Rock Legend James Kottak Dies at 61 — Scorpions Drummer Remembered as “Brother from Another Mother”
James Kottak, the powerhouse drummer who kept the beat for rock icons the Scorpions for two decades, passed away on January 9, 2024, at his home in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 61—his daughter Tobi confirmed the news to TMZ
A Musical Powerhouse
Born December 26, 1962, Kottak began drumming at age 9 and played professionally by 15, ultimately earning a music scholarship to the University of Louisville
He co-founded Kingdom Coming in 1987, helping the band land a gold-certified debut in 1988. In 1996, he achieved rock legend status by joining the Scorpions
During his 20-year tenure (1996–2016), James played on five studio albums, including Eye II Eye (1999) and Return to Forever (2015). Following his departure due to alcoholism in 2016, he was succeeded by Mikkey Dee
The Scorpions paid moving tribute, calling him “a wonderful human being, a great musician and loving family man… our ‘Brother from another Mother’”
Bassist Pawel Mąciwoda echoed, “Goodbye James my dear friend… RIP”
Kingdom Come’s Lenny Wolf described him as “a very lovable, emotional and charming guy who lived Rock ’n Roll to its fullest”
Fellow musicians, including Deen Castronovo and Rikki Rockett, also expressed their sorrow
Kottak’s battle with alcoholism was well documented. A 2014 arrest in Dubai led to a month in jail
He’d sought treatment, including rehab in Antigua, and spoke candidly about recovery being a “relentless disease” .
Resuming music with Kingdom Come in 2018, he remained active until his death
His legendary back-tattoo—bold “Rock & Roll Forever”—became an emblem of his spirit
James Kottak played with heart and soul—and lived loudly through highs and lows. He leaves behind three children and a legacy of iconic drum solos, albums, and rock memories. Though he’s gone, his thunder continues to roar. Rest in peace, brother from another mother.
