James Kottak

American drummer (1962–2024)

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James Kottak

Kottak performing in 2014

Background information
Born| (1962-12-26)December 26, 1962
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Died| January 9, 2024(2024-01-09) (aged 61)
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Genres| Hard rock, heavy metal
Occupation| Drummer
Years active| 1980–2024
Formerly of|

* Scorpions
* Kingdom Come
* Kottak
* Montrose
* Warrant
* Buster Brown
* Wild Horses
* McAuley Schenker Group

Musical artist

James Kottak (December 26, 1962 – January 9, 2024) was an American drummer, best known for his work with the German hard rock band Scorpions, which he joined in 1996. At the time of his firing from the band in 2016, he was their longest-serving drummer. Kottak was also an original member of Kingdom Come, of whom he was their drummer from 1987 to 1989 and again from 2018 to his death in 2024, and he had his own band Kottak, formerly known as KrunK. Other bands Kottak played for were Montrose, Warrant, Wild Horses, the McAuley Schenker Group, and Buster Brown.

## Career

[edit]

Prior to joining Scorpions, Kottak was a drummer for Nuthouse, Apex, the Bob Brickley Band, Mister Charlie, Buster Brown, Montrose, Kingdom Come, Wild Horses, the McAuley Schenker Group, Warrant, and Ashba. As a teenager in Louisville, he had a strong local presence in several live bands, including the fusion group Nuthouse, which also featured his Durrett High School bandmate Don Braden (later a world-renowned jazz saxophonist).[1] He earned a music scholarship from the University of Louisville. [2]

Kottak gained early mainstream exposure during his time with Kingdom Come, appearing on the band's first two studio albums, the first of which included their biggest hit, "Get It On". This track prominently features Kottak's drumming, culminating in a drum solo just before the song's conclusion. Around 1990, Kottak joined The Cult, but left after the first batch of demos for their then-upcoming fifth studio album Ceremony, in which the album's drum tracks were done by Mickey Curry.[3][4]

In February 1997, he joined Dio on their U.S. tour by filling in for Vinny Appice for four or five shows when the latter had pneumonia. He also gave drum lessons at Far-Out Music in Jeffersonville, Indiana, once having onetime Bride drummer, Jerry McBroom as a student. He also played with guitarist Michael Lee Firkins.

Kottak also played in his own band Kottak, formerly known as KrunK.

Kottak was one of the contributors to the book Sex Tips from Rock Stars by Paul Miles published by Omnibus Press in July 2010.[5]

On April 28, 2016, it was announced that Kottak would be replaced by Mikkey Dee on 12 North American headlining dates, including a run of shows at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas dubbed "Scorpions blacked out in Las Vegas".[6][7] On September 12, 2016, it was announced that Kottak was no longer in the band.[8]

Kottak endorsed Ddrum and Yamaha drums, Aquarian drumheads, Zildjian Cymbals, Ahead drumsticks and accessories and Danmar percussion.

## Personal life

[edit]

Kottak was married to Athena Bass, Tommy Lee's younger sister, who is also a drummer and was a fellow member of Kottak. The couple had three children between them, including their son, Matthew, and Athena's two children from two prior relationships.

On April 29, 2014, the National Post reported via the Associated Press that Kottak had been arrested in Dubai and sentenced to one month in jail for offensive behavior, insulting Islam, and public drunkenness.[9]

On September 12, 2016, he was fired from Scorpions for his alcoholism, and would later work on his recovery.[10]

### Political views

[edit]

After his dismissal from the Scorpions, Kottak came out publicly about his politically conservative views.

In June 2019, Kottak said, "I wrote a new song.... 'Get out of My Kountry' ie: stay out of my space! We don't need anymore outsiders. We can't even fix the homeless problems?! When homeless problem is solved we take care everyone else..."[10] On October 15, 2019, Kottak went on Twitter and stated, "You know I am sick of every other commercial having inter racial couples...this is not reality. It is Hollywood shoving it down our throat. I don't have one friend or friends who live in this category...just saying".[11] On November 26, 2019, Kottak went on to say that "OK so the percentage of black Americans in the U.S. is about 14% so why are they represented 50 to 60% on all commercials? Just saying call me out if you have a reasonable argument?". A short time later, he added: "Maybe none of you have any balls to speak the truth?"[12]

## Death

[edit]

On January 9, 2024, Kottak was found dead in his bathroom at his home in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 61.[13] His exact cause of death is unknown as of yet.[14] However, heavy metal news source Metal Sludge stated that his cause of death was believed to be apparent cardiac arrest.[15][13]

## Discography

[edit]

Kottak performing in 2008

### with Buster Brown

[edit]

* Sign of Victory (1985) (Kottak did not play on their Loud and Clear album of 1984. He replaced Bob Koestle in 1985.)

### with Montrose

[edit]

* Mean (1987)

### with Kingdom Come

[edit]

* Kingdom Come (1988)
* In Your Face (1989)

### with Michael Lee Firkins

[edit]

* Michael Lee Firkins (1990)

### with Wild Horses

[edit]

* Bareback (1991)
* Dead Ahead (2003)

### with McAuley Schenker Group

[edit]

* MSG (1991)

### with Warrant

[edit]

* Ultraphobic (1995)

### with Ashba

[edit]

* Addiction to the Friction (1996)

### with Scorpions

[edit]

* Eye II Eye (1999)
* Moment of Glory (2000)
* Acoustica (2001)
* Unbreakable (2004)
* Humanity - Hour 1 (2007)
* Sting in the Tail (2010)
* Live 2011: Get Your Sting & Blackout (2011)
* Comeblack (2011)
* MTV Unplugged – Live in Athens (2013)
* Return to Forever (2015)

### with Black Sheep

[edit]

* Sacrifice (1998, 1999)
* Willie Basse – "Break Away"

### with A New Revenge

[edit]

* "Enemies & lovers" (2019)

### with Kottak

[edit]

* Greatist Hits (1998)
* Therupy (2006)
* Rock & Roll Forever (2010)
* Attack (2011)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Don Braden Gives Back to Benefactor, The Courier-Journal newspaper". October 18, 1998. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
2. ^ "'James could play anything' – Louisville community mourns death of former Scorpions drummer". January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
3. ^ "Scorpions Drummer James Kottak – "We'll Really Be Done By 2013"". Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles. January 19, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
4. ^ Rare Cult: The Demo Sessions (Media notes). The Cult. Beggars Banquet Records. 2002. Retrieved January 9, 2024.`{{cite AV media notes}}`: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
5. ^ Paul Miles. "Sex Tips From Rock Stars by Paul Miles". SexTipsFromRockStars.com. Retrieved October 20, 2011.
6. ^ "Scorpions Recruit Mikkey Dee to Fill in on U.S. Dates". www.the-scorpions.com. April 28, 2016. Archived from the original on September 13, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
7. ^ "Scorpions Recruit Motörhead Drummer Mikkey Dee For U.S. Tour". April 28, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
8. ^ "Former Motörhead Drummer Mikkey Dee Joins Scorpions As Permanent Member". blabbermouth.net. September 12, 2016. Retrieved September 12, 2016.
9. ^ Paul Miles. "Scorpions drummer James Kottak jailed in Dubai for drunkenly insulting Islam, reports claim". Archived from the original on April 29, 2014. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
10. ^ a b "Kottak: Fix Homelessness Problem". Metal Devastation Radio. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
11. ^ "Ex-Scorpions Drummer James Kottak Is 'Sick Of Every Other Commercial Having Interracial Couples': 'This Is Not Reality'". blabbermouth.net. October 15, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
12. ^ "Ex-Scorpions Drummer James Kottak Says Black Americans Are Disproportionately Represented In Commercials". blabbermouth.net. November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
13. ^ a b "James Kottak, former Scorpions drummer, dies at 61". WECB. January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
14. ^ "Ex-Scorpions Drummer James Kottak Dead At 61". TMZ. January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
15. ^ "RIP … Kingdom Come drummer James Kottak Dead at 61". Metal Sludge. January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.

## External links

[edit]

* Media related to James Kottak at Wikimedia Commons
* James Kottak discography at Discogs
* James Kottak at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

Scorpions

* Rudolf Schenker
* Klaus Meine
* Matthias Jabs
* Paweł Mąciwoda
* Mikkey Dee

* Ralph Rieckermann
* Herman Rarebell
* Francis Buchholz
* Uli Jon Roth
* Michael Schenker
* Rudy Lenners
* Jürgen Rosenthal
* Wolfgang Dziony
* Lothar Heimberg
* James Kottak

Studio albums|

* Lonesome Crow
* Fly to the Rainbow
* In Trance
* Virgin Killer
* Taken by Force
* Lovedrive
* Animal Magnetism
* Blackout
* Love at First Sting
* Savage Amusement
* Crazy World
* Face the Heat
* Pure Instinct
* Eye II Eye
* Unbreakable
* Humanity: Hour I
* Sting in the Tail
* Return to Forever
* Rock Believer

Live albums|

* Tokyo Tapes
* World Wide Live
* Live Bites
* Acoustica

Cover albums|

* Moment of Glory
* Comeblack

Compilations|

* Best of Scorpions
* Best of Scorpions Vol. 2
* Best of Rockers 'n' Ballads
* Still Loving You
* Deadly Sting: The Mercury Years
* Big City Nights
* Classic Bites
* Bad for Good: The Very Best of Scorpions
* Box of Scorpions
* The Platinum Collection
* Gold
* Born to Touch Your Feelings: Best of Rock Ballads

Singles|

* "The Zoo"
* "No One Like You"
* "Rock You Like a Hurricane"
* "Still Loving You"
* "Big City Nights"
* "Rhythm of Love"
* "Passion Rules the Game"
* "I Can't Explain"
* "Wind of Change"
* "Send Me an Angel"
* "White Dove"
* "You and I"
* "Here in My Heart"
* "You Are the Champion"
* "Humanity"
* "Raised on Rock"

Videos|

* World Wide Live
* Crazy World Tour Live... Berlin 1991
* Moment of Glory
* Acoustica
* Live at Wacken Open Air 2006

Tours|

* 50th Anniversary World Tour
* Crazy World Tour

Related articles|

* Discography
* Members
* The Wall – Live in Berlin

* v
* t
* e

The Cult

* Ian Astbury
* Billy Duffy
* John Tempesta
* Charlie Jones
* Mike Mangan

* Craig Adams
* Mark Brzezicki
* Mike Dimkich
* Kid Chaos
* Mickey Curry
* Charley Drayton
* Scott Garrett
* James Kottak
* Michael Lee
* Martyn LeNoble
* Billy Morrison
* Ray Mondo
* Nigel Preston
* John Sinclair
* Eric Singer
* Matt Sorum
* James Stevenson
* Jamie Stewart
* Les Warner
* Chris Wyse
* Damon Fox
* Grant Fitzpatrick

Studio albums|

* Dreamtime
* Love
* Electric
* Sonic Temple
* Ceremony
* The Cult
* Beyond Good and Evil
* Born into This
* Choice of Weapon
* Hidden City
* Under the Midnight Sun

Live albums|

* Live Cult

Compilation albums|

* Death Cult
* Pure Cult: for Rockers, Ravers, Lovers, and Sinners
* High Octane Cult
* Pure Cult: The Singles 1984–1995
* The Best of Rare Cult

Singles|

* "Spiritwalker"
* "Go West (Crazy Spinning Circles)"
* "Ressurection Joe"
* "She Sells Sanctuary"
* "Rain"
* "Revolution"
* "Love Removal Machine"
* "Fire Woman"
* "Painted on My Heart"

Related articles|

* Discography
* Members
* Guns N' Roses
* Holy Barbarians
* Jane's Addiction
* Porno for Pyros
* Ritual
* Southern Death Cult
* Theatre of Hate
* The Wondergirls
* Velvet Revolver

* v
* t
* e

Warrant

* Erik Turner
* Jerry Dixon
* Steven Sweet
* Joey Allen
* Robert Mason

* Adam Shore
* Josh Lewis
* Chris Vincent
* Jani Lane
* Scott Warren
* Rick Steier
* James Kottak
* Mike Fasano
* Keri Kelli
* Billy Morris
* Jaime St. James

Studio albums|

* Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich (1989)
* Cherry Pie (1990)
* Dog Eat Dog (1992)
* Ultraphobic (1995)
* Belly to Belly (1996)
* Greatest & Latest (1999)
* Under the Influence (2001)
* Born Again (2006)
* Rockaholic (2011)
* Louder Harder Faster (2017)

Compilations|

* The Best of Warrant (1996)
* Rocking Tall (1996)
* Then and Now (2004)

Live albums|

* Warrant Live 86–97 (1997)
* Warrant Live Extended Versions (2005)
* Warrant 10 Live! (2014)

Videos|

* Warrant: Live - Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich
* Cherry Pie: Quality You Can Taste
* Born Again: Delvis Video Diaries

Singles|

* "Down Boys"
* "Heaven"
* "Big Talk"
* "Sometimes She Cries"
* "Cherry Pie"
* "I Saw Red"
* "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
* "Blind Faith"
* "We Will Rock You"
* "Machine Gun"
* "The Bitter Pill"
* "Heaven '99'"
* "Cherry Pie '99"
* "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink"

Related articles|

* Discography
* List of Warrant members
* Back Down to One
* Saints of the Underground
* Love the Sin, Hate the Sinner

* v
* t
* e

Montrose

* Ronnie Montrose
* Sammy Hagar
* Bill Church
* Denny Carmassi

* Bob James
* Alan Fitzgerald
* Jim Alcivar
* Randy Jo Hobbs
* James Kottak
* Johnny Edwards
* Glenn Letsch

Studio albums|

* Montrose
* Paper Money
* Warner Bros. Presents Montrose!
* Jump on It
* Mean

Compilation albums|

* The Very Best of Montrose

Singles|

* "Rock Candy"
* "Bad Motor Scooter"
* "I Got the Fire"

Related articles|

* Gamma
* Van Halen
* Chickenfoot

* v
* t
* e

Kingdom Come

* Rick Steier
* Danny Stag
* Johnny B. Frank
* Keith St. John

* Lenny Wolf
* James Kottak
* Yenz Leonhardt
* Eric Förster
* Frank Binke
* Nader Rahy

Studio albums|

* Kingdom Come (1988)
* In Your Face (1989)
* Hands of Time (1991)
* Bad Image (1993)
* Master Seven (1997)
* Too (2000)
* Ain't Crying for the Moon (2006)
* Rendered Waters (2011)

Compilations|

* 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Kingdom Come (2003)

Singles|

* "Get It On"

* v
* t
* e

McAuley Schenker Group

* Robin McAuley
* Michael Schenker
* Mitch Perry
* Rocky Newton
* Bodo Schopf
* Steve Mann
* Jesse Harms
* Jeff Pilson
* James Kottak
* Spencer Sercombe

Studio albums|

* Perfect Timing (1987)
* Save Yourself (1989)
* M.S.G. (1992)

Live albums|

* "Unplugged" Live (1992)

EPs|

* Nightmare: The Acoustic M.S.G. (1992)

Related articles|

* Members

* v
* t
* e

Michael Schenker Group

* Michael Schenker
* Gary Barden
* Robin McAuley
* Doogie White
* Steve Mann
* Bodo Schopf
* Barry Sparks

* Raymond Louis Kennedy
* Leif Sundin
* David VanLanding
* Kelly Keeling
* Graham Bonnet
* Don Airey
* Paul Raymond
* Tommy Eyre
* Andy Nye
* Jesse Harms
* Derek St. Holmes
* Billy Sheehan
* Mo Foster
* Jeff Pilson
* Jeff Kollman
* Stuart Hamm
* Pete Way
* Neil Murray
* Francis Buchholz
* Chris Glen
* Denny Carmassi
* Cozy Powell
* Simon Phillips
* Ted McKenna
* James Kottak
* Shane Gaalaas
* Jeff Martin
* Chris Slade
* Carmine Appice
* Brian Tichy
* Herman Rarebell

Studio albums|

* The Michael Schenker Group (1980)
* MSG (1981)
* Assault Attack (1982)
* Built to Destroy (1983)
* Written in the Sand (1996)
* The Unforgiven (1999)
* Be Aware of Scorpions (2001)
* Arachnophobiac (2003)
* Tales of Rock'n'Roll (2006)
* In the Midst of Beauty (2008)

Live albums|

* One Night at Budokan (1982)
* Rock Will Never Die (1984)
* The Michael Schenker Story Live (1997)
* The Unforgiven World Tour (1999)
* The 30th Anniversary Concert: Live in Tokyo (2010)

Cover albums|

* Heavy Hitters (2005)

Related|

* Members
* Discography

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* Czech Republic
* Korea

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

People|

* DDB

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