James Kottak
drums (drum set)
b. 1962 in Louisville — d. 2024
James Kottak (December 26, 1962 – January 9, 2024) was an American drummer, best known for his work with the German hard rock band Scorpions, which he joined in 1996. At the time of his firing from the band in 2016, he was their longest-serving drummer. Kottak was also an original member of Kingdom Come, of whom he was their drummer from 1987 to 1989 and again from 2018 to his death in 2024.
Personal life
Kottak was married to Athena Bass, Tommy Lee's younger sister, who is also a drummer and was a fellow member of Kottak. The couple, married in 1996, had three children, Matthew, Tobi and Miles (drummer of the indie rock band Bad Suns). They divorced in 2010. On April 29, 2014, the National Post reported via the Associated Press that Kottak had been arrested in Dubai and sentenced to one month in jail for offensive behavior, insulting Islam, and public drunkenness. On September 12, 2016, he was fired from Scorpions for his alcoholism, and would later work on his recovery.
Death
On January 9, 2024, Kottak was found dead in his bathroom at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 61. His exact cause of death is unknown. However, heavy metal news source Metal Sludge stated that his cause of death was believed to be cardiac arrest.
Every band they have passed through, with what they played and when — and whether they were there at the start.
Where they came from, where they are, and who they are to other people.
- Born
- 1962-12-26 · Louisville
- Married to
- Athena Lee
- Also works as
- drummer, percussionist, singer, musician
- Plays
- drum kit
- Died
- 2024-01-09
- Where
- Louisville
Where to hear from them lately. These are live searches, not a list somebody froze — so they stay current.
- Wikipedia →the full article
- Interviews on YouTube →newest first
- Recent news & comments →Google News
- Blabbermouth →metal press
Portrait: Wikimedia Commons