July 18, 2025 – Rock legend Jake E. Lee has officially broken his silence regarding the status of his long-anticipated **2026 tour**, which had been put in question following his **near-fatal shooting** in October 2024 and ongoing **health issues**. In a heartfelt update shared with fans this week, the former **Ozzy Osbourne** guitarist reassured supporters that the tour is still on the horizon — but he’s asking for **a little more patience** as he works through the final stages of recovery.
The 66-year-old guitarist, best known for his blistering solos on Ozzy’s *Bark at the Moon* and *The Ultimate Sin*, was preparing for an ambitious tour in support of **Red Dragon Cartel’s upcoming album**, due in January 2026, when he was **shot multiple times** outside his Las Vegas home during a late-night walk with his dog.
“I’m Getting Stronger Every Day”
Speaking in a new video posted to Red Dragon Cartel’s official channel, Lee addressed the elephant in the room:
> “I know a lot of people have been asking about the tour, and believe me, I want to get back on stage just as much as you want to see it. I’m getting stronger every day, but it’s a process — between the shooting and the arthritis, my body’s been through hell.”
Lee sustained gunshot wounds to his **forearm, back, and foot**, with one bullet breaking a rib and damaging a lung. While he’s made an inspiring recovery, the ordeal has understandably impacted his **playing stamina and mobility**. Coupled with **chronic arthritis** in his wrist, which had already sidelined him from regular performing in recent years, the rocker has had to undergo **extensive physical therapy** just to regain playing ability.
Tour Dates Coming — But Fans Urged to Be Patient
Despite the challenges, Lee says the **2026 tour will happen**, though he cautions that fans will need to **wait a bit longer** for official dates.
> “The tour isn’t canceled. Not at all. We’re still planning for it. I just ask everyone to be patient. When the dates drop, they’ll be worth the wait,” he said. “We want to make sure every show is the real deal. No half-measures.”
Insiders close to Red Dragon Cartel’s camp suggest the band is targeting a **spring or summer 2026 kickoff**, with venues across **North America, Europe, and Japan** currently being scouted. Lee is reportedly practicing daily and working closely with trainers to build the stamina needed for a full touring schedule.
Health Battles Haven’t Silenced the Music
Lee’s resilience continues to inspire fans, especially given the odds he’s defied — from losing nearly a decade of his career due to health issues and industry disillusionment, to surviving a **random act of gun violence** that could’ve ended his life.
Earlier this year, Lee made a triumphant return to the stage at **Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert** in Birmingham, UK, performing **“Shot in the Dark”** and **“The Ultimate Sin”** to a roaring crowd, despite lingering pain in his wrist and back.
> “That night reminded me what I love about this — the fans, the noise, the connection. I’m not done. Not even close.”
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New Music, Same Spirit
Lee is currently in the final stages of production on Red Dragon Cartel’s next studio album, which is set to arrive in **January 2026**. The record will blend classic hard rock influences with Lee’s signature melodic aggression — and may even include a bold reimagining of Ozzy’s “Ultimate Sin.”
> “This album is everything I’ve been holding in for the past few years,” he said. “It’s raw, it’s heavy, and it’s real.”
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Conclusion: A Warrior’s Return
Jake E. Lee’s message is clear: the journey back hasn’t been easy, but **the fire is still there**. With a new album on the way and a tour shaping up for 2026, fans of one of rock’s most underrated guitar heroes have plenty to look forward to.
As Lee himself put it:
> “The world’s getting back to where I can enjoy it again. And I can’t wait to share that with you — on stage, loud and proud.”
Stay tuned for official **tour dates and ticket info**, expected to be announced later this year via **Red Dragon Cartel’s social media** and **official website**.
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