In the wake of Ozzy Osbourne's passing, esteemed guitarist Jake E. Lee has opened up about how his collaboration with Ozzy significantly enhanced his skills as a guitar player. He cites the iconic solo from the classic track “Bark at the Moon” as a prime example of this transformative experience.

During an interview with Guitarist, Lee recounted his time working with Ozzy and credited the legendary singer with a pivotal suggestion that ultimately shaped the memorable solo in “Bark at the Moon” into the version that fans know and love today.

How Ozzy Inspired Jake E. Lee’s Iconic “Bark at the Moon” Solo

Reflecting on the creative process behind the song, Lee shared, “I had the second half all worked out, but the first half was entirely different in my mind. It was more melodic, similar to something Neal Schon would create,” as he recalled the studio session dedicated to the track.

“I was convinced it would work. I can still hear that original melody in my head, and I firmly believe it would resonate well! I spent an entire night trying to capture that sound, even though I could sense that Max Norman was becoming increasingly frustrated, and I was feeling the pressure too,” Lee elaborated.

However, everything changed when Ozzy walked into the studio, and his feedback proved to be a game-changer.

“Ozzy entered and exclaimed, ‘What the heck is that?’ I replied, ‘It’s not precisely what I envisioned, but it’s close.’ He insisted, ‘No, no, that’s not working. Just go out there and jam.’ I thought, ‘Why not? I’ll give it a shot,’” Lee recounted. “The solo that ultimately made it onto the record was actually my second take of just improvising. Ozzy exclaimed, ‘That’s it!’ while Max agreed, ‘Yeah, I think that’s it.’ I was completely taken aback! I hadn’t put much thought into it; I was just riffing. How could that be the final solo?”

Throughout the conversation, Lee expressed that although he was recognized as a top guitarist in Los Angeles, it was his time with Ozzy‘s band that truly honed his abilities. “It was a pivotal moment in my career. I realized how much more focused and skilled I became as a guitarist while collaborating with Ozzy. I wish I had expressed my gratitude to him, and during my last conversation with Ozzy, I did. He genuinely elevated my guitar playing and changed the way I approached my craft,” he noted.

Reflecting on Ozzy’s invaluable advice regarding “Bark at the Moon,” Lee admitted, “Years later, I can now appreciate the wisdom in his guidance! He prompted me to rethink my guitar techniques, and for that, I am truly thankful.”

What Insights Does Jake E. Lee Share About the Legacy of “Bark at the Moon”?

The title track and the accompanying album became a contentious topic between the guitarist and Ozzy. When Lee raised concerns about songwriting credits, it ultimately led to his departure from the band, despite the fact that all songwriting credits were attributed to Ozzy.

In spite of his dismissal, Lee remarked, “You could offer me a fortune to undertake a project, but if my heart isn’t in it, I simply won’t do it. The reality that they profited from certain business choices at my expense doesn’t concern me. For me, it was never about the money with Bark at the Moon – it was always about receiving the recognition I deserved.”

Eventually, there was some acknowledgment of Lee’s contributions, notably when Ozzy remarked in the compilation The Ozzman Cometh, “Jake came up with the riff. It was the first song we wrote together.”

Lee expressed, “It was such an incredible song. It confirmed that Ozzy still had a lot to offer, even after Randy had passed away. I take immense pride in having been part of that project.”

Celebrating Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark at the Moon”

What Additional Revelations Has Jake E. Lee Shared About “Bark at the Moon”?

For those interested in more technical insights, Lee discussed his approach to the song during an interview with Tone Talk in 2024. When questioned about his playing style for the track, he explained, “I aimed for a direct connection. I wanted a sound that was as ‘pure’ as possible. My guitar, my amp, everything straight in. That’s how I believe a guitarist should operate.”

He also reminisced about a unique opportunity Ozzy offered early in the recording of Bark at the Moon. “I brought a José modded Marshall with me to England, which is what I used to record ‘Bark at the Moon.’ It was an amazing experience, especially through EVs, as I was able to experiment with various types of speakers. Ozzy said, ‘Whatever you need, whatever you want to try for your sound, it’s all yours.’ I took full advantage of that freedom.”

How Does Jake E. Lee Perceive His Relationship with Ozzy Osbourne?

“He was larger than life – yet at his core, he was genuinely kind. He had a way of making you feel liked, and you could sense that he appreciated you as well,” Lee reflected on his experiences with Ozzy.

“He transformed everything for me,” the guitarist continued. “He placed me in the limelight. Whether I would have achieved that without being in his band remains uncertain.”

READ MORE: How Jake E. Lee Received an Invitation for Ozzy’s Farewell Show

Lee acknowledges that he didn’t share as close a bond with Ozzy as fellow guitarists Randy Rhoads or Zakk Wylde did, but he felt their working relationship was effective. “I admired him, and I assumed he felt the same about me — yet there was always a certain awkwardness. To me, he was the boss. But when we performed on stage, there was a palpable connection.”

“I always hoped to reconcile and express that there were no hard feelings, to part on friendly terms. I finally got the chance to do that,” the guitarist reflected on his reconnection with Ozzy at Back to the Beginning.