SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak is featured in a new interview with BW&BK; discussing the band he fronts, KOTTAK, and their new album Rock & Roll Forever. He also addressed the subject of the Scorpions' decision to call it quits. An excerpt is available below:

When the Scorpions wrap up their farewell tour, due to last close three years according to the band, Kottak says his band will “absolutely” become his top musical priority.

“If I can work this a good five months out of the year, maybe play drums with another band and enjoy life, that would be awesome. I look at Kottak as a baby band. Since Therupy came out I’ve been working non-stop with the Scorpions. Kottak toured Europe back in February, so it’s an ongoing process because I have a day job, which is the Scorpions.”

With regards to that day job coming to an end, Kottak reveals it wasn’t a decision that was made lightly or on the spur of the moment.

“We’ve kind of talked off and on for the last year or so about it, what it might be like to call it quits and that maybe it was time. We didn’t realize it would have this much of an impact. We figured people would kind say ‘Ah well, the Scorpions are gonna call it a day.’ For me it’s kind of liberating in a way because it’s not the end of something for me as much as it is a new beginning. The door is open to do anything. And when you know that you have a three year timeframe it gives you time to plan things out. Slash is still going and he’s been out of Guns N’ Roses for years, so you’ve got to let your own thing happen when things come to an end.”
“It’s kind of been this way all along, where I couldn’t devote all my time to Kottak,” he adds. “It’s a full time commitment being in a band like the Scorpions and if you’re going to do it, do it right. I did my first tour with Scorpions in ’96 and just never stopped (laughs). There’s just never been enough time for Kottak, so now is a great time to get the word out. Who knows? Maybe we’ll have another Kottak album together a year from now.”

Asked if he’s ever felt like a hired gun in the Scorpions line-up, being the lone American in a German band that was world renowned long before he joined their ranks, Kottak says he’s always felt welcome.

“I feel so much a part of the band. My band is the Scorpions, and a big part of that is because of the way the guys are as people. They’re my friends. Rudolph and Klaus started the band, Matthias (Jabs / guitars) has been there for 30 years, but I was totally invited from Day 1 to feel right at home. They’re like my second family. We hang out together, we have dinner together, we’re friends.”

Go to this location for discussion on the band Kottak and their new album.