SCORPIONS Recruit Former MOTÖRHEAD Drummer Mikkey Dee As Permament Member
September 12th, 2016
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German metal group Scorpions have recruited former Motörhead and King Diamond drummer Mikkey Dee, revealing this development on September 12th, 2016.
Scorpions issued the following statement: “We would like to thank James for so many years of lasting participation in the band and personal friendship. We understand and respect his need for time as he makes his way through the final stages of his healing process.
“After our incredibly successful shows in the US, Europe and Asia, we are sure to have found a fantastic drummer with Mikkey Dee. He brings a fresh energy to the band and we look forward to the exciting time together that lies ahead.”
Mikkey Dee shared the following words, meanwhile: “I feel truly honoured and fortunate to be able to carry on playing drums on this level.
“I grew up listening to Scorpions and have always loved the band.
“We have been friends for a long time so travelling and performing this year with Klaus, Rudolf, Matthias and Pawel has been loads of fun and the crew is very professional.
“The Scorpions fans have been most welcoming and it’s been great to meet all the crazy wonderful Motörhead bangers along the way.
“I had some close to 25 amazing years with my friends and brothers Lemmy and Phil in Motörhead and that will always be the backbone in my future drumming.
“Lemmy always had great respect for Scorpions for being a real rock band and I am sure he is proud up there that I moved on and for playing with this class act.
“Here’s to many more years of rock and roll.”
Scorpions’ line-up is as follows;
Klaus Meine (vocals)
Matthias Jabs (lead guitar)
Rudolf Schenker (rhythm guitar)
Paweł Mąciwoda (bass)
Mikkey Dee (drums)
On April 28th, 2016, it was disclosed that Dee would step behind the drumkit for 12 North American headlining dates during May. Dee was filling for James Kottak, who was reportedly on hiatus while seeking medical attention.
James Kottak’s 20-year tenure as Scorpions’ drummer began in 1996, concluding in 2016. Kottak lent drum parts to Scorpions albums 14 through to 18, namely; Eye II Eye (1999), Unbreakable (2004), Humanity – Hour 1 (2007), Sting In The Tail (2010), and Return To Forever (2015).
Eighteenth studio record Return To Forever was released in February 2015 via UME.
