NETFLIX TO PREMIERE THE UNTOLD STORY OF JAKE E. LEE — SURVIVING A RANDOM SHOOTING IN LAS VEGAS
In a move that has already generated massive buzz among rock and metal fans around the world, Netflix has officially announced a new original documentary centered on the life, career, and shocking near-death experience of guitarist Jake E. Lee, best known for his legendary work with Ozzy Osbourne and his own band, Badlands. The documentary, tentatively titled Jake E. Lee: Surviving the Shadows, will premiere globally on the platform in June 2026.
According to Netflix, the project will not only chronicle Lee’s rise to rock stardom in the 1980s but will also tell, for the first time in full detail, the harrowing story of the early-morning shooting incident in Las Vegas, where Lee was shot multiple times while walking his dog yet miraculously survived. Authorities described the act as “completely random,” with no apparent motive or connection between the assailant and the victim — a case that left both fans and the music community in shock.
A Night That Changed Everything
The incident took place just after 5 a.m. on a quiet residential street near the western edge of Las Vegas. Neighbors reportedly heard a series of gunshots and called 911. Responding officers arrived to find Lee conscious but severely injured. Despite losing a large amount of blood, he reportedly told first responders to “take care of the dog first,” a line that emergency workers later described as an example of his composure and resilience even in crisis.
Lee was rushed to University Medical Center, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Against all odds, he made a full recovery after months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. The upcoming Netflix documentary will include exclusive bodycam footage, hospital interviews, and Lee’s own emotional recounting of what he remembers from that morning — a mix of pain, disbelief, and gratitude for being alive.
From Stage Lights to the Edge of Death
Produced in collaboration with Rawkhouse Films and directed by Sam Dunn, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey and Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage, the film will offer a deeply personal and cinematic portrayal of Lee’s transformation — from a flamboyant guitar hero in the ‘80s to a man forced to confront mortality and rediscover purpose decades later.
Netflix confirmed that the documentary will feature new interviews with a range of musicians and industry figures, including Ozzy Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, George Lynch, Phil Soussan, and Ron Keel, as well as family members, paramedics, and detectives involved in the case. Fans can also expect rare archival footage of Lee’s early performances, studio sessions, and life on tour with Osbourne during the Bark at the Moon and The Ultimate Sin eras.
A Story of Resilience and Redemption
In an official statement, Jake E. Lee described the project as “the hardest thing I’ve ever agreed to do — but also the most healing.”
He continued:
“When something like that happens, your life flashes before you — not in some movie way, but in a way that makes you realize what matters. I was lucky. I got a second chance. And this film is about what I’ve done with that second chance.”
The documentary will trace how the shooting led Lee to take an extended break from performing, reevaluate his life, and later return to music with newfound intensity. Friends reveal that, despite the physical pain and trauma, he began writing again just weeks after leaving the hospital — channeling his experiences into a series of haunting instrumental pieces that now form part of a yet-unreleased solo project titled Wounds of Grace.
Behind the Scenes and Production
Filming began in early 2025, spanning Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Tokyo — locations that represent different chapters of Lee’s life. Director Sam Dunn noted that his goal was to capture “the man behind the myth.”
“Jake has always been one of the most enigmatic figures in hard rock. He disappeared from the spotlight for years, and people speculated endlessly about why. Now, with this story, we finally get to understand the truth — not just about that morning, but about everything that shaped him before and after.”
The project’s producers have emphasized their commitment to authenticity. They worked closely with law enforcement and Lee’s medical team to reconstruct the events of the attack, using 3D reenactments and forensic animations to illustrate how close he came to losing his life.
Global Anticipation
Music journalists have already dubbed Jake E. Lee: Surviving the Shadows as one of Netflix’s “most anticipated rock documentaries of 2026.” The streaming giant has confirmed that the release will coincide with a limited theatrical run in select cities, followed by a global streaming launch in more than 190 countries.
Fans can also look forward to a companion soundtrack curated by Lee himself — blending new recordings with remastered live performances, creating an emotional soundscape that complements the film’s themes of pain, perseverance, and rebirth.
An Unforgettable Legacy
Now in his mid-60s, Jake E. Lee remains an influential figure in the world of rock guitar, revered for his distinctive tone, fearless creativity, and contributions to Ozzy Osbourne’s most enduring records. For many, this documentary represents not just a recounting of tragedy, but a celebration of survival and artistry.
As the premiere date approaches, Netflix has released a short teaser featuring Lee softly playing an acoustic version of “Bark at the Moon” in a dimly lit room — the same song that once defined his career. In the final seconds, he looks up at the camera and says:
“You never know when life will shoot at you. But if you’re lucky, you learn to play through the pain.”
