Jake E. Lee Provides Update on Shooting Incident and Upcoming Performance

Arrests Made in Shooting Incident

Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E. Lee has confirmed that the two individuals responsible for shooting him last fall in Las Vegas have been apprehended. They are scheduled to face sentencing in July, following their arrest.

The Incident

On the morning of October 15, 2024, at approximately 2:40 a.m., Lee was in his driveway preparing to walk his dog when he was shot multiple times. The assailant hit him in the forearm, back—where the bullet broke a rib—and foot. Fortunately, none of the bullets struck any vital organs, and Lee’s dog, Coco, remained unharmed. A neighbor, alerted by the gunfire, took action by hiding his children, arming himself, and calling 911. Police later discovered 15 shell casings at the scene.

Lee’s Upcoming Performance

Despite the traumatic experience, the 68-year-old guitarist is set to participate in the all-star “Back To The Beginning” event in Birmingham, UK, on July 5. This event marks the final performance of Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne.

In a recent social media update, Lee expressed his excitement about the upcoming show, stating, “Just confirming I’m playing in Birmingham on the 5th of July. In fact, I believe I’ll be first at bat, which means [my dog] Coco has to be up at 7:00 a.m. [in Las Vegas] to watch Pops [as part of the pay-per-view livestream]!”

Details of the Shooting Incident

Reflecting on the events leading up to the shooting, Lee recounted that he had noticed two men dressed in black and wearing hoodies who were suspiciously checking out a motorcycle in a nearby driveway. When approached, the men seemed intimidated, but after a brief confrontation, Lee and his dog continued their walk home. It was then that he was shot.

Lee described the moment he realized the intent behind the gunfire: “I quickly realized he wasn’t aiming at me. He was aiming at my dog. I threw my end of the leash at Coco and yelled to go home. He did. He’s a good boy.” The injuries he sustained included a bullet to the forearm, one through his foot, and another in the back that damaged a lung.

Musical Collaboration with Tom Morello

Earlier this month, Lee revealed his participation in the “Back To The Beginning” event was facilitated by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE’s Tom Morello, who is serving as the musical director. Lee expressed his enthusiasm: “Tom Morello called me… I can’t see this going on without Jake E. Lee in there somewhere.”

Lee is excited to not only perform but also to witness the event, especially given his long absence from Ozzy’s life: “I hope Ozzy can get through it. I haven’t spoken with him or seen him in decades. He deserves a final farewell performance.”

Jake E. Lee’s Music Career

Jake E. Lee gained fame as Ozzy Osbourne’s guitarist, stepping in to replace the late Randy Rhoads. He contributed to two of Ozzy’s albums: 1983’s “Bark At The Moon” and 1986’s “The Ultimate Sin.” After his time with Ozzy, Lee formed the hard rock band BADLANDS and later embarked on a solo career. He returned to the music scene with his band RED DRAGON CARTEL, releasing albums in 2013 and 2018.

Conclusion

Jake E. Lee’s resilience in the face of adversity is commendable. As he prepares for a significant performance that pays tribute to rock legends, the guitarist remains focused on his recovery and future endeavors. The arrest of his assailants brings a measure of closure, allowing him to look forward to sharing the stage with top-tier musicians in a historic event.

FAQs

Who is Jake E. Lee?

Jake E. Lee is a renowned guitarist known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne and his own band, RED DRAGON CARTEL.

What happened during the shooting incident involving Jake E. Lee?

Lee was shot multiple times in his driveway while walking his dog. Fortunately, he survived the attack, and the assailants have since been arrested.

When is Jake E. Lee’s upcoming performance?

Lee is set to perform on July 5, 2025, as part of the “Back To The Beginning” event in Birmingham, UK.

Who is Tom Morello?

Tom Morello is the guitarist for RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE and is serving as the musical director for the “Back To The Beginning” event.

What has Ozzy Osbourne said about Jake E. Lee’s situation?

Ozzy expressed shock at the news of the shooting, stating it was a senseless act of gun violence and offered his thoughts for Lee’s recovery.