting with old collaborators and jamming on iconic instruments like Hammett’s “Greeny” Les Paul backstage.
For Findlay, the encounter was life-changing. “He’s my idol because he never gave up, even after everything he’s been through—the firing from Ozzy’s band, Badlands breaking up, the shooting. Jake taught me resilience. I’ll carry that conversation with me forever.”
Jake E. Lee continues to inspire a new generation through his work with Red Dragon Cartel and occasional high-profile appearances. Fans like Sawyer Findlay serve as a reminder of the profound impact legendary musicians can have on young lives.
As Lee himself reflected in a recent Guitar World interview, moments like these make the journey worthwhile: “It’s cool to know the music still means something to people.”
Findlay concluded with a message to fellow fans: “If you get the chance to meet your heroes, take it. Jake proved they’re often even better in person.”
This story underscores the timeless power of rock ‘n’ roll to forge connections across generations.
