Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Jake E Lee shot in Las Vegas, expected to fully recover

The rocker was walking his dog in Vegas

As confirmed by management, legendary rock guitarist Jake E. Lee of Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands, and Red Dragon Cartel was shot multiple times early this morning (Tues, Oct 15th) in a Las Vegas street shooting. 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 authorities believe the shooting was completely random and occurred while Lee took his dog out for a walk in the early morning hours. As the incident is under police investigation, no further comments will be forthcoming. Lee and his family appreciate respecting their privacy at this time.

Lee is best known as the lead guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne between 1982 and 1987, replacing the late Randy Rhoades. Lee was featured on the recordings of 1983’s Bark at the Moon and 1986’s The Ultimate Sin.

In 1988, he joined the heavy metal band Badlands. In 2013, Lee formed Red Dragon Cartel which released its self-titled debut album in 2014 followed by a second project in 2018. Lee has also released several solo albums.

Lee has not played live since 2019 which was believed to be due to carpal tunnel in his right wrist. However, in a recent interview, Lee confirmed he does not have carpal tunnel.

“I thought I had carpal tunnel. I went to a neurologist, and they poked the needles in me and then zapped me. They said I had carpal tunnel. So then I made an appointment with a wrist surgeon, which took a while. I went there. She asked to see some X-rays, which nobody had ever done. She said, ‘Well, before we talk about surgery…'” he says on Tone-Talk. “She took X-rays, came back and said, ‘You don’t have carpal tunnel. You don’t have it. If anybody had taken an X-ray of your wrist, they would have seen you don’t have carpal tunnel.’ And apparently I don’t have any cartilage left in [my right] hand. She said I have very little in [my left hand], but [my left one] doesn’t bother me. So it’s all bone on bone, rubbing against each other, and that’s agitating it.”

Lee confirms he’s getting shots and physical therapy to assist with the pain.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn