James Kottak, who was known as the drummer for Scorpions, Kingdom Come, Warrant and more, died today at the age of 61 in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. So far, the causes of his death have not been revealed.
Kottak came to Scorpions in 1996 and spent two decades as part of the German band until 2016, when he was fired for his constant problems with alcohol and replaced by Mikkey Dee. It is not known that alcoholism had anything to do with his death, but it is known that he had been sober since October 2022.
Scorpions wrote: Very sad news. Our dear friend and drummer of 20 years, James Kottak, passed away at the age of 61. James was a wonderful human being, a great musician and a loving family man, he was our “brother from another mother” and we will miss him very much.”