🎸 The curtain call for Black Sabbath, one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history, was an event for the ages. Dubbed “Back to the Beginning,” the final show was a massive undertaking, bringing together a constellation of legendary rock guitarists to celebrate the band’s colossal legacy. Among the celebrated alumni returning to the stage was Jake E. Lee, the powerhouse Ozzy Osbourne guitarist famous for his work on albums like Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin.
Despite his extensive career and status as a veteran guitarist in the hard rock and metal scenes, Lee recently shared a surprising moment of pre-show tension. Even a musician of his caliber, known for his fiery, confident stage presence, admitted to feeling genuinely “nervous” during the rehearsals.
In a candid conversation on the “Talk Is Jericho” podcast, Lee recounted his arrival for the historic event. Having recently faced personal and health challenges—including dealing with arthritis and recovering from a serious injury—the pressure of performing on such a grand stage was already palpable.
> “It was fun. It made it thrilling for me,” Lee told Chris Jericho. “But as I said, when I got there, I figured I’m still just, ‘Oh yeah, that’s Jake. He was in the band once.'”
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What truly ratcheted up the anxiety, however, was seeing one particular peer take the stage during the first rehearsal.
“But, well, the first rehearsal—which was the night after I arrived—at the first rehearsal, I actually got nervous, which I never do. Obviously I do [laughs],” Lee confessed.
While the text doesn’t explicitly name the guitarist who sparked this rare moment of anxiety, the mere fact that a player as seasoned as Jake E. Lee—a man who effortlessly commanded stages with the “Prince of Darkness”—could be rattled by another musician speaks volumes about the talent assembled for Sabbath’s tribute.
Lee ultimately conquered his nerves, delivering flawless performances of “The Ultimate Sin” and “Shot In the Dark” to a roaring crowd. His triumphant return was a highlight of the evening, reminding metal fans worldwide of his crucial contribution to Ozzy Osbourne’s band during the 1980s.
This revelation offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of a monumental rock event. It proves that even the most iconic guitar players are susceptible to pressure when surrounded by the crème de la crème of the music industry. For Jake E. Lee fans, it only adds another layer of intrigue to his incredible career journey, showcasing the human element of a guitar hero who always rises to the challenge, no matter how tense the moment gets.
Did you attend Black Sabbath’s final show? What did you think of Jake E. Lee’s performance? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!
