James Kottak, the former drummer of Scorpions and Kingdom Come, passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 61 in Louisville, Kentucky. The news of his death has left the music community mourning the loss of a talented musician. Kottak’s daughter, Tobi, broke the news but did not disclose the cause of death, leaving his fans to speculate and wonder.
Scorpions, the band that Kottak dedicated two decades of his life to, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt Facebook post. Alongside a captivating black-and-white image of Kottak, they expressed their deep sadness and described him as not only a remarkable musician but also a wonderful human being and a loving family man. The band referred to him as their “Brother from another Mother” and emphasized how much he would be missed. The rock world, forever grateful for his contributions, will mourn the loss of a true legend.
From Scorpions to Kingdom Come
Kottak’s musical journey began with Kingdom Come, a German hard rock band, where he served as the original drummer from 1987 to 1995. His talent behind the drum kit caught the attention of Scorpions, and he joined the band in 1996. This collaboration proved to be the longest stint for any member in the history of Scorpions, spanning an impressive 20 years. Kottak’s drumming skills were showcased in some of the band’s most iconic tracks, including 1984’s “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” which remains a timeless classic to this day.
James Kottak’s talents extended beyond his musical abilities. He dabbled in reality TV and made appearances on shows like “Ex-Wives of Rock” in 2012. However, it is important to note that his struggles with alcoholism overshadowed his accomplishments. In 2014, Kottak’s battle with addiction led to an arrest for public drunkenness. Sadly, his illness eventually led to his dismissal from Scorpions in 2016. Guitarist Matthias Jabs expressed the band’s decision, stating that they had reached a point where the consequences outweighed the benefits of having Kottak as part of the group.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Kottak’s personal life was also the subject of public interest. He was married to Athena, the sister of renowned drummer Tommy Lee, from 1996 to 2010. Following their divorce, a custody battle ensued over their son, Matthew. Although this chapter of his life was challenging, it is crucial to remember James Kottak’s legacy as an influential musician who left an indelible mark in the rock genre.
The music world bids farewell to James Kottak, a legendary drummer whose contributions will forever be remembered. Through his time with Scorpions and Kingdom Come, Kottak’s talent and passion for music enriched the lives of countless fans. His personal struggles may have overshadowed his success at times, but his impact on the rock ‘n’ roll landscape remains undeniable. As we mourn his loss, we honor his memory by celebrating the music and the legacy he leaves behind. Rock ‘n’ Roll forever, James – may you rest in peace.