For decades, the story of Jake E. Lee’s firing from Ozzy Osbourne’s band has lingered in the lore of heavy metal. To some, it symbolized the ruthless nature of the music industry; to others, it was simply another chapter in the volatile saga of the Prince of Darkness. Now, Lee himself has offered rare clarity on how he truly feels about the dismissal that shocked fans and peers alike.
In a candid interview, the guitarist explained that, while many assumed bitterness would follow, he never carried resentment toward Ozzy or Sharon Osbourne. “I never really took it personally,” Lee said. “He said some things about me, but I never said anything bad about him. I stated the facts – I got kind of screwed over on the *Bark at the Moon* record. But I knew it was a business move, and that it wasn’t based around f\*\*\*ing me over.”
Shockwaves Through the Industry
Lee’s exit from the band came as a surprise not just to fans, but also to many within the rock and metal world. His playing had been central to Ozzy’s success in the mid-1980s, helping keep the singer’s solo career alive after the tragic death of Randy Rhoads. Songs like “Bark at the Moon” and “The Ultimate Sin” showcased Lee’s blend of technical precision and raw energy, cementing him as one of the defining guitarists of that era.
Yet, despite his vital role, he was abruptly let go. “When he fired me, the feeling I got from people in the industry was shock,” Lee recalled. “He talked some shit about me; but I always assumed he did it because he needed to have a good reason for getting rid of me. I never really fired back because I knew I’d never win. Getting into a fight with Ozzy Osbourne through the press? He’s gonna win. And I still liked him, and I still liked Sharon.”
The Business Behind the Music
For Lee, the decision was less about personal betrayal and more about the mechanics of the music business. Sharon Osbourne, often credited with resurrecting Ozzy’s career after his split from Black Sabbath, made difficult calls to ensure her husband remained at the top of the heavy metal food chain.
“You could look at it like Sharon trying to ensure her husband’s career was resurrected after being fired from Black Sabbath,” Lee admitted. “Yeah, that’s pretty much the way I felt about the whole thing – and money has never been important to me.”
That sentiment underscores a defining trait of Lee’s personality. Unlike many musicians of his generation who were consumed by fame and wealth, Lee insists he never allowed money to dictate his decisions. “I’m kind of like a hippie! If I have enough money to get by, that’s all I need. I don’t need a mansion. I don’t need a Ferrari. Money corrupts so many people. I never let it corrupt me. If I wanna do something I’ll do it, and I’ll see if I can get paid for it.”
Artistic Integrity Over Riches
Lee admits that the financial fallout of being let go didn’t bother him nearly as much as one thing: not receiving full credit for his work on *Bark at the Moon*. “It wasn’t about money with *Bark at the Moon* – it was always about the credit,” he said firmly.
While the record became a massive success, much of the recognition went to Ozzy alone, despite Lee’s heavy involvement in the songwriting and arrangement. For Lee, that lack of acknowledgment stung more than any lost paycheck.
Punk Spirit in a Metal World
Beyond Ozzy’s camp, Lee also reflects on how he connected to other corners of music, particularly punk rock. “Punk was big and I liked it. But I couldn’t go to any of the shows because I had long hair,” he laughed. His appreciation for punk’s rawness and authenticity mirrored his own approach to music: unpolished, passionate, and true to himself.
That same spirit helped Lee navigate the fallout of his dismissal. Rather than chasing commercial opportunities, he remained focused on making the kind of music he believed in—even if it meant taking a step away from the spotlight.
No Hard Feelings
Looking back, Jake E. Lee views his time with Ozzy not with bitterness, but with gratitude. Despite the professional and financial frustrations, he still holds respect for both Ozzy and Sharon. “They made money on some of their business decisions at my expense, but it’s not a big deal to me,” he said. “You can offer me a lot of money to do something, but if I don’t want to do it I just won’t.”
It’s a rare perspective in an industry notorious for broken friendships and lifelong grudges. For Lee, the key has always been staying grounded, prioritizing artistry over ego, and walking away from negativity.
Decades later, his contributions to Ozzy’s legacy remain undeniable. *Bark at the Moon* and *The Ultimate Sin* are still celebrated by fans, and Lee’s guitar work continues to inspire younger players. His outlook on the messy realities of the music business serves as a reminder that sometimes the healthiest path is to accept what happened, refuse to harbor resentment, and keep moving forward.
Jake E. Lee may have been pushed out of Ozzy’s band, but he walked away with something far more valuable than money: peace of mind, integrity, and a legacy that speaks louder than any contract dispute.
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