👋The relationship between a rock star and their former management can often be fraught, especially after a sudden firing. However, for former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee, meeting Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne again decades after his 1987 departure was a surprisingly amicable experience. Lee recently reflected on catching up with the legendary couple at Black Sabbath’s final farewell concert, admitting he was initially uncertain how the interaction would unfold.
🤯 The Uncertainty of a Decades-Old Split
Jake E. Lee arrived in 1982, taking on the unenviable task of succeeding the irreplaceable Randy Rhoads. His era was highly successful, yielding two beloved studio albums, Bark at the Moon (1983) and The Ultimate Sin (1986). Yet, the partnership ended abruptly in 1987, under circumstances that, while often rumored to be acrimonious, never instilled any personal “ill will” in Lee himself.
“I didn’t know how they’d be,” Lee confessed about the reunion, acknowledging the decades that had passed since their professional parting. Despite the high-stakes drama that often surrounds The Prince of Darkness’s camp, Lee’s internal perspective was clear: his dismissal was a professional decision, not a personal feud.
📲 Ozzy’s Final, Heartfelt Message
The reunion proved to be entirely pleasant. Lee noted that both Ozzy and Sharon were gracious, effectively wiping away any lingering awkwardness from the separation. Even more touching was the final message Lee received from Ozzy himself.
After the encounter, Jake E. Lee recalled receiving a text message that stood out for its sincerity and simplicity. The message, coming from the legendary metal frontman, was a clear and kind acknowledgment of their shared history: “Hope we can do something again someday.”
For Lee, who helped propel the Ozzy Osbourne solo career forward during a critical time, this simple text was a powerful indication that the professional split had not poisoned the personal well. It was a closing sentiment that honored their shared past and left the door open, proving that in the end, the music and the mutual respect transcended the business of rock and roll.