Ozzy Osbourne Announces Reunion with Guitarist Jake E. Lee for His Historic Retirement Tour
In what is already being hailed as one of the biggest announcements in rock history, the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne, has officially confirmed that guitarist Jake E. Lee will reunite with him for his long-awaited retirement tour. The tour, simply titled The Final Madness Tour, promises to be a monumental and emotional celebration of Ozzy’s legacy, marking his final run on the world’s biggest stages.
This announcement sent shockwaves through the rock and metal community. Fans have long dreamed of seeing Ozzy and Jake E. Lee together again. The duo last shared the stage in the mid-1980s, crafting some of the most iconic metal albums of the decade — Bark at the Moon (1983) and The Ultimate Sin (1986). These records introduced a sleeker, yet fiercely powerful, sound that solidified Ozzy’s solo career after his split from Black Sabbath.
“I’ve had a wild ride, and now it’s time to wrap it up with the people who helped me along the way,” Ozzy said in a heartfelt video announcement. “Jake was there during some of the craziest years of my life. We made some incredible music together, and it just felt right to bring him back for this one last tour. It’s gonna be magic.”
A Reunion Decades in the Making
Jake E. Lee’s return is particularly significant because, despite his enormous influence on Ozzy’s career, he had remained absent from Osbourne’s projects for decades. Known for his blistering guitar work, Lee’s riffs on Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin became staples of Ozzy’s live shows throughout the 1980s. Songs like “Bark at the Moon,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel,” and “Shot in the Dark” remain fan favorites to this day.
Yet tensions and contract disputes led to Lee’s departure in 1987, and the pair had not performed together since. Over the years, both artists expressed mixed emotions about their time together, but mutual respect was always evident.
“I always respected Jake’s playing,” Ozzy said in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. “He’s got a style that’s all his own. He made those songs what they are.”
Jake E. Lee, too, expressed excitement about the reunion. “Honestly, I didn’t think this would ever happen,” Lee admitted. “But when Ozzy reached out and said he wanted to do this together, it felt right. We’ve both lived a lot of life since those days, and now it’s about celebrating the music, the fans, and everything we accomplished.”
The Final Madness Tour: A Farewell for the Ages
Ozzy Osbourne’s Final Madness Tour is being billed as “a journey through the darkness and back,” covering every era of his legendary career — from his early Black Sabbath days to his groundbreaking solo work.
The tour is expected to kick off in early 2026, with dates scheduled across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Major cities such as Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro are already confirmed, with additional stops to be announced in the coming weeks.
In addition to Jake E. Lee on guitar, longtime collaborators Zakk Wylde and Tommy Clufetos will also join Ozzy for select shows. The tour promises unique performances, including dual-guitar sets featuring both Wylde and Lee — something that fans have never seen before.
Ozzy’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, described the tour as “the most ambitious production Ozzy has ever done.” According to insiders, the stage design will include pyrotechnics, holograms, and a retrospective visual display chronicling Ozzy’s five-decade-long career.
“This won’t just be another concert — it’ll be a historic farewell to one of rock’s true pioneers,” Sharon said.
Fan Reaction: Ecstatic and Emotional
Unsurprisingly, the announcement has ignited a frenzy among fans and critics alike. Social media exploded within minutes of Ozzy’s reveal, with hashtags like #OzzyJakeReunion and #FinalMadnessTour trending worldwide.
“Dreams do come true,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Ozzy AND Jake E. Lee back together? This is gonna be legendary.”
Music outlets and podcasts have also praised the decision, calling it “the ultimate way to close the curtain on Ozzy’s live career.” Many fans are already predicting sold-out shows across the globe, with some ticket sites reporting waitlist requests even before presales begin.
A Fitting Farewell
Throughout his career, Ozzy Osbourne has faced countless obstacles — from personal demons to health struggles — yet he remains a symbol of resilience and passion in the music world. His decision to bring Jake E. Lee back for this final ride reflects a deep commitment to honoring his roots and giving fans the ultimate live experience.
Ozzy’s voice may be weathered by decades of touring, but his spirit remains unbroken. As he prepares to take his final bow, this reunion with Jake E. Lee serves as a full-circle moment — a powerful reminder that, in rock and roll, some legacies are simply too great to fade.
“I don’t know what tomorrow holds,” Ozzy said, “but I know this tour will be something none of us will ever forget.”
Fans worldwide now eagerly await their chance to witness The Final Madness Tour — a tour destined to be remembered as one of the most historic and emotional farewells in music history.
