James Kottak, former drummer for Scorpions and Kingdom Come, has passed away, according to his daughter Tobi. The musician died on Tuesday morning in Louisville, KY, though specific details about the circumstances surrounding his death are not immediately available.
While the exact cause of death remains unknown, Metal Sludge was the first to report on the rumors of his passing.
James Kottak gained prominence as a member of the hard rock German band Scorpions, joining in 1996 and becoming their longest-serving member until his dismissal in 2016 due to struggles with alcoholism.
His battle with alcohol was a recurring theme in his life, as he openly discussed in October 2022 that he had not completely overcome it, emphasizing an ongoing process.
Rock Legend Scorpions Drummer James Kottak Dies At 61-Years-Old
Before his time with Scorpions, Kottak was the original drummer for Kingdom Come, a band that left a significant mark in the ’80s with their Led Zeppelin-style music. He also toured with other notable bands such as KrunK, Montrose, Wild Horses, and Buster Brown, among many others.
In addition to his musical career, James Kottak made appearances on reality TV shows, most notably in 2012’s “Ex-Wives of Rock.”
Famously married to Athena, Tommy Lee’s sister, from 1996 to 2010, James Kottak experienced a bitter custody battle over their son Matthew. At the time of his death, he was 61 years old.
We wish the best to his family during these terrible times and may he rest in peace.
What do you think? Were you a fan of the Scorpions and were you a fan of James Kottak? Let us know in the comments below.
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