Ex-SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME drummer James Kottak has passed away
As reported by Metal Sludge, the seasoned rock percussionist James Kottak, recognized for his contributions to SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME, has passed away at the age of 61.
Beyond his affiliations with SCORPIONS and KINGDOM COME, Kottak toured alongside bands like WARRANT and briefly with DIO. He also engaged in diverse musical ventures, notably as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the 1990s group KRUNK.
In response to the sad news, POISON drummer Rikki Rockett expressed his condolences on Twitter with a succinct message: “Rest in peace, James Kottak.”
Kottack, who missed a number of KINGDOM COME‘s recent concerts due to “health issues”, told Artists On Record Starring ADIKA Live! that he “fell out of bed” in his sleep in July 2022 and “cracked, like, three or four ribs”. He also said that he “cracked” his hip in the fall of 2022 after when he “tripped and fell on the pavement” in a completely separate incident.
As per singer Keith St. John‘s statements, KINGDOM COME currently finds itself in a favorable position, notwithstanding the presence of SLAUGHTER‘s Blas Elias on the drums in lieu of James during the band’s recent performances.
KINGDOM COME kicked off their initial two performances with Elias in September 2022 in Texas. However, during the same month, Kottak disclosed his decision not to participate in the upcoming KINGDOM COME concerts in Texas, sharing on Twitter in the early hours of August 21, 2022: “I won’t be present at the Kingdom Come Plano or San Antonio shows, so please don’t bother, thanks jams k [sic].”
In February 2023, singer Keith St. John told Chris Akin Presents about Kottak‘s absence from KINGDOM COME recent shows: “James Kottak has had some health situations over the last year, and they’ve really been affecting his playing. Everybody in the band really wanted him to be able to continue and play, but he’s just gotta sort some things out and wait for some stuff in his body to heal before he has the strength to play the songs [properly].”
