“A senseless act of armed violence”

Ozzy Osbourne has expressed his “shock” at the murder of his former guitarist Jake E. Lee, calling it “another senseless act of gun violence.”

Lee was shot multiple times in Las Vegas, Nevada, early yesterday morning (Tuesday, November 15), according to a statement from a representative for the musician (via Rolling Stone). The representative told the outlet that he is expected to make a “full recovery.”

• READ MORE: Ozzy Osbourne: a rock’n’roll showman like no other

Local authorities are currently investigating the shooting and said they believe it was “completely random.”

Lee played 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 Prince Of Darkness on numerous tours.

The guitarist later joined the 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’.

Talking to TMZOsbourne explained: “It’s been 37 years since I’ve seen Jake E. Lee, but that still doesn’t lessen 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’s okay.”

A spokesperson for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department previously 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 make a full recovery.

“Las Vegas authorities believe the shooting was completely random and occurred while Lee was walking his dog in the early morning hours. As the incident is under police investigation, no further comment will be made.”

It concluded: “Lee and his family appreciate respecting your privacy at this time.”

In 2022, Osbourne said he was “fed up with people being killed every day” in the US when talking about his plans to return 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 shooting in Las Vegas at that show… It’s crazy.”

Meanwhile, it was recently announced that Tenacious D frontman Jack Black will induct Osbourne into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame this Saturday (October 19).

In a previous statement about receiving the honor as a solo artist, Osbourne said: “I don’t know what to think. I’m still in shock that I’m being inducted for the second time. But at the same time, I’m really excited.”

A tribute celebrating the ‘Crazy Train’ singer’s solo career will also take place at the ceremony with the likes of Billy Idol, Tool’s Maynard James Keenan and country artist Jelly Roll performing Osbourne’s tracks.