Bad news for the Scorpions fans. The former drummer James Kottak passed away.
Kottak’s daughter Tobi informed TMZ that he died on the morning of January 9 in Louisville, Kentucky, his birthplace and residence until 1987.
Scorpions verified the news with the post they shared on their official X account. The band wrote:
“Very sad news… our dear friend & Drummer for 20yrs James Kottak has passed at the age of 61. James was a wonderful human being, a great musician & loving family man. He was our ‘Brother from another Mother’ & will be truly missed. Rock‘n Roll Forever. RIP James.”
James’s death was also confirmed by his Kingdom Come bandmate, Johnny Frank:
“Rock Forever in Peace Brother James Kottak. James is in Heaven Now.”
The cause of death has not been revealed yet, but it is believed he passed away due to an apparent cardiac arrest.
Kottak’s Contributions To Scorpions
Kottak contributed to eight studio albums and two live albums from 1999 to 2015. Joining the band in 1996, the drummer became their longest-serving member until he was fired in 2016 for his alcoholism.
Other than Scorpions, Kottak was also part of various touring bands, including Warrant from ’94 to ’96 and Dio for a short run of shows in ’97. He was also in the band Krunk in the mid-’90s, where he sang lead vocals and played guitar.
More details about the drummer’s passing are yet to come.
Very sad news… our dear friend & Drummer for 20yrs James Kottak has passed at the age of 61. James was a wonderful human being, a great musician & loving family man. He was our „Brother from another Mother“ & will be truly missed. Rock‘n Roll Forever
RIP James
📸 Marc Theis pic.twitter.com/QoGMOo1rfi— Scorpions (@scorpions) January 9, 2024
