Former drummer James Kottak, who played for the hard rock bands Scorpions and Kingdom Come, died Tuesday morning in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 61.
Details surrounding the exact circumstances of his death remain unavailable at this time, but his daughter, Tobi, confirmed his passing to TMZ.
Kottak played a significant role in Kingdom Come during the 1980s, contributing to their Led Zeppelin-style music that brought them to prominence. He also toured with various other bands, including KrunK, Montrose, Wild Horses and Buster Brown.
Kottak later joined the German band Scorpions in 1996 and served as a drummer for them until he was dismissed in 2016 due to his alcoholism. He’s been open about his struggles with drinking, saying in an April interview that his efforts to get sober were “an ongoing process.”
In addition to his musical endeavors, Kottak made appearances on reality TV shows, notably in 2012’s “Ex-Wives of Rock.”
His personal life included a high-profile marriage to Athena Lee, the sister of musician Tommy Lee, from 1996 to 2010, marked by a contentious custody battle over their son, Matthew.
Great White guitarist Mark Kendall posted on social media that he “reached out to James Kottak a month ago offering support and help with his alcoholism but he wasn’t ready.”
“I could have gotten him into rehab free through connections and I told him that,” Kendall added. “I’m so sad to hear of his passing. I feel bad for everyone who loved him and he had a grandchild. RIP.”
Scorpions released a statement Tuesday on X, saying, “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.”
