Legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee, renowned for his work with Ozzy Osbourne in the 1980s, has shared a poignant tribute to the late “Prince of Darkness,” who passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76. In a heartfelt message posted to social media, Lee included lyrics that reflect on their shared history and Osbourne’s enduring impact: “I don’t wanna say goodbye / When I do you’ll be alright / After all, I did it all for u.”
Lee, who played on Osbourne’s iconic albums Bark at the Moon (1983) and The Ultimate Sin (1986), expressed his grief and gratitude following Osbourne’s death, which came just weeks after their emotional reunion at the “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025. The event, which celebrated Osbourne’s solo career and his legacy with Black Sabbath, marked the first time Lee and Osbourne had performed together in nearly four decades.
In his tribute, Lee reflected on their complex history, including his abrupt firing in 1987, which he has previously attributed to tensions stirred by drummer Randy Castillo and bassist Phil Soussan’s influence on Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon. Despite past conflicts, Lee emphasized reconciliation, noting a touching text message he received from Osbourne after the Birmingham show: “Hi Jake, I’m so sorry I couldn’t spend more time with you on the weekend but it was really chaotic. I would really like to see you when I eventually get back to L.A. to shoot the shit, it’s been so long since we saw each other… much love and respect OZZY.”
Lee wrote, “The finality of it hits me in waves. Those words from Ozzy meant everything. We mended what was broken, and I’ll always be grateful for that.” He added that performing at the farewell concert, alongside other rock legends like Metallica, Slayer, and Tom Morello, was not just a professional honor but a personal redemption. “I always wanted to reconcile, tell him there weren’t any hard feelings and end things on a friendly note. I got to do that,” Lee shared in a recent Guitar World interview.
The guitarist’s tribute also acknowledged Osbourne’s transformative influence on his career. “He put me in the spotlight,” Lee said. “Whether that would have happened without him is anybody’s guess.” Lee’s contributions to Bark at the Moon, including writing much of the album’s material, helped cement Osbourne’s solo career post-Black Sabbath, with the album selling over three million copies in the U.S.
Fans and fellow musicians have echoed Lee’s sentiments, flooding social media with tributes to Osbourne’s larger-than-life persona and groundbreaking contributions to heavy metal. Lee’s emotional lyrics and reflections underscore the deep bond he shared with Osbourne, despite years of distance. “Ozzy deserved that final farewell, and I’m honored I was part of it,” Lee concluded.
As the music world continues to mourn, Lee’s tribute stands as a testament to Osbourne’s enduring legacy and the personal connections that defined his career. The “Back to the Beginning” concert, now a historic moment, raised significant funds for charitable causes, further solidifying Osbourne’s impact beyond music.
