Ever since I first heard him on the Bark At The Moon album, I’ve been a huge fan Of Jake E. Lee. I’ve seen him play with Ozzy twice, Badlands once and his solo band 3 or 4 times and have met him twice. He is one of the nicest, humblest people you can ever be lucky to meet.

Ever since I first heard Jake E. Lee on Ozzy Osbourne’s Bark at the Moon album, I was hooked. There was something about his guitar tone—fiery yet melodic, technical yet soulful—that immediately set him apart from the rest. That record didn’t just showcase a new chapter in Ozzy’s career; it introduced the world to one of the most criminally underrated guitarists in rock history. From the opening riff of the title track to the emotional phrasing in “So Tired,” Jake’s playing was fresh and innovative. It didn’t take long before I became a lifelong fan.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing Jake E. Lee perform live multiple times—twice with Ozzy during the Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin tours, once with Badlands, and three or four times with his solo band, Red Dragon Cartel. Each time, he delivered a performance that was electrifying and deeply musical. Seeing him live is a different experience entirely; his stage presence, the feel in his playing, and the effortless fluidity with which he transitions between blistering leads and tasteful rhythm work make for a masterclass in rock guitar.

Badlands, in particular, was something special. Their mix of blues-based hard rock and soulful vocals brought a whole different dimension to Jake’s playing. It allowed him to stretch out more musically, revealing another layer of his talent that wasn’t fully showcased during his Ozzy years. His ability to blend technical prowess with deep emotion is what truly sets him apart. Tracks like “Dreams in the Dark” and “High Wire” still hold up today as some of the most powerful rock songs of their time.

What really solidifies my admiration for Jake E. Lee, though, is who he is as a person. I’ve been lucky enough to meet him twice, and both times he was incredibly gracious, down-to-earth, and humble. He doesn’t carry himself with the ego you might expect from someone of his caliber and legacy. In fact, he seems genuinely surprised and thankful when fans approach him with praise. It’s refreshing to see that kind of humility in a business that so often rewards the opposite.

Jake’s story isn’t without its struggles—being out of the spotlight for a while, dealing with the ups and downs of the music industry—but he’s always stayed true to himself and his art. That resilience, combined with his unmatched guitar skills and kind demeanor, is why he remains such a beloved figure in the rock and metal communities.

To this day, whenever I listen to Bark at the Moon or spin a Badlands record, I’m reminded of why I became a fan in the first place. Jake E. Lee isn’t just a phenomenal guitarist—he’s a genuine person and a true artist, and I feel fortunate to have followed his career and even met him along the way.