
Scorpions have paid tribute to their former drummer James Kottak, who passed away at the age of 61 on January 9th in Louisville, KY, according to his daughter Tobi, who confirmed his passing to TMZ.
Kottak was the longest serving drummer for the German hard rock group Scorpions, spending two decades with the group from 1996 through 2016. He is also known as a founding member of Kingdom Come.
Scorpions took to social media to share the following tribute, "Very sad news... our dear friend and Drummer for 20 years James Kottak has passed at the age of 61... 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 - RIP James. - Klaus , Rudolf , Matthias , Pawel and Mikkey"
Original Kingdom Come vocalist Lenny Wolf also shared, "A very lovable, emotional and charming guy who lived "Rock'n Roll" to it's fullest in any aspect, and one too many, has left through the final curtain. Should there be an after life, I hope we'll meet under cosmic and peaceful circumstances. RIP my dearest Twilight Cruiser Jamo. Love ya and carry you within my heart forever and ever!" - Lenny
Watch Scorpions Rock 'Blackout' In Front Of Stadium Crowd
Scorpions Recording Home Town Show For 60th Anniversary Live Album
Scorpions Celebrating 60th Anniversary With 'From The First Sting'
Ghost Becomes Fifth Most Popular Rock Band on Ultimate Guitar
Rock Reads: Tales from the Bedroom Wall By Steve Blacknell
Passport: Koko Productions Music from Africa
Iron Maiden's 'Hallowed Be Thy Name' Given A Big Band Makeover
Peter Criss Announces New Solo Album
American Television Share Halloween Version Of 'Witches' Video
Maximo Park Expand 'A Certain Trigger' For 20th Anniversary
Godsmack Plot Special Edition Of 'Awake' Album
Bleed From Within Expand The Dying Sun Tour
Avatar Deliver 'Don't Go In The Forest' Video
The Chesterfield Kings Shares 'Loose Ends' From 1989 Through 2004