Ozzy Osbourne's guitarist shares heartbreaking final message he received from late star
Jake E. Lee, the guitarist who rocked with Ozzy Osbourne during the '80s, has revealed the heartbreaking last message he got from the legendary Black Sabbath rocker before his death on Tuesday.
Ozzy's death at the age of 76 was announced by his devastated family, with a statement telling fans: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis."
Jake was a key member of Ozzy's band from 1982 to 1987, lending his talents to albums like Bark At The Moon and The Ultimate Sin, and touring extensively with the Brummie legend. Their communication ceased around 1987 after Lee's departure from the band.
However, their friendship rekindled last year when Jake survived being shot three times outside his Las Vegas home while walking his dog. Ozzy said at the time: "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."
Later in the year, Jake received an invite from Tom Morello, the musical director for Ozzy's massive farewell gig with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, to join the show on July 5. Despite not having collaborated since 1987, Lee accepted the offer and made the trip to the UK.
Their reunion at the event close to where Black Sabbath performed at the start of their career was the first time they had met in almost four decades. Now, in the wake of Ozzy's death this week (July 22), Lee has opened up about the heartfelt text Ozzy sent him post-performance, which has since turned out to be the final message he got from Ozzy.
Taking to Facebook, Jake told his followers that "the finality of it hits me in waves," before revealing a text message he received from Ozzy two weeks prior while waiting at an airport.
In the message, Ozzy penned: "Hi jake im so sorry i couldnt spend more time with you on the weekend but it was really chaotic, i would really like to see you when i eventually get back TO LA just to shoot the shit.
"Its been so long since we saw each other, where have are you living these days, because the last thing i heard was you were living in Las Vegas. How did the gig for you on Saturday i really hope you had fun anyway i will text you when i eventually get back to LA and we must hook up much love and respect OZZY."
Sadly, Ozzy never made it back to LA and died at his Buckinghamshire home in England on Tuesday, despite the best efforts of air paramedics who spent two hours attempting to save him.
Fans have queued to sign a book of condolences for the late rocker in the Midlands in the wake of his death. The book has been opened at the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which is currently holding an exhibition about the late singer titled Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero.
Mourners also had the option to leave a voice note in any language they chose by speaking into a red phone. Lord mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, has said Ozzy Osbourne was a "proud Brummie" who helped to put the city 'on the world map'.
Mr Iqbal met the founding members of the heavy metal band – formed in the city in 1968 – when they were presented with the freedom of Birmingham in June. He told the PA news agency: "He (Osbourne) was very important and he was a proud Brummie. He loved the city. He will be much missed, I think, and he was loved by so many people in the city.
"I think he put Birmingham, and especially Aston, on the world map. He's done so much for the city and we honoured him with the freedom of the city as well, which we were grateful that he came (to) and received about six weeks ago.'
The lord mayor also said he spoke to fans queueing up to sign a book of condolences, which was opened by a Birmingham museum hosting an exhibition dedicated to Ozzy.
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