Kingdom Come, ex-Scorpions drummer James Kottak has passed away at 61. The news was first reported on Metal Sludge. Kottak’s daughter said to TMZ that her father passed away earlier this morning (9th) in Louisville, KY. Details behind the circumstances surrounding Kottak’s death have yet to be disclosed, as well as the cause.
James’ Kingdom Come bandmate, bassist Johnny “JB” Frank, also confirmed the news of his passing via a slew of heartbreaking social media posts.
Both Scorpions and Kingdom Come have taken to social media and shared the following:
Scorpions expressed:
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
Former Kingdom Come vocalist Lenny Wolf shared the following on the band’s official Facebook:
“Message from Lenny:
“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””
The music world has taken to social media to express their condolences:
Shocked to hear that James Kottak, former drummer of Kingdom Come & Scorpions has passed away 😢 Our sincere condolences to his family, friends and his fans around the world. RIP pic.twitter.com/SIYjO2uBEZ
— Queensrÿche (@queensryche) January 9, 2024
Former Scorpions drummer James Kottak has passed away.
It breaks my heart. I’ve known James since his Warrant/KrunK days… He was always exceptionally kind and generous to me.
Much love & Rest In Peace James.
🙏❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/qjiHPwx5yn
— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) January 9, 2024
I just heard of James Kottak’s passing. A good soul, an amazingly talented drummer and was nothing but a gentleman and someone I called my friend and brother. Rest in eternal peace brother James, you will be missed man…
🙏🏻❤️📷 Credit to photographer pic.twitter.com/zF2wsGJKzE
— Deen Castronovo (@DeenTheDrummer) January 9, 2024
More sadness. We have lost another brother from Drum World. I hope you are pain free now my friend. RIP James Kottak. 🙏🏻😢 pic.twitter.com/8iAsWPCx4O
— Darrell Dwarf Millar (@DarrellDWaRf) January 9, 2024
RIP James Kottak. Hung out a couple of times in Moscow and then Greece (when Firewind opened for the Scorpions) – he was always super nice to me and a beast on drums https://t.co/itmVLxE17Q
— Gus G. (Official) (@gusgofficial) January 9, 2024
R.I.P. #JamesKottak Gonna Miss You my Friend.Playing your Drums in https://t.co/Hr0URaeJQv condolences go out to his children and family members🙏✌️❤️ pic.twitter.com/U7L6zPO14N
— Paul Shortino 🇺🇸 (@PaulShortino) January 9, 2024
I reached out to James Kottak a month ago offering support & help with his alcoholism but he wasn’t ready. I could have gotten him into rehab free through connections & I told him that. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. I feel bad for everyone who loved him & he had a…
— Mark Kendall (@MarkKendall_GW) January 9, 2024
Oh no! A sad day in the music world today. Former SCORPIONS And KINGDOM COME Drummer JAMES KOTTAK Dead At 61. I ran into James many times over the years and he was always very friendly and happy guy. Rest in peace James! 💔🙏
— Marten Andersson Bass Player (@anderssonmarten) January 9, 2024
Kottak’s career expanded beyond his time with Scorpions and Kingdom Come. The late drummer toured with bands, including Warrant, KrunK, Montrose, Wild Horses, and Dio. Our thoughts go out to Kottak’s family and friends during this difficult time.
