Jake E. Lee reveals reasons for allowing Ozzy Osbourne to win their public feud

Former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, Jake E. Lee, recently shed light on his departure from the band, revealing why he opted not to engage in a public feud with his former boss. In an interview with Guitar World, Lee discussed his desire to reconnect with Osbourne on some level, not necessarily for music, but to avoid ending their relationship with any animosity or lingering bad blood.

Lee expressed that he never took his firing personally, understanding the business aspect behind it, despite feeling somewhat slighted during the making of the Bark at the Moon record where he felt he was “screwed over.” He made a conscious decision to refrain from retaliating in any public spat with Osbourne, recognizing that it would be a losing battle going up against someone of Osbourne’s stature. Lee maintained a level of respect for Osbourne and his wife, Sharon, hence chose not to escalate any discord.

The guitarist’s mature approach to his departure reflects a broader perspective on his time with Osbourne and the personal growth that ensued. Lee eventually found closure in his relationship with Osbourne, after expressing his desire to reconcile and part ways on an amicable note.

Lee’s journey with Osbourne during the Monsters of Rock festival in 1986, where they performed to a massive crowd of 60,000 people, marked a pinnacle in his career. However, after leaving Osbourne’s band, Lee faced a series of personal tragedies including the loss of his parents, his first wife, and close friend Ray Gillen, leading to his disappearance from the public eye for several years.

In 2013, Lee made a comeback by forming Red Dragon Cartel, aiming to reconnect with his musical career and fans who had wondered about his whereabouts during his hiatus. This project represented his renewed effort to engage with the music industry after the tumultuous events in his personal life.

Lee’s introspective reflections on his time with Osbourne underscore how experiences, both professional and personal, can evolve over time, leading to reconciliation and closure. His journey serves as a testament to the resilience and growth that can emerge from challenging situations.