Guitar legend Jake E. Lee has shared a deeply emotional and heartfelt message to his family, expressing his immense gratitude for their unwavering support—especially during one of the darkest chapters of his life. In a recent social media post, the former Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands guitarist opened up about the love and strength his family has given him, particularly following the traumatic incident in 2024 when he was shot outside his Las Vegas home.
Jake, who rose to fame in the 1980s with his fiery guitar work on *Bark at the Moon* and *The Ultimate Sin*, has long been known as a fiercely independent and private musician. But after enduring a near-death experience—being shot three times while walking his dog—his tone changed dramatically. What could have ended in tragedy instead became a moment of reflection, resilience, and renewed appreciation for those closest to him.
In the message, Jake wrote:
> “There are times in life where words just don’t do justice. What my family has done for me—what they continue to do—is beyond anything I could have imagined. When I got shot last year, it felt like my world was falling apart. But they stepped in, without hesitation. They flew to Vegas, they stayed by my side in the hospital, they cooked, they cleaned, they laughed with me when I needed distraction, and they cried with me when it all became too much. I’ve never felt more loved.”
Jake went on to describe how his family rallied around him not only during his physical recovery, but also emotionally—helping him navigate the trauma and fear that followed the attack.
> “Recovery isn’t just about the body—it’s about the mind and soul too. I had nightmares. I felt broken. But my sister, my cousins, my nieces… they brought life back into me. They reminded me of who I am, of why I do what I do. They never treated me like a victim. They treated me like a fighter. I owe them everything.”
He also highlighted how their support extended well beyond the hospital walls. During the months of recovery, Jake admitted he struggled with creative motivation and questioned his place in the music world. But it was his family who quietly pushed him to pick up his guitar again.
> “They didn’t force me to play, but I’d catch them placing my guitar nearby. Or playing old Ozzy records in the living room. My niece even told me, ‘Uncle Jake, if you don’t shred again, I’ll have to take your place on stage.’ That kind of tough love—that’s what got me back.”
The guitarist concluded his post with a powerful message to families everywhere:
> “You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up. My family showed up for me when I couldn’t even show up for myself. That’s love. That’s home. I’m blessed. And I just want to say thank you. From the bottom of my heart.”
Jake’s message resonated deeply with fans across the world, many of whom commented with their own stories of recovery, family, and gratitude. Others thanked him for showing vulnerability, reminding people that even rock legends need a strong foundation behind them.
Now on the path to full recovery and recently reunited with Ozzy Osbourne during the emotional “Back To The Beginning” farewell concert in Birmingham, Jake E. Lee is back in the spotlight—but with a softer, more grateful heart.
His words remind us all that even when the amps are turned off and the stage lights dim, it’s the people waiting behind the curtain—family—who make the encore possible.
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