Who was James Kottak Married To? Who is James Kottak's Wife?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jan 11, 2024
Who was James Kottak Married To?
James Kottak was married to fellow drummer Athena Lee Bass from 1996 to 2010. Athena Lee, the younger sister of renowned drummer Tommy Lee, shared a musical background with Kottak. Their marriage resulted in a son named Matthew. Additionally, Kottak became a stepfather to Athena's two children from previous relationships – Miles and Tobi.
Despite their divorce in 2010 and a subsequent custody battle over Matthew, the couple's musical legacies persisted. Athena continued her drumming career with various bands and reality show appearances, while Miles, inspired by his family's musical roots, pursued a career as a drummer for the indie rock band Bad Suns.
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Drummer James Kottak
James Kottak, the American drummer, gained prominence for his notable tenure with the German hard rock band Scorpions, starting in 1996. Recognized as their longest-serving drummer, he contributed significantly until his departure in 2016. Kottak was an original member of Kingdom Come, showcasing his drumming skills from 1987 to 1989 and then rejoining in 2018 until his passing in 2024.
Beyond these ventures, he led his own band, initially named KrunK and later rebranded as Kottak. Throughout his career, Kottak left his rhythmic imprint on various bands, including Montrose, Warrant, Wild Horses, the McAuley Schenker Group, and Buster Brown, leaving an enduring legacy in the rock music landscape.
James Kottak Career
James Kottak (December 26, 1962 – January 9, 2024) stood out as a prominent American drummer, gaining widespread recognition for his significant contributions to the German hard rock band Scorpions, joining them in 1996. Notably, he held the title of their longest-serving drummer until his departure in 2016.
Kottak's musical journey included being an original member of Kingdom Come, serving as their drummer from 1987 to 1989 and making a return from 2018 until his passing in 2024. Additionally, he led his own band, Kottak, previously known as KrunK. Throughout his prolific career, Kottak lent his drumming skills to various renowned bands like Montrose, Warrant, Wild Horses, the McAuley Schenker Group, and Buster Brown.
James Kottak Personal Life
James Kottak was married to Athena Bass, the younger sister of Tommy Lee, both fellow musicians and members of the band Kottak. Their family included three children, with son Matthew and Athena's two kids from previous relationships. Notably, Miles, one of their children, is currently the drummer for the indie rock band Bad Suns.
In 2014, Kottak made headlines when he was arrested in Dubai, sentenced to a month in jail for offensive behavior, insulting Islam, and public drunkenness. Subsequently, in 2016, he faced repercussions for his struggles with alcoholism, leading to his termination from Scorpions. Despite this, Kottak focused on his recovery in the aftermath of his departure from the band.
James Kottak Death
Tragically, on January 9, 2024, James Kottak was discovered lifeless in the bathroom of his Louisville, Kentucky home at the age of 61. The specific cause of his death remains undisclosed at this time. According to reports from the Heavy Metal news outlet Metal Sludge, there is a belief that the apparent cause of his death was cardiac arrest.
However, official confirmation regarding the exact circumstances leading to his demise is still pending. The music world mourns the loss of the talented drummer, and fans are left waiting for more information surrounding the unfortunate incident.
Who is James Kottak's Wife?
James Kottak's wife was Athena Lee Bass, the younger sister of renowned drummer Tommy Lee. Their marriage, spanning from 1996 to 2010, produced a family of three children. Athena, a fellow drummer, shared a musical journey with Kottak, and their union left a lasting impact on the rock music scene.
Despite their divorce, Athena continued her drumming career, making history as the first woman nominated for the L.A. Music Awards. Their son Matthew, along with Athena's children from previous relationships, Miles and Tobi, further extended the influence of their shared musical legacy. Kottak's family and musical contributions remain integral to his enduring legacy in the music world.
Who was James Kottak Married To: FAQs
James Kottak was married to fellow drummer Athena Lee Bass from 1996 to 2010, the younger sister of Tommy Lee.
James and Athena had a son named Matthew, and Kottak became a stepfather to Athena's two children from previous relationships – Miles and Tobi.
Kottak notably played for Scorpions, Kingdom Come, and led his own band, Kottak. He also contributed to bands like Montrose, Warrant, and the McAuley Schenker Group.
Kottak was arrested in Dubai in 2014 for offensive behavior, insulting Islam, and public drunkenness.
While the exact cause remains unknown, there's a belief that James Kottak's death was due to apparent cardiac arrest, as reported by Metal Sludg