“Bark at the Moon” remains one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most celebrated songs — and its guitar solo is widely regarded as a masterpiece. According to guitarist Jake E. Lee, the magic behind the solo came down to a moment of spontaneous creativity sparked by none other than Ozzy himself.
Speaking to Guitarist, Lee explained that his original vision for the solo was quite different from the one fans know today.
“I had the second half all worked out, and the first half was something completely different in my mind. It was more melodic; more like a Neal Schon thing.”
Lee was confident in his approach.
“I was sure it was gonna work. I can still hear it in my head, and I still think it would work! I spent all night trying to get it the way it sounded in my head, and I know [producer] Max Norman was getting frustrated. And I was frustrated.”
At that point, Ozzy Osbourne entered the studio — and completely changed the direction of the solo.
“Ozzy walked in and said, ‘What the f-ck is that?’ I said, ‘It’s not exactly how I want it, but it’s close.’ He said, ‘No, no, that’s not working. Just go out there and jam.’ I was like, ‘Why not? I’ll try it.’”
The result was pure magic.
“And I think the solo that ended up on the record was my second take of just jamming. Ozzy said, ‘That’s it!’ Max said, ‘Yeah, I think that’s it.’ I was like, ‘Really? I didn’t put any thought into it. I’m just sitting here ripping it out. How can that be the solo?’”
Looking back, Lee acknowledged that working with Ozzy pushed him to become a better musician.
“It was a do-or-die moment. I do see how I got more focused and better at my craft with Ozzy. I should have thanked him for that, and during my last talk with Ozzy, I did. He did make me a better guitar player. He made me look at my guitar playing more.”
With the benefit of hindsight, Lee now fully understands what Ozzy was aiming for.
“Now, years later, I can look back and go, ‘I see how that works!’ He made me rethink how to play the guitar. I appreciate that.”
The “Bark at the Moon” solo remains a testament to the power of spontaneity, collaboration, and trust between artist and producer — or, in this case, between a legendary guitarist and the Prince of Darkness himself.
