James Kottak (1962–2024) - drummer for rock legends Scorpions

James Kottak (December 26, 1962 – January 9, 2024)

Given that I live in the United States, I believe I am like many Scorpions fans in this country. Many American fans enjoy the massive 1980s anthems such as "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "Big City Nights." However, I don’t think most American fans realize that after the 1990s, the Scorpions did not experience a decline. In fact, they became even bigger in Europe, especially in Germany and Eastern Europe. After the 1980s, the band ascended to a new, higher status: they became permanent rock legends, achieving a level of fame reserved for only a select few rock bands.

James Kottak's rise to fame began in the mid-1980s when he gained recognition in the Los Angeles hard rock scene. His first major breakthrough came in 1987 when he played on the album Mean by the legendary Ronnie Montrose. Shortly afterward, he became a founding member of Kingdom Come, a band that gained widespread attention for their Led Zeppelin-inspired sound. Kottak played on their 1988 self-titled debut album, which featured the hit single "Get It On."

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, James Kottak toured and recorded with several prominent rock artists, including Warrant, Dio, and the McAuley Schenker Group (working with Michael Schenker, the brother of Scorpions guitarist Rudolf Schenker). His reputation as an exceptional drummer led to a recommendation from former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, whom he met during the 1988 Monsters of Rock tour.

In 1996 James Kottak joined the Scorpions as their drummer and remained with the band for twenty years. He joined around the time of the Pure Instinct tour and stayed until 2016. Coming from Kentucky and the Los Angeles scene, the band appreciated what they had heard about him before he joined. Even though the 1990s and 2000s were a different era for the band, I enjoy albums like Unbreakable and Sting in the Tail. Kottak's energetic drum solos, known as "Kottak Attack," were also a highlight of Scorpions concerts.

According to Wikipedia, on September 12, 2016, Kottak was dismissed from the Scorpions due to issues related to alcohol abuse.

Outside of his work with major bands, Kottak formed his own punk rock/pop-punk band, originally called KrunK and later renamed Kottak. He stepped out from behind the drums to handle lead vocals and guitar. He also appeared on the reality show Ex-Wives of Rock during his marriage to Athena Lee, sister of Tommy Lee. In his later years, he returned to his musical roots by rejoining a reformed Kingdom Come in 2018, performing with them until his passing in early 2024.

On January 9, 2024, James Kottak died at his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 61 years old.

Kingdom Come - Get It On (official video)

Scorpions - Dynamite / Kottack Attack (Wacken Open Air, 4th August 2012)