Mikkey Dee now permanently replacing James Kottak as drummer for Scorpions

Mikkey Dee now permanently replacing James Kottak as drummer for Scorpions

The Scorpions have just made the following announcement on their Facebook page:

“MIKKEY DEE JOINS THE BAND PERMANENTLY!

James Kottak leaves on a positive note.

Since 1992, the Swedish Mikkey Dee used to be a former band member of Motörhead until the dissolution of the rock band after the death of Lemmy Kilmister.

“We would like to thank James for so many years of lasting participation in the band and personal friendship. We understand and respect his need for time as he makes his way through the final stages of his healing process.”

“After our incredibly successful shows in the US, Europe and Asia, we are sure to have found a fantastic drummer with Mikkey Dee. He brings a fresh energy to the band and we look forward to the exciting time together that lies ahead.” – SCORPIONS“

Back in late April 2016, the Scorpions had announced that Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee would be replacing James Kottak during the band’s US tour dates.

The Scorpions have not specified exactly what healing issues that Kottak is going through but the drummer did seek treatment for alcoholism mid-way in 2014 after spending about a month in jail in Dubai for insulting Islam earlier that year.

Fifty-five year old Kottak joined the Scorpions back in 1996 and has played on several of the band’s albums including Sting In The Tail (2010) and Return To Forever (2015). He leaves the Scorpions as the longest serving drummer in the group’s history just surpassing Herman Rarebell‘s 18 year run with the band.