Jake E. Lee, former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist, survives Las Vegas shooting

The heavy metal rock world was stunned this week after an attack on a well-known guitarist was reported.

According to the Associated Press, Jake E. Lee, a former guitarist for legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne was shot multiple times in Las Vegas early on a Tuesday morning.

Police said the shooting occurred about 10 miles south of the Las Vegas strip in a neighborhood. Las Vegas police are still searching for suspects.

Thankfully, even though he sustained multiple gunshots, the guitarist is expected to fully recover, according to a spokesperson.

"As the incident is under police investigation, no further comments will be forthcoming. Lee and his family appreciate respecting their privacy at this time," the spokesperson's statement read.

They added that Lee was shot while walking his dog through the neighborhood.

Ozzy Osbourne released a statement on X regarding the shooting of his former bandmate, who he says he hasn't seen in 37 years.

"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 just hope he’ll be ok," Osbourne wrote.

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 just hope he’ll be ok. pic.twitter.com/0JNel55anw

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) October 17, 2024

"By the grace of God, no major organs were hit, he’s fully responsive, and expected to make a full recovery,” Tim Heyne, manager for Lee’s rock band Red Dragon Cartel, wrote in a statement.

The AP noted his background:

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, and raised in San Diego, the 67-year-old Lee played guitar in several bands in the glam metal scene of Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip in the 1980s, including an early version of Ratt.

He joined Ozzy Osbourne’s band in 1982 and would remain until 1987, playing on albums including 1983’s “Bark at the Moon.”

The guitarist released his statement through social media, clarifying what happened and reassuring fans that he's doing well.

"I deeply appreciate all the concern and well wishes. Makes everything going on a little better. To clarify, I was shot three times. I was on my way back home from walking my dog Coco (I didn’t name him so don’t!) Don’t want to go into details now, I’m tired, but I feel relatively very lucky," Lee wrote in a Facebook post.

He added, "The police found 15 shell casings at the scene which means he emptied his clip on me. I could only dodge so many so one bullet went through my forearm, one through my foot, and one in the back which broke a rib and damaged a lung."