James Kottak, Drummer of Kingdome Come and ex-Scorpions, Dio, and Warrant, Has Died

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According to a published report from the website Metal Sludge, veteran rock drummer James Kottak, who is best known for his work with Scorpions, Dio, and Warrant, has died. He was just 61 years old. Kottak had toured with many other bands including Krunk, later named Kottak, in which he sang lead vocals and played guitar. Kottak was previously married to Athena Lee Bass, the sister of Tommy Lee of Motley Crue. Kottak infamously struggled with alcoholism and drugs, and was dismissed from Scorpions in 2016, later permanently replaced by Mikkey Dee of Motörhead.  

Kingdom Come band photo from PRPoison drummer Rikki Rockett reacted to his friend’s death, tweeting simply: “RIP … James Kottak”.

Another one of Kottak’s friends, drummer Troy Patrick Farrell (WHITE LION, TANTRIC, GILBY CLARKE),who previously interviewed James for his “This That & The Other With Troy Patrick Farrell” radio show, also confirmed Kottak’s death, writing on social media: “Sad News to report, Alumni Guest of #TTTO and drum bud @JKottak James Kottak has passed. Sad News no doubt”.