JAKE E. LEE Asks Fans Not To Judge OZZY OSBOURNE’s Performance: 'He Deserves This Farewell'

Summary

• Guitarist Jake E. Lee asks fans not to judge Ozzy Osbourne’s performance at the upcoming farewell concert in Birmingham.
• Lee plans to perform The Ultimate Sin instead of Bark at the Moon due to arthritis and wrist issues.
• Recently injured in a shooting incident near his Las Vegas home, Lee is still recovering but will take part in the event.

Guitarist Jake E. Lee is urging fans to show compassion ahead of Back to the Beginning, the farewell concert for Ozzy Osbourne and the original Black Sabbath lineup. The event will take place July 5 at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, the city where the legendary band first started.

Lee, who played guitar for Ozzy in the 1980s, spoke with Guitar World about the upcoming reunion. He made it clear that fans shouldn’t expect Ozzy to be in top shape, given the singer’s health struggles in recent years.

“I hope Ozzy can push through the challenges,” Lee said. “I haven’t talked to him or seen him in decades, so I don’t know what shape he’s in. But he deserves a farewell show. No matter how he’s doing or how well he sings, this is something he’s earned. I’m glad to be part of it.”

Osbourne, 75, has been living with Parkinson’s disease and dealing with the long-term effects of several surgeries. Lee reminded fans that age and health will likely affect Ozzy’s performance, and that shouldn’t take away from the moment.

Lee also spoke about his own setlist for the show. While many fans are expecting him to play “Bark at the Moon,” he’s not sure it’s physically possible.

“I know people are hoping for ‘Bark at the Moon,’ but I don’t know if I can pull it off,” he explained. “With my wrist issues, arthritis, and everything else, it would be very difficult… I’ll rehearse it just in case. But physically, it’s going to be tough. I’m planning to play ‘The Ultimate Sin.’ It’s heavy, and I really like the solo in it.”

Lee was part of Ozzy’s band from 1983 to 1986. He joined during a crucial period in Osbourne’s solo career and performed with him at the first-ever Rock in Rio festival in Brazil.

After leaving the group, Lee went on to form the hard rock band Badlands. In more recent years, he launched Red Dragon Cartel following a long break from the spotlight.

He made headlines earlier this year after being shot during an altercation with intruders near his home in Las Vegas.

He was hospitalized following the attack and is still recovering. Police have not located the suspects involved in the incident.

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