A Falling Out With Ozzy Osbourne Taught This Guitarist The Most Valuable Lesson Ever…

(LEFT) Ben Gabbe / Getty Images -- (RIGHT) Rodin Eckenroth / Getty Images

This Is Great Advice For Everyone, Really…

Diving head-first into the cutthroat business we know as the music industry at such a young age can be incredibly challenging, but it will also teach you a great many things. Learning by doing and learning from trial and error is a sure way to gain wisdom in whatever field you’re in. It’s not always the most fun, but being in the roughest situations will always teach you a lot.

Take for example Jake E. Lee, former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Known to be one of the most prolific guitarists and songwriters in all of hard rock and heavy metal, Jake can definitely share quite a lot of lessons that he learned from working with Ozzy.

English musician Ozzy Osbourne and Jake E Lee perform in concert, New York, New York, circa 1986. (Photo by Larry Busacca/WireImage)

During a recent interview with Anti Hero Magazine, Jake was asked what “the most valuable lesson” he ever learned is. His answer of course involved his time as Ozzy’s guitarist. Here is what he had to say…

“Interesting, a valuable lesson. Well, unfortunately, I believe the most valuable lesson that I learned was to get things in writing. And always have a lawyer looking after you. Because of the whole thing with Ozzy.

I don’t have credits for “Bark At The Moon”, and I know I sound like I’m whining about it because it seems like it comes up a lot. I’m not, I’m not. If I was going to whine about it, I would have sued Ozzy a long time ago.

It is what it is, but I would say that was, more than anything, the most important thing I’ve learned. And for me it’s about the music, it’s not about the money, but if there’s going to be money made then you want to make sure it goes to the right people. So, I would have to say, yeah, that’s the most valuable lesson I learned.”

English musician Ozzy Osbourne and Jake E Lee perform in concert, New York, New York, circa 1986. (Photo by Larry Busacca/WireImage)

If you ask me, this is a lesson that, not just musicians, but everyone, no matter what artistic business they’re in, could take to heart. Unfortunately, as for Jake, time will tell when and where this dispute with Ozzy will resolve, if at all.