Former Scorpions Drummer James Kottak Passes Away Aged 61

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James Kottak, the longest serving drummer of German hard rock/heavy metal legends Scorpions and founding member of Kingdom Come, has sadly died at the age of sixty one. A cause of death has not yet been revealed. A message from his former band reads as follows:

“Very sad news. 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

“Klaus, Rudolf, Matthias, Pawel and Mikkey.”

In addition to his work with Scorpions, Kottak was an original member of the band Kingdom Come, performing on their first two albums, “Kingdom Come” and “In Your Face.” He also worked with the McAuley Schenker Group on their album, “MSG” and with Warrant for their 1995 album, “Ultraphobic,” as well as heading up his own band Kottak. Kottak also had a stint with The Cult, Montrose (appearing on their 1987 record, “Mean,”) Wild Horses and Buster Brown among others.