Veteran rock drummer James Kottak, who is best known for his work with Scorpions and Kingdom Come, has died. He was 61 years old.
Kottak‘s daughter Tobi told TMZ her father passed away Tuesday morning (January 9th) in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was born and lived until 1987, although further details about the exact circumstances weren’t immediately available.
In addition to Scorpions and Kingdom Come, Kottak had toured with such bands as Warrant and even DIO for a short run. He was also involved in various other projects, including the 1990s band KRUNK in which he sang lead vocals and played guitar.
Kottak‘s passing was also confirmed by his Kingdom Come bandmate, bassist Johnny “JB” Frank, who took to social media to write: “Rock Forever in Peace Brother James Kottak. James is in Heaven Now”.
The Scorpions have commented on the passing of their longtime drummer James Kottak, calling the American musician “a wonderful human being” and a “loving family man.”
On January 9th ,the band released the following statement via social media: “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.
RIP James“
Former Judas Priest and current KK’S Priest singer Tim “Ripper” Owenswrote on social media: “Horrible news about the passing of my buddy, band mate and amazing drummer James Kottak ! We had some great times with A New Revenge/Project Rock!! Here is a on the road video made to the ‘Here’s To Us’ demo! You will be missed”.
Poison drummer Rikki Rockett reacted to his friend’s death, tweeting simply: “RIP … James Kottak.”
Fellow drummer Simon Wright (AC/DC, DIO) wrote: “Rest in Peace . James Kottak . Shocking news , a very sad day .”
Kottak‘s stuggles with alcohol were well documented, and Kingdom Come singer Keith St. John told Eddie on his Sirius/XM show, Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, “…he was just through a 48-day program, trying to do the rehab thing. And I don’t really have all the grisly details of the last day. They’re still kind of coming in. I haven’t talked to his sister yet, ’cause everybody’s just too out of it right now.”
Kottak is survived by his former wife, drummer Athena Bass (sister of Mötley Crüe‘s Tommy Lee) and their three children, Matthew, and Bass‘ children from two prior relationships, Tobi and Miles.
additional source: blabbermouth.net
6 Responses
It’s been over four months, and it still hasn’t sunken in. Probably never will.
James has been taken away from , but the truly triumphant musical and career moments we experienced together can never be taken away !
See you on the Other Side, “Bam-Bam”.
ROCK & ROLL FOREVER