In a candid new interview, veteran guitarist Jake E. Lee looked back at his years alongside Ozzy Osbourne, offered high praise for his successor Zakk Wylde, and dropped a hint at a possible tour reunion in 2025.
Looking Back
Lee rose to prominence when Ozzy tapped him following the tragic loss of Randy Rhoads — a massive shadow to step into. He appears on Ozzy’s albums Bark at the Moon (1983) and The Ultimate Sin (1986), helping swagger the solo career into new territory.
In recent reflections, Lee admitted the ride wasn’t always easy — personnel changes, contract battles, and creative tensions marked the path. Yet he holds no long-term grudge:
> “He made me a better guitar player. He made me look at my guitar playing more.”
His return for Ozzy’s “Back to the Beginning” farewell show offered one of those full-circle moments.
On Zakk Wylde: Passing the Torch
While Lee’s era set one foundation, he doesn’t shy away from giving Wylde his props. In a 2018 interview, Lee said
> “I think [Zakk]’s an incredible guitar player… I think he ended up being a better fit with Ozzy than I ever was.”
He explained the reasoning: right after Rhoads, Ozzy needed something different — Lee saw himself as that transitional figure; Wylde brought fresh chemistry after him:
“I do think I was the perfect guy to come in after Randy. And I do think Zakk was the perfect guy to come in after me. And he did it with a bang.”
Lee also adds a touch of self-mocking humour:
“I like his playing. I have little bit of a problem with his pinch harmonics… [Laughs] which everybody does.”
A Hint of the Future
Despite his own health challenges — including arthritis and the fallout from a serious shooting incident last year — Lee says he would like to tour again, and even mentioned a dream collaboration with Zakk Wylde in 2025.
While the quotes are less formal on that front, the sentiment is clear: the camaraderie and mutual respect are there, and Lee still wants to rock.
What It All Means
Lee’s reflections show maturity: he recognises his chapter with Ozzy was important, but not the full story.
He honours the legacy of both guitarists — his and Wylde’s — in the Ozzy orbit.
The hint at touring again suggests Lee isn’t ready to retire entirely; fans of classic-era Ozzy should keep an eye out.
For Wylde, Lee’s praise is particularly significant given the natural narrative of “replacement vs original”. It’s rare to hear that level of respect in public.
Final Take
Jake E. Lee’s journey with Ozzy Osbourne is one of peaks, challenges, transitions — and ultimately, respect. He didn’t hold the lead slot forever, but he acknowledges the place he occupies in that lineage and celebrates the one who followed him. His forthcoming ambitions reinforce that rock-and-roll chapters may pause, but they don’t always stop.
If you like, I can dig up the full interview transcript and highlight all his comments about Zakk and a possible tour.
