James Kottak, This Former Scorpions Drummer Who Just Died, Has Insulted Islam

James Kottak (Instagram @jamesrkottak)

JAKARTA - Former Scorpions drummer James Kottak died at the age of 61. Although the American musician is known as a family man, he was imprisoned in Dubai for insulting Islam.

Kottak was sentenced to one month in prison in Dubai in April 2014 for offensive behavior.

Reporting from the BBC, Kottak was convicted of insulting Islam, pointing at his middle finger and being under the influence of alcohol.

At that time, 51 years old, Kottak admitted to drinking alcohol but denied other accusations.

The reported incident occurred at Dubai airport on April 3, when Scorpions was on its way to Bahrain for a concert.

Kottak was arrested after a disturbance occurred in the transit room, National newspaper reported.

The court heard that he started cursing and talking about an uneducated Muslim, then pointing his middle finger.

The witnesses also testified that they heard Kottak shouting that he was reluctant to travel with a group of passengers from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Denying the allegations, he said: "I do not condemn Muslims or Islam. I would never do such a thing even if I was drunk," according to Gulf News.

However, he admitted to drinking alcohol without permission, and was fined $550.

Kottak joined Scorpions in 1996. Following the news of his death on Tuesday local time, Scorpions delivered a statement of grief on social media.

"The very sad news... our best friend & drummer for 20 years James Kottak passed away at the age of 61," wrote Scorpions.

"James is an extraordinary human being, a great musician & a man who is full of love to his family. He is 'Brother of another Mother' & will be greatly missed.

"Rock'n Roll Forever. RIP James".

Very sad news... our dear friend & Drummer for 20yrs James Kottak has passed at the age of 61. James was a wonderful human being, a great musician & loving family man. He was our „Brother from another Mother“ & will be truly missed. Rock‘n Roll ForeverRIP James📸 Marc Theis pic.twitter.com/QoGMOo1rfi

— Scorpions (@scorpions) January 9, 2024

Very sad news... our dear friend & Drummer for 20yrs James Kottak has passed at the age of 61. James was a wonderful human being being, a great musician & moving family man. He was our friend from another Mother & will be truly missed. Rock 'n Roll ForeverRIP James' Marc Theis pic.twitter.com/QoGMOo1rfi

Putri Kottak, Tobi, told TMZ that her father died Tuesday morning (in Louisville, Kentucky, where she was born and lived until 1987, although further details about the actual situation were not disclosed.

Apart from Scorpions and Kingdom Come, Kotkak has been touring with bands like Warrant and even DIO for the short term.

He was also involved in various other projects, including the Krunk band in the 1990s where he played the lead vocalist and played guitar.