In 1982, the world of rock was still reeling from the tragic death of Randy Rhoads, Ozzy Osbourne’s beloved guitarist who had become a legend in his own right. Rhoads’ sudden passing left not only a personal void in Ozzy’s life but also a professional challenge for his band, which had upcoming commitments and needed to find a worthy successor. The task was daunting—few guitarists could match Rhoads’ brilliance, creativity, and stage presence. Among those who stepped up to audition was a young and talented player named Jake E. Lee, whose journey to becoming Ozzy’s new guitarist was anything but ordinary.
At the time, Ozzy and his team were auditioning several promising musicians, including George Lynch, who was already known in the rock scene. Initially, Lynch was seen as a strong contender for the role. However, fate—and a bit of human imperfection—played a surprising role in changing the band’s course. Jake E. Lee later revealed that he almost ruined his own audition. During the tryout, nerves got the better of him, leading to a few mistakes that could have easily cost him the gig.
But instead of dismissing him, Ozzy saw something special in Lee. Despite the rough start, Jake’s raw energy, creativity, and distinct playing style caught the attention of both Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne. His sound was powerful and emotional, blending technical precision with a rebellious flair that matched Ozzy’s evolving musical direction. Ironically, the imperfections in his performance ended up making him stand out—it made him feel more real, more human, and more connected to the emotion behind the music.
George Lynch, on the other hand, briefly held the guitarist position but was eventually let go. According to various accounts, Ozzy wasn’t entirely satisfied with how Lynch’s style meshed with the rest of the band. That decision opened the door wide for Jake E. Lee, who soon found himself officially joining the Prince of Darkness’s lineup as the new full-time guitarist.
From that point on, Jake E. Lee would go on to contribute significantly to Ozzy’s musical legacy, co-writing some of the era’s most iconic tracks, including those on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin. What began as a near-failed audition turned into one of the most defining chapters of his career—proof that sometimes, even mistakes can lead to greatness.