James Kottak

JAMES SON AND MY SON WERE SCHOOL MATES, BAND MEMBERS WHEN THEY LIVED IN PALMDALE IT WAS A WONDERFUL TIME FOR THE CHILDREN, JAMES WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON AND FATHER,

I have lived The Scorpions since 1984 that's 40.years. James was an.amazing drummer one of the best. I know he passed away almost a year ago January 9th,2025 but I never knew he passed away till a week.ago. Long Live Rock n Roll James.

My name is Joseph McLaughlin. I met this incredible musician by way of my dear friend Chris Castillo in Albuquerque. Chris and I had been painting the house and I mentioned the Scorpions coming and I remember her asking me if I liked their music. I said of course and rattled off wonderful memories of being a teenager in 1987 and hearing Love At First Sting after it landed in America. So I continued helping Chris and chatting with her mom, Margaret, when she would drop by and thought nothing of the Scorpions question. So fast forward..Chris comes in and says I'm in touch with James, Scorpions drummer and you have a ticket. So we go and meet up with others Chris has graciously given backstage passes and tickets to as well and of we go backstage. She introduces us to James in his dressing room and I meet a guy that's down to earth, loves life, loves Chris and Francis dearly, and is just a nice guy passionate about what he does for a living. A lot like Randy. He was and is a unique rock drummer that carried the band all over the world with a wicked beat and interesting timing of beats! I still have the photographs and drumsticks and backstage pass from that unforgettable night. But most of all? I have his music I hear on the radio and I hear a friend I met. I hear Randy and I think of Mr. Kottak and the memories of James telling us stories of touring with Randy. I hear Chris telling me about James before I met him in Albuquerque. Music is a common language around the world. It's a common love for all walks of life. We need more of it!!! I know this to be true. I'm a blues harmonica musician that's played to folks that we could not speak due to language barriers. I pulled out my harmonica and they smiled and danced! That's breaking barriers. James did this around the world and continues to break barriers with his legacy. Im honored to have met you and you'll always be apart of my blues harmonica rhythm my friend. Joseph McLaughlin

James Kottak was a wonderful drummer but more than that is He was the sweetest human being ever. I think he got his kindness from his Mother , Dorothy, his sister Nancy and his brother Lee. I knew him when he and I were young but even now I have such a great feeling of loss. He was a great friend to me and I send his family love and wish comfort to his entire circle of family and friends.

I love the Scorpions music! My fondest memory is my son Josh singing along when he heard Wind of Change and Send me an Angel. He was just a little boy-about 5-when he learned both by watching MTV. He sounded so sweet, in his pure tenor voice!
You will definitely be missed

Rip james....

James was my first love, he will always have a piece of my heart!
We did have some great times in the NUTHOUSE van and all the gigs!
RIP James

The Pacific Amphitheater, In My Hometown of Costa Mesa, California.

He was a friend of 18 year's. I got to witness 8 Scorpions concerts. With James Playing His Drums.

I saw James play live with the Scorpions every time he came to Toronto from the Unbreakable tour onnward...probably six or seven times and he was great every time. RIP

I first seen James monster drumming with kingdom come after the monster of rock stadium tour. Kingdom come was supporting the scorpions R.I.P. king James kottak Rock & Roll Forever

I saw James for the first time in 1996 with the Scorpions. He were awesome. Everybody talked about him after the Show. He helped the Scorps to begin a New horizon. I Met James in 2005 after à show in Paris and in 2010. A Nice man with the fans. Always à great moment when He played Kottak Attak. So many people love James around the World. MISS YOU DUDE. I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. REST IN PEACE JAMES. Olivier from France.

He played in a band at our high school in louisville ky. Durrett high school
.

He Gave me my first chance to play a set in a bar.

Rock in Peace James! It was always pleasant chatting with you. Gone way too soon! Many condolences to his family at this time.

RIP my friend! Will always remember u being nice to me and my friends. And blowing the roof off of the Tiger!

Rock'n'roll forever!
RIP James... once in ScorpFamily, always part of it...

...Take my joy and all my pride
Rock'n'roll will never die...

Loved how he shared his beautiful gift with the world. My condolences to James' family.

Heartbreaking. Remembering the good old days in Louisville. Family friend. School mate. Awesome drummer. Condolences to Lee, Nancy and the family:(

The only person I ever witnessed bring a double bass drum set to life. No one played like or even close to his style. Pure genius! Rest in peace James.

Going all the way back to his band from Louisville called Mr. Charlie, James was always an influence to my drumming. He gave me drum lessons at whatever club he was playing if I brought in a pizza for us to share. I am sorry to hear of his passing way before his time. My condolences to his family. Sincerely, Scott Rion (Lexington, KY)

James was really nice to me and once said if he was into 12 string melodic instrumentals such as mine, he'd collaborate in a heartbeat <3 Rest in peace James.

My deepest condolences to james family and friends
Pierre LAMIC
Clément LAMIC
Michèle BOUSQUET from France