James Kottak was the all-time longest-serving drummer for German hard rock legends Scorpions having played with the band from 1996 through 2016. Kottak was also an original member of Kingdom Come and served stints with Montrose, Warrant, Dio and The Cult, among others. More recently, Kottak drummed on the Tim “Ripper” Owens-fronted project, A New Revenge.
Sadly, Kottak has passed away at the age of 61. The news was first reported by Metal Sludge and later confirmed by TMZ. Kottak’s daughter said that her father passed away Tuesday morning in Louisville, Kentucky, though further details weren’t immediately known.
Scorpions released a 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. Rock‘n Roll Forever. RIP James.”
Owens tweeted: “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! You will be missed”.
Great White guitarist Mark Kendall also posted via X: “I reached out to James Kottak a month ago offering support & help with his alcoholism but he wasn’t ready. I could have gotten him into rehab free through connections & I told him that. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. I feel bad for everyone who loved him & he had a grandchild. RIP”.
Journey drummer Deen Castronovo posted: “I just heard of James Kottak’s passing. A good soul, an amazingly talented drummer and was nothing but a gentleman and someone I called my friend and brother. Rest in eternal peace brother James, you will be missed man…”
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