Legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee has sparked major buzz in the rock and metal community after revealing in a recent interview that he’s open to featuring the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, on one of his upcoming albums set for release in 2026. The potential collaboration would mark the first time the two have worked together on new material in over three decades.
Jake E. Lee, who famously replaced the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne’s band and played on iconic albums like *Bark at the Moon* (1983) and *The Ultimate Sin* (1986), has had a complicated relationship with the Black Sabbath frontman since parting ways in the late ’80s. However, recent events — including their reunion at the *Back to the Beginning* farewell concert in Birmingham — have seemingly softened the ground for something special.
A Surprising Turn of Events
Speaking during a livestream Q\&A with fans, Lee was asked whether he’d ever consider collaborating with Ozzy again. His answer left fans both stunned and excited.
The guitarist emphasized that this wouldn’t be a rehash of old hits but rather something fresh that reflects both of their current realities as veteran rock icons.
> “It wouldn’t be ‘Bark at the Moon 2’ or anything like that. It’d be something new, something honest. We’re older, bruised up a bit, but still here. That’s worth singing about.”
Ozzy’s Response
While there’s been no official comment yet from Osbourne’s team, sources close to the Osbourne camp suggest the idea isn’t far-fetched. Ozzy himself has been adamant about continuing to make music, even amid ongoing health battles. In a recent interview, he declared, “I’m not done making noise just yet.”
A feature on Lee’s album could serve as a symbolic bookend to a turbulent but impactful collaboration that helped define the heavy metal sound of the 1980s.
Fans React
Social media lit up after Lee’s statement, with fans calling the idea “epic,” “emotional,” and even “historically overdue.” Reddit threads and fan forums have been flooded with speculation about what a Jake-Ozzy reunion track would sound like in 2026 — would it be slow and haunting, or a classic high-energy shredder?
Some fans even suggested titles like *Back to the Howl* or *Full Moon Closure* as potential nods to their shared past.
What’s Next?
Lee is currently focused on writing and recording new material, most of which will be released under his band **Red Dragon Cartel**. The group is eyeing late 2025 for their next album, with an additional release in early 2026 — the one Lee hinted could feature Ozzy.
Despite arthritis and the aftermath of a 2024 shooting that nearly ended his career, Jake E. Lee appears reinvigorated. He recently told SiriusXM:
> “The world’s getting back to where I can enjoy it. Music’s always been the thing that keeps me going, and maybe, just maybe, reconnecting with Ozzy is part of that story too.”
Whether this long-awaited reunion happens remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Jake E. Lee is back, and he’s not done surprising us.
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