Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee has shared a vivid account of the chaotic 1982 audition that propelled him into the Prince of Darkness’s band, ultimately displacing Dokken’s George Lynch in a moment of blunt rock ‘n’ roll drama.
Speaking on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho podcast, Lee recounted how a series of mishaps—ranging from sabotage by his then-boss Wendy Dio to arriving late and fumbling song parts—unexpectedly sealed the deal. “My whole attitude after that helped me get the gig,” Lee said, crediting Sharon Osbourne’s appreciation for his unapologetic demeanor.
The search for Randy Rhoads’s permanent replacement began after the young virtuoso’s tragic death in a plane crash earlier that year. With touring commitments looming, Ozzy’s camp turned to bassist Dana Strum (later of Slaughter) to scout Los Angeles talent. Strum auditioned roughly 10 guitarists, recording short improvisations and photos to send to Ozzy and Sharon.
Lee, then playing in Ronnie James Dio’s band, made the shortlist alongside Mitch Perry and one other contender. But on audition day, obstacles mounted. Wendy Dio allegedly blocked access to the band’s storage locker, forcing Lee into a 15-minute standoff with a roadie. “Are you gonna be the guy that stops me from auditioning for Ozzy Osbourne?” Lee challenged, eventually hauling his own gear to the venue.
Arriving late and flustered, Lee faced Sharon’s ire: “You’re late. We just about walked out.” His retort—”Well, I’m here now. Do you want me to play or not?”—struck a chord. “I might not have put it that way” had he known her reputation, Lee admitted, but Sharon green-lit the performance.
Cramming Blizzard of Ozz tracks overnight, Lee swapped parts in “Crazy Train” and “I Don’t Know,” convinced he’d bombed. Asked for a solo akin to Van Halen’s “Eruption,” he declined: “I already fucked the songs up.” Packing up in defeat, Lee encountered Lynch entering the room.
What followed was rock history’s coldest mic drop. Ozzy approached: “You want the gig?” Turning to Lynch, he declared, “He’s got it. You don’t. You’re fired.”
Lynch, who had shadowed interim guitarist Brad Gillis on tour and rehearsed extensively, later called the dismissal “devastating.” He quit a delivery job to pursue the role, only to be cut without playing a single show.
Lee’s tenure produced two platinum albums—Bark at the Moon (1983) and The Ultimate Sin (1986)—before his own abrupt firing in 1987. Reflecting on the era, Lee noted the irony: his perceived audition failure showcased the raw edge Ozzy sought.
The full episode of Talk Is Jericho, titled “Shot In The Dark – The Resurrection Of Jake E. Lee,” also covers Lee’s recent performances at Ozzy’s farewell events and his 2024 Las Vegas shooting survival.
Lee’s story underscores the unpredictable alchemy of rock stardom: sometimes, screwing up is the ultimate power chord.
