RICK STEIER of KINGDOM COME alleges JAMES KOTTAK drank excessively, leading to his death
In a recent interview with Anthony Bryant, Rick Steier of KINGDOM COME opened up about the tragic downfall of his longtime friend and bandmate James Kottak. Kottak, the drummer for the band, passed away in January 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky at the age of 61 after years of battling addiction to alcohol. Although the official cause of death was never announced, Steier revealed that Kottak’s struggles with alcoholism were too evident to ignore.
Reflecting on Kottak’s behavior, Steier mentioned how the drummer’s drinking had become a significant issue even during KINGDOM COME’s reunion tour in 2018. Despite the band’s efforts to address his alcoholism, Kottak continued to drink during shows and struggled to deliver consistent performances. Steier also recalled an emotional moment when they watched SCORPIONS perform with Mikkey Dee, realizing the magnitude of Kottak’s situation after being let go from the band and the impact it had on him personally.
The interview shed light on the challenges faced by KINGDOM COME due to Kottak’s drinking. Steier explained that the band had to inform establishments not to serve Kottak alcohol and still found themselves unable to prevent him from consuming alcohol, even resorting to asking fans to buy drinks for him. This behavior led to a disastrous performance at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2022, where Kottak’s alcohol consumption affected the band’s overall performance.
As Kottak’s health deteriorated, the band turned to Blas Elias from SLAUGHTER to fill in for him on drums. This put immense pressure on Steier, who described feeling on edge before every performance, unsure of whether Kottak would be able to play. The constant uncertainty and unreliability of Kottak eventually led Steier and the band to make the difficult decision to part ways with their drummer, highlighting the toll his addiction had taken on the group’s dynamic and music.
The emotional toll of watching a friend and bandmate struggle with alcoholism was evident in Steier’s account, offering a poignant insight into the challenges faced by those dealing with addiction. Despite the challenging circumstances, Steier’s openness about Kottak’s battle with alcoholism serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing such issues and seeking help when needed. The impact of addiction on individuals and those around them is profound, underscoring the importance of understanding and supporting those struggling with similar challenges.