HANOVER, Germany: James Kottak, who had been the drummer of the German bestselling hard rock band Scorpions died on Tuesday. He was 61.
The band announced the tragic news on social media platform, X, formerly twitter. “Very sad news,” they posted alongside a photo of Kottak.
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
“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,” said the post.
All of his former bandmates, Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs and Paweł Mąciwoda, and his replacement, Mikkey Dee paid rich tribute to the legendary drummer.
Kottak’s daughter told media that he died on Tuesday morning in Louisville, Ky. She did not share the cause of the death.
Kottak became member of Scorpions in 1996 and played in the band till 2016 when he was asked to leave the band for his alcoholism.
He was married to Tommy Lee’s younger sister, Athena Lee, from 1996-2010.
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