James Kottak: rock 'n' roll forever. Group "Kottak" and "Scorpions"

American musician James Kottak was born on December 26, 1962 in Louisville. Most of all, he is known as the drummer "Scorpions". He was part of the legendary group from 1996 to 2016. Because of problems with drinking and eccentric behavior, rockers of the legendary band decided to say goodbye to the old-timer, until he comes to the right shape. Will we see the famous drummer still in the "Scorpions" - time will tell, and while his former companions are working with no less talented musician.

What is known about Kottak and his work? What are the groups in which he was?

Early Creativity

James Kottak worked with different performers. The first records with his play appeared in the eighties of the twentieth century. There is even a video in which the musician performs one of the songs of the band "Arech", in which he played at the beginning of his journey. In 1990, the musician collaborated with Michael Lee Firkins. He took part in recordings of albums and performances of other bands and performers.

Since 1996, he joined the world-renowned group. He replaced during the tour drummer Herman Rarebella and stayed. At the same time, he had the strength to work on his own project, which will be discussed later.

Working with Scorpions

German rock band, performing songs in English, was born in the distant 1965. At this time, Kottak was only three years old. She won recognition not only in her country, but throughout the world. The group's staff is on the list of the fifty greatest performers of hard rock.

The current composition of the group consists of five people. James Kottak (drums) today refers to the list of former members of the group. In 2016, the rockers announced that a new drummer, Mickey Dee, had replaced James. The reason for his departure from the group became health problems. Before returning to the team, he needs to undergo a rehabilitation course.

Together with "Scorpions" James Kottak, whose biography is full of scandals, spent twenty fruitful years. He was involved in the release of six albums.

Own group

In 1996, Kottak's own band was founded by the drummer. To the creation of the group was involved, and his then wife Athena - musician, drummer, actress. She is also the younger sister of the famous musician Tommy Lee. Athena and James were familiar since 1989. Together they gave the world not only a rock band, but also three children (daughter Toby, sons Mills and Matthew).

The group, which is also called "Crank", included four people:

• Kottak - vocals;
• Johnny Lucas is a guitar;
• Price Vernon - bass;
• Athena Lee - percussion.

During performances with "Skopions" Kottak played his own solo program. In 2011, part of his individual performances turned into the album of the group "Kottak". In total, the band released four albums. Writing songs to his brainchild the musician has always considered his hobby.

Interesting Facts

James Kottak is a blonde with blue eyes. Its height is 180 centimeters. The body is decorated with numerous tattoos that fans can always see at concerts. The drummer has a habit of showing his back in public. It contains a large tattoo in the form of an inscription in English, which translates as "Rock and Roll forever." When the back is bare, Kottak does not stop playing drums, skillfully juggling with chopsticks.

In 2014, James Kottak was arrested in Dubai. He was accused of drinking alcohol without a license and was sentenced to a fine and imprisonment, which lasted one month. Everything happened at the airport. The musician flew from Moscow and waited for his flight to the next plane. Being drunk, he began to show gestures of indecent character to Muslims who were at the airport. After that, he took off his trousers in front of passengers from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The musician recognized the use of alcohol, but denied the attempt to offend Muslims. And his lawyer explained the actions with his trousers down like an attempt to demonstrate the famous tattoo on his back.

His eccentric character has always manifested itself during speeches. So he could easily drink a glass of a hot drink on stage. As, for example, at one of the concerts in Russia, Kottak took a glass with the drum down on the chains of the drum set and, after saying in broken Russian "To health," drained it.