In a new interview with Guitar International, legendary guitarist JAKE E. LEE (OZZY OSBOURNE, BADLANDS) discusses his comeback with RED DRAGON CARTEL, why Ozzy fired him, and WHITESNAKE's attempt to hire him. An excerpt is available below:

Q: Let’s talk a little about Ozzy Osbourne; I can’t seem to recall why you were let go from the band?

Jake E. Lee: "I was told your basic, 'It’s time for you to go off on your own and do your own thing,' which, of course, is never a reason why anybody ever gets fired. It’s just the reason people give.

Because I grew up in a classical and jazz music environment, I had an appreciation for other styles of music. In fact, one of the first bands I was ever in was a funk band with horns and another was a country band, so I loved playing all kinds of music.

With Ozzy it was a very specific type of song he wanted and I’d already written two albums worth of that with him. I wanted to broaden it a little bit. Let’s be a little more adventurous. So, I was presenting him with the songs that he would shoot down right away. One was a blusier song, and he said [in an Ozzy Osbourne voice], 'We’re not a fuckin’ blues band. Nobody wants a blues band these days. Think 'Paranoid'.' I say, 'Okay.' I bring him another one 'We’re not a jazz band we’re Ozzy Osbourne.'

In truth, I was a little frustrated with the limitations that were being set. And I’m sure that Ozzy was feeling a little annoyed that I was bringing him songs that didn’t fit into what he felt was right for him. So, maybe that had something to do with it."

Q: When was the last time you spoke with Ozzy, and what did you talk about?

Jake E. Lee: "The very last time I talked to Ozzy was the day after I got fired, because he wasn’t there. The day after I got fired he called me; that’s when he told me, 'It’s nothing personal. It’s time for you to spread your wings and fly, and I wish nothing but the best of luck to you.' That was it. That was what – ’88, ‘87? That’s the last time I talked to him. I’d love to see him again."

Click here for the complete interview.

Red Dragon Cartel's self-titled debut album will be released on January 28th via Frontiers Records; it features the following tracklisting:

'Deceived'

'Shout It Out'

'Feeder' with Robin Zander

'Fall From The Sky (Seagull)'

'Wasted 'with Paul Di’Anno

'Slave'

'Big Mouth' with Maria Brink

'War Machine'

'Redeem Me' with Sass Jordan

'Exquisite Tenderness'

'Feeder' lyric video: