Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee has opened up about his ongoing health challenges, revealing that he has been living with arthritis for several years — a condition that has worsened over time and continues to impact his ability to play guitar.
In a recent statement, Lee confirmed that he was already battling the painful joint disease long before the much-publicized **shooting incident in Las Vegas**, which left him shaken but determined to continue performing. He explained that arthritis has been a constant and debilitating part of his daily life, forcing him to undergo regular treatment in order to manage the pain.
> “I’ve also been dealing with a painful condition of the right hand,” Lee said. “There’s no cartilage left, which means every movement comes with discomfort. I’ve had to rely on **cortisone shots** and **physiotherapy** just to keep going.”
The Toll of Arthritis on a Guitarist
For a musician whose career has been defined by technical guitar work and blistering riffs, the diagnosis presents a particularly cruel challenge. Arthritis can cause stiffness, swelling, and chronic pain — all symptoms that directly interfere with the fine motor skills required for playing guitar at the highest level.
Despite these setbacks, Lee has continued to perform and record, though he admits the condition has changed the way he approaches his craft. Instead of relying solely on speed and precision, he now adapts his playing style to suit the limitations imposed by his condition.
Perseverance Through Pain
Lee’s admission adds new perspective to the resilience he has shown throughout his career. From his breakthrough in the 1980s as a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band — where he co-wrote and performed on classics such as *Bark at the Moon* and *The Ultimate Sin* — to his work with Badlands and his later solo projects, Lee has remained a respected figure in the hard rock and metal community.
His revelation about arthritis underscores not only the physical toll of decades of performing, but also his determination to push forward despite adversity.
> “It’s tough, no doubt,” Lee admitted. “But music has always been my life, and I don’t intend to stop. Treatments and therapy help me keep going, and as long as I can still hold a guitar, I’ll keep playing.”
A Message to Fans
Fans have responded with messages of support and admiration, praising Lee’s honesty in sharing his struggles. Many noted that his openness could help raise awareness about arthritis, a condition that affects millions worldwide and can often go unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages.
By speaking publicly, Lee joins a growing list of musicians who have shared their battles with physical limitations, reminding fans of the human challenges behind the music.
Looking Ahead
While Lee continues to face the day-to-day realities of arthritis, he remains focused on music. Ongoing treatment, including cortisone injections and regular physiotherapy, allows him to manage the pain enough to perform and connect with fans. Though the condition may change how he plays, it has not dimmed his passion or creativity.
For Jake E. Lee, arthritis is not the end of his journey, but another obstacle to overcome — a reminder of both the fragility and the resilience of an artist’s body and spirit.
Leave a Reply