Former Drummer for Best-Selling Hard Rock Band Dies at 61

James Kottak, who served as the drummer of the German hard rock band Scorpions for two decades, has died. He was 61 years old.

The band announced the news on Instagram. "Very sad news," they shared Tuesday afternoon alongside a photo of Kottak. "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."

The tribute was signed by Kottak's onetime bandmates, Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs and Paweł Mąciwoda, and his replacement, Mikkey Dee.

According to TMZ who spoke with his daughter Tobi, Kottak died Tuesday morning in Louisville, Ky. His cause of death is unknown.

Kottak joined Scorpions in 1996 and played in the band til 2016 when he was fired for his alcoholism. Kottak was also the original drummer in the '80s band Kingdom Come and over the years has toured with Warrant, Dio, Montrose, Wild Horses, Buster Brown, and Krunk. In 2012, he appeared on the reality television series, Ex-Wives of Rock. Kottak was married to Tommy Lee's younger sister, Athena Lee, from 1996-2010.

The Messenger has reached out to Kottak's representatives for comment.