Former Scorpions drummer James Kottak has died at 61 years old, according to multiple reports by Metal Sludge and Blabbermouth. Kottak's death was confirmed by Kingdom Come bassist Johnny "JB" Frank, who wrote on social media "Rock Forever in Peace Brother James Kottak. James is in Heaven Now".
Scorpions have since issued their own statement, saying: "Very sad news … our dear friend and Drummer for 20 years James Kottak has passed at the age of 61 … James was a wonderful human being , a great musician and loving family man … he was our 'Brother from another Mother' and will be truly missed . … Rock‘n Roll Forever RIP James."
Kottak drummed for Scorpions between 1996 and 2016, for Kingdom Come between 1987 and 1989 and then again between 2018 and present day, as well as for Warrant between 1994 and 1996. In addition to his full-time duties, Kottak also had live stints with both Dio and Blaze Bayley. We wish Kottak's friends and family all the best at this time.
