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Jake E. Lee recalls how Ozzy helped to make the “Bark at the Moon” solo

Jake E. Lee

Classic Rock

Jake E. Lee recalls how Ozzy helped to make the “Bark at the Moon” solo

The most famous song that guitarist Jake E. Lee recorded with Ozzy Osbourne during his years in the band was “Bark at the Moon”, the title track of Ozzy’s third album, released in 1983. Besides the amazing guitar riff, the song also features a fantastic guitar solo, which wasn’t originally what Jake had come up with. As he recalled in an interview with Guitarist, it was Ozzy who told him to try something different and then chose the version of the solo that ended up on the record.

Jake E. Lee recalls how Ozzy helped to make the “Bark at the Moon” solo

“I had the second half all worked out, and the first half was something completely different in my mind. It was more melodic; more like a Neal Schon thing.”

“I was sure it was gonna work, I can still hear it in my head, and I still think it would work! I spent all night trying to get it the way it sounded in my head, and I know (producer) Max Norman was getting frustrated. And I was frustrated.”

“Ozzy walked in and said, ‘What the fuck is that?’ I said, ‘It’s not exactly how I want it, but it’s close.’ He said, ‘No, no, that’s not working. Just go out there and jam.’ I was like, ‘Why not? I’ll try it.'”

He continued:

“And I think the solo that ended up on the record was my second take of just jamming. Ozzy said, ‘That’s it!’ Max said, ‘Yeah, I think that’s it.’ I was like, ‘Really? I didn’t put any thought into it. I’m just sitting here ripping it out. How can that be the solo?'”

“(…) Now, years later, I can look back and go, ‘I see how that works!’ He made me rethink how to play the guitar. I appreciate that.”

“(Being in his band) it was a do-or-die moment. I do see how I got more focused and better at my craft with Ozzy. I should have thanked him for that, and during my last talk with Ozzy, I did. He did make me a better guitar player. He made me look at my guitar playing more,” Jake E. Lee said.

After decades Jake E. Lee had the chance to see Ozzy Osbourne one final time, since he was part of the musician’s farewell show “Back to the Beginning”  which happened last July at the Villa Park in Birmingham. After Osbourne’s passing, the musician revealed he had received a message from his former boss, thanking him for being part of the show and for not having the time to talk that much with him. He said Ozzy promised to call him when he was in the United States so that they could meet and chat properly.

Jake E. Lee

Ozzy Osbourne - Bark at the Moon (Official Music Video)

The 67 year-old guitarist was born in Norfolk, Virginia and started his musical career in 1980. He first achieved fame after he became a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1982, not long after the tragic death of the guitarist Randy Rhoads.

With the former Black Sabbath vocalist, he recorded two praised studio albums: “Bark at The Moon” (1983) and “Ultimate Sin” (1986). After that he recorded with groups like Badlands, Wicked Alliance, Mickey Ratt, Enuff Z’Nuff and Red Dragon Cartel.

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG

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