Scorpions drummer Mikkey Dee recently discussed his approach to joining the legendary German rock band and his vision for their sound in an interview with SonorDrumTube.
The drummer shared insights about the challenges of joining an established band and his specific goals for Scorpions’ musical direction.
“Well, it’s not easy to join already established, great, big bands,” Dee said. “With the Scorpions — I mean, here are guys [who] played [together] for 60 years now. I joined when they turned 50, but how can I come into a band [and] help them get better without destroying what they already know?”
Dee explained his philosophy on adapting to the band’s existing dynamic while bringing his own influence.
“I cannot go in and say, ‘I know how you’re gonna sound.’ No,” he continued. “They know how they wanna sound. It’s for me to adjust, and at the same time as I adjust to them, they have to adjust to me, because I’m bringing in some other feeling.”
The drummer outlined his specific vision for the band’s sound and stage presence.
“My idea with Scorpions [was] to bring tightness, heaviness,” Dee explained. “Let’s bring Scorpions back to end of ’70s where [there is a] happiness that everybody playing on stage, smiling to each other and having a good time on stage.”
Dee also emphasized the importance of establishing trust and reliability within the band structure.
“I have to be the rock back there, and they need to know if they do anything wrong or fuck up, they know that I’m not fucking up,” he said. “They can just get to me and I steer the band. And that’s nothing you can just come into a band and say; you have to earn their trust and over and over show them that you are the mouth you say you are.”
Dee’s transition to Scorpions represents a significant chapter in his extensive drumming career. He brings decades of experience from various high-profile collaborations.
Paiste reported that before joining Scorpions in 2016, Dee was a key member of Motörhead for nearly 25 years. This period established his reputation for powerful, precise drumming. His work with the legendary metal band helped shape his approach to rhythm and stage presence. He now brings these qualities to Scorpions.
Kiddle noted that Dee has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career. He also played for Helloween on their 2003 album “Rabbit Don’t Come Easy.” This experience with different musical styles has prepared him for the challenge of adapting to Scorpions’ established sound while contributing his own musical perspective.
Loudwire revealed that Dee’s path to becoming Scorpions’ permanent drummer began when he filled in for James Kottak on the band’s North American tour. His seamless integration during these performances demonstrated his ability to honor the band’s legacy while bringing fresh energy to their live shows.
The Swedish drummer’s extensive background and proven adaptability make him uniquely qualified to fulfill his vision of returning Scorpions to their late 1970s peak. This was when the band was establishing themselves as one of rock’s most dynamic live acts.
