Ozzy Osbourne has expressed his “shock” over the shooting of his former guitarist Jake E. Lee, calling it “another senseless act of gun violence”.
Lee was shot multiple times in Las Vegas, Nevada yesterday morning (Tuesday November 15), according to a statement from a representative for the musician (via Rolling Stone). The rep told the outlet that he is expected to make a “full recovery”.
Local authorities are currently investigating the shooting and said they believe that is was “completely random”.
Lee performed in Osbourne’s solo band between 1982 and 1987, contributing to his albums ‘Bark At The Moon’ (1983) and ‘The Ultimate Sin’ (1986). He also joined the Prince Of Darkness on numerous tours.
The guitarist later joined heavy metal band Badlands with former Black Sabbath member Ray Gillen. In 2013, he formed the group Red Dragon Cartel. Additionally, Lee has released music as a solo artist – including his debut album, 1996’s ‘A Fine Pink Mist’.
Speaking to TMZ, Osbourne explained: “It’s been 37 years since I’ve seen Jake E. Lee, but that still doesn’t take away from the shock of hearing what happened to him today.
“It’s just another senseless act of gun violence. I send my thoughts to him and his beautiful daughter, Jade. I just hope he’ll be OK.”
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A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department had earlier confirmed that “no arrests [had] been made” at the time.
The full statement from Lee’s team read: “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.”
It concluded: “Lee and his family appreciate respecting their privacy at this time.”
In 2022, Osbourne said he was “fed up with people getting killed every day” in the US when talking about his plans to move back to the UK with his wife and manager, Sharon.
“God knows how many people have been shot in school shootings,” he explained at the time. “And there was that mass shooting in Vegas at that concert… It’s fucking crazy.”
Meanwhile, it was recently announced that Tenacious D frontman Jack Black will be inducting Osbourne into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame this Saturday (October 19).
In a previous statement about receiving the honour as a solo act, Osbourne said: “I don’t know what to think. I’m still in shock that I’m getting inducted for a second time. But at the same time, I’m very excited.”
A tribute celebrating the ‘Crazy Train’ singer’s solo career will also be taking place at the ceremony with the likes of Billy Idol, Tool‘s Maynard James Keenan, and country artist Jelly Roll performing Osbourne’s tracks.