Legendary guitarist Jake E. Lee, known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and bands like Badlands and Red Dragon Cartel, was shot multiple times in a shocking incident early Tuesday morning in Las Vegas. According to a statement from his representatives, the 66-year-old musician is expected to make a full recovery despite the serious nature of the shooting.
Lee’s representatives confirmed to Fox News that the guitarist was attacked while taking his dog for a walk in the early morning hours. “As confirmed by management, legendary rock guitarist Jake E. Lee (Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands, Red Dragon Cartel) was shot multiple times early this morning in a Las Vegas, NV street shooting,” the statement read. It continued, “Lee is fully conscious and doing well in an intensive care unit at a Las Vegas hospital. He is expected to fully recover.”
Las Vegas police have indicated that the shooting was likely a random act, and an investigation is underway. No additional details about potential suspects or motives have been released, and authorities are asking for privacy as Lee and his family recover from the traumatic event.
Jake E. Lee’s journey in the rock and metal scene began in the early 1980s, where he started his career in various local bands before joining Ratt for a brief stint. However, it was his recruitment into Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1983 that skyrocketed his career. Taking over guitar duties after Randy Rhoads’ tragic death, Lee contributed significantly to Ozzy’s albums Bark at the Moon (1983) and *he Ultimate Sin (1986). Though his contributions to songwriting were not always officially credited, Lee’s iconic riffs and melodic sensibility helped define the sound of Osbourne’s post-Rhoads era.
After his time with Osbourne, Lee went on to form Badlands, a band that mixed bluesy rock with hard rock elements. Alongside vocalist Ray Gillen, Badlands released three albums that, while not chart-topping successes, earned critical acclaim. The band’s self-titled debut album in 1989 was especially praised for its raw, energetic sound.
Lee re-emerged on the music scene in 2014 with Red Dragon Cartel, showcasing his signature guitar work with a fresh lineup and new collaborators. The band released two albums, Red Dragon Cartel (2014) and Patina (2018), solidifying his enduring influence in rock and metal.
Renowned for his technical skill, unique vibrato, and genre-blending style, Jake E. Lee remains a respected figure in the rock community. His contributions to Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy and his own projects have left an indelible mark on music, and fans around the world are hoping for his swift recovery as he navigates this challenging time.
Leave a Comment