Comedian, podcaster, and lifelong rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast Dean Delray shared a touching and deeply personal tribute this week to guitarist Jake E. Lee, following an emotional night in Las Vegas that unexpectedly marked the 40th anniversary of Bark at the Moon— the iconic album that helped define Lee’s career and solidify his place in metal history.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Delray revealed that he had invited Jake E. Lee to join him for a show with legendary drummer Bill Ward, unaware that it coincided with the exact date the *Bark at the Moon* album was released four decades ago.
> “What a perfect way to end the tour,”* Delray wrote. *“I first saw Jake at the US Festival in 1983 and never forgot it. Also, Badlands’ first record is one of the best records of the ’80s, hands down.”
A Night Full of Emotion and Reflection
What was meant to be a simple reunion turned into a powerful, unplanned tribute to a defining moment in rock history. Jake E. Lee, the guitarist who replaced Randy Rhoads after his tragic death and stepped into the firestorm of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career, crafted a new sound and left an unmistakable fingerprint on Ozzy’s legacy — especially with *Bark at the Moon*, the first album he co-wrote with the Prince of Darkness.
Delray’s surprise at the anniversary only added to the emotional weight of the night.
“Great seeing you Jake,” he wrote. *“And once again, thank you Bill \[Ward] for the incredible year. I love you, brother.”
Grieving a Legend: The Loss of Ozzy Osbourne
The night was not only a celebration of Lee’s achievements but also a moment for shared grief. Earlier this year, the rock world was shaken by the devastating news of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing, leaving behind a massive void in the music world
For Jake E. Lee, who spent some of the most pivotal years of his career alongside Ozzy — not just as a bandmate but as a creative partner and friend — the loss is especially heavy.
Delray acknowledged the emotional toll this must be taking on Lee:
> “This year, I wonder how he’s going to cope losing his best friend and partner Ozzy who just died. My condolences go to the family — and to Jake E. Lee too.”
Jake and Ozzy’s relationship, while at times strained due to creative and contractual issues, was built on mutual respect and explosive onstage chemistry. Jake’s blazing riffs and unique tone helped drive tracks like “Bark at the Moon,” “Centre of Eternity,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel,” cementing his place in heavy metal history.
A Podcast Worth Revisiting
Delray also encouraged fans to listen to his **previous podcast episode with Jake E. Lee**, calling it a must-hear for anyone interested in rock history.
> *“If you haven’t heard my podcast with Jake, do yourself a favor — his story is amazing.”*
In that episode, Lee opened up about his rise in the ’80s, working with Ozzy, the formation of Badlands, and the ups and downs of navigating the often ruthless music industry. With the passing of Ozzy now casting new light on those memories, the episode feels even more poignant.
A Bittersweet Milestone
What started as a casual night out turned into a **powerful moment of rock nostalgia, personal reflection, and heartfelt tribute**. Jake E. Lee may not have expected to be honored that night, but the stars aligned to remind everyone — including Lee himself — of the indelible mark he left on the genre.
And for Dean Delray, the message was clear:
*Legends may pass, but the music, the memories, and the friendships live on.*
> *“Great seeing you Jake,” Delray concluded. “And thank you, Ozzy, for the soundtrack of our lives. Rest in power.”
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