The Scorpions' official French fan-club, Crazyscorps recently conducted an interview with Scorpions frontman Klaus Meine, who is currently in Sweden recording the band's new album,. In the audio clip below Meine speaks about the new Scorpions record, drummer James Kottak's rehab process, feeling ridiculous on stage and his first groupie. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow.

About the new record: "A few years ago, when we thought about this album, about putting out something for the die-hard fans, we were thinking about using some good old material from the 80's, find some old diamonds and pearls, and we did ! But between 2011 and now, and even this year, we kept on writing. This album is not so much about old material, in the end it's much more about new songs, and that feels really good."

About drummer James Kottak's rehab: "We told him 'At this point, it's good if you take a break, not so much for us but for yourself. And not so much about being the drummer of the Scorpions but for yourself being a family man. You should go into a rehab, clean out yourself and come back the same James we know for so many years, not only our drummer but also a friend, and a great guy.'"

The Scorpions recently issued the following statement:

"On September 1st, our dear friend Peter Amend (pictured below, right) passed away. Peter Amend was more than just a manager and economic and legal consultant for us. He was an important part of the Scorpions and was also a driving force in the artistic and strategic decisions of the band with his infinite knowledge and his sensitivity to the music.

Due to his advice and influence we achieved great international success in recent years.

Peter, you will always be in our hearts forever and a day. R.I.P."

Scorpions - Klaus, Rudolf, Matthias, Pawel, James