UPDATE: The Scorpions have posted a statement about the death of their former drummer James Kottak, writing, "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." Kottak died Tuesday at age 61.
You can see The Scorpions' statement here courtesy of X.
James Kottak, who was the longest serving drummer in Scorpions history, died Tuesday at age 61.
Kottak's daughter, Tobi, tells TMZ her father passed away in Louisville, Kentucky but that the cause of death isn't known yet.
Kottak served as a drummer in the bands Buster Brown and the last version of Montrose before breaking it big in 1988 as an original member of Kingdom Come, best known for the Led Zeppelin-influenced rock hit "Get It On." He left after their first two albums, but rejoined in 2018 and was a member until his death.
After Kingdom Come, Kottak recorded albums with McAuley Schenker Group and Warrant before replacing Herman Rarebell in the Scorpions in 1996. Kottak played with the band for two decades before being fired due to his alcoholism in 2016. He played on six studio albums and four live releases.
The full story is here courtesy of TMZ.