Jake E. Lee Says He Let Ozzy ‘Win’ Their Feud — Here’s Why
via FOX5 Las Vegas / YouTube
Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee has finally shed light on why he chose to avoid a public battle with the Prince of Darkness after his dismissal from the band. Speaking with Guitar World, Lee explained that his decision was rooted in a mix of professional respect, personal admiration, and an understanding of how the music business works.
For years, fans speculated about the tension between Lee and Osbourne, especially in light of disagreements over credits on Bark at the Moon. While Lee has acknowledged feeling “screwed over” on that record, he never allowed those frustrations to become a public spectacle.
Instead, the guitarist opted for restraint, knowing that any war of words with Osbourne would ultimately favor the larger-than-life frontman. This approach not only helped him preserve a level of dignity but also left the door open for reconciliation — something he had always quietly hoped for.
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Why He Let Ozzy “Win”
Lee admitted that one of the biggest reasons he didn’t fight back was because he knew he couldn’t win. In the court of public opinion, Ozzy Osbourne — backed by his fame, influence, and the ever-formidable Sharon Osbourne — would almost certainly come out on top.
He also stressed that he still liked Ozzy and Sharon, even after the split. While the firing hurt, he never let it turn into a personal vendetta. “I never really took the firing personally,” Lee explained. “It was a business move, and I understood that.”
By choosing to keep his comments factual and free of bitterness, Lee avoided the endless cycle of mudslinging that has tarnished many other rock breakups. For him, maintaining a level of mutual respect was worth more than scoring points in the press.
Finding Closure After Years Apart
Despite the abrupt end to their professional relationship, Lee always wanted a chance to reconcile with Osbourne. Not necessarily to work together again musically, but to make peace and erase any lingering bad blood.
That moment finally came years later. Lee revealed that he was able to tell Ozzy there were no hard feelings, bringing a sense of closure to a chapter that had weighed on him for decades. “I’m proud to have been a part of that,” he said, looking back at their shared history with appreciation.
The reconciliation allowed Lee to remember his time with Osbourne fondly, including career-defining performances like their 1986 appearance at the Monsters of Rock festival before 60,000 fans. For Lee, those memories were worth more than dwelling on past grievances.
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Disappearance and Return
After leaving Osbourne’s band, Lee’s career took a sharp turn away from the spotlight. Personal tragedies — including the deaths of his parents, his first wife, and close friend Ray Gillen — contributed to a long absence from the music scene.
During those years, Lee all but vanished from public view, leaving fans to wonder if he would ever return to the stage. His absence only added to the mystique surrounding him, especially among guitar enthusiasts who remembered his technical skill and unique style.
In 2013, Lee reemerged with his new band, Red Dragon Cartel. The project marked his return to recording and touring, giving longtime fans the reunion they had hoped for. It also proved that, while he may have let Ozzy “win” their feud, Jake E. Lee was still capable of writing his own victories.
