Former Drummer For Rock Legends The Scorpions Dies At 61

The rock world has lost another legend.

James Kottak played drums for German hard rockers the Scorpions for two decades and has now died at age 61.

The band announced the news on social median. “Very sad news,” they shared Tuesday afternoon alongside a photo of Kottak. “Our dear friend and drummer for 20 years James Kottak has passed at the age of 61 … James was a wonderful human being , a great musician and loving family man … he was our ‘Brother from another Mother’ and will be truly missed . … Rock‘n Roll Forever RIP James.”

Kottak’s former bandmates, Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs and Paweł Mąciwoda, and current drummer, Mikkey Dee, all signed the post in tribute to their late friend.

Kottak died at his home in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday. The cause of death has not been reported at this time.

Kottak Was a Crucial Part of the Hard Rock Scene for Many Years

The Messenger noted that “Kottak joined Scorpions in 1996 and played in the band til 2016 when he was fired for his alcoholism. Kottak was also the original drummer in the ’80s band Kingdom Come and over the years has toured with Warrant, Dio, Montrose, Wild Horses, Buster Brown, and Krunk. In 2012, he appeared on the reality television series, Ex-Wives of Rock. Kottak was married to Tommy Lee’s younger sister, Athena Lee, from 1996-2010.”

The Scorpions were a major part of the metal and hard rock scene and no doubt James Kottak’s contributions won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

RIP