Who??? Yeah well,
and that's the problem. Because what does it help to be the drummer of
one of the world's best known Rockbands, the Scorpions, when the shades
ain't long enough for an individual popularity in a wide sense. Also
further past concerning bands like Kingdom Come, MSG and Warrant have
not helped much for the increase of individual personality, although all
those have given James Kottak a true name in drummer circles.
But one thing he is for sure - a crurious guy witty spontanious, with
many sides, sparkling and a little nuts, but most of all, an excellent
drummer. The only problem is, we don't get to enjoy this musical talent
of him tonight, because thanks to his flexibility and the obvious urge
to beat his other luv in performin, he sets himself a different goal
here. -
And that again only works with his own project - Kottak. His Baby is
half of a family company, because on drums his wife for 22 years -
Athena Kottak-Lee is beating the rhythm. And by the way, she's got an
older brother named Tommy, who is a drummer as well - in Mötley Crüe.
Like I said - it's a family business.
Well, whenever his spare free time apart from the Scorps job allows him,
James a.k.a. Jimmy Ratchitt reactivates his own group to realise himself.
And he does so for quite a few years now. Here in Europe Kottak have
mainly played big festivals yet and no long tours - until now...
And let's face it - After The Scorpions have announced their retirement
for after their upcoming world tour, - you've gotta take care for the
future by building up a second leg, as we say so in german. - On the
other hand and first of all, this last Scorpions trip lasts at least 2
years, and second - a little change apart from ‚Wind Of Change’, ‚The Zoo’
and ‚Big City Nights’ is always good inbetween.
But to get back to the beginning of this prologue, - when a band like
Kottak goes on a club tour without much notice and promotion, it can end
a little sad, and the fact, that James is actually the drummer of the
Scorpions vanishes into Nirvana.
I've got a little
advantage, which is the memory of a concert of a band named Warrant,
sometime in the nineties here in Munich. During this show at one point
the singer went onto playing the drums - and vice versa. And Mr. Kottak
put on such a unique performance, that no eye stayed dry. I even
remember the song - which was 'Should I Stay Or Should I Go' from the
Clash. James not only lifted the whole club out of it's angles but also
the crowd. Jes.... but that's why it went so deep into my memories.
And yes of course - that's exactly the reason, why I'm here tonight at
the Backstage Club, where only very few fans have found their way here.
Starting off are ‚Blowsight’ from Sweden, who's members are probably
all below 25 years of age...
These four guys are named Nick Red
(Voc/Git),
Fabz (Drums), Seb (Git/voc) und Mini (Bass/Voc) and 'Destination
Terrorville' is the product, they wanna promote - still promote, as this
CD is out now for more than 6 months.
The band goes for a slight alternative Rock'n'Roll style, nothing really
new. But thanks to youthful enthusiasm and therefore the energy their
performance goes pretty well down. Only the punky hairstyle of Seb
doesn't realy fit to the music. But well, that doesn't matter, does it
and is actually pretty photogenic. One thing is for sure. Most of the
girls in here have come because of the Boys in Blowsight.
Well,
then let's wait and see, where the journey of these Swedes go. They
definately made a start. And now the question is whether they carry on
with their individual development. And yes of course - playing their
butts off as much as possible. Because there is nothing more worth it,
then a hell of a live experience and hopefully growing popularity.
In that sense wishing you all the best in the world....
Kottak
on the other hand are in this for half of a life time, and thesey guys
have surely reached an age beyond 40 + But who cares - as we all know -
Rock'n'Roll keeps us young and dynamic.
And
that's what we wanna prove. Exept James Kottak a.k.a. Jimmy Ratchitt and
his wife Athena, there is lead guitarist Johnny Lucas, who has been in
Kingdom Come as well and Price Vernon on Bass.
I have to take one thing ahead. I truly show respect to musicians, who
still give a 100 percent despent a small audiance. Not that Jimmy Boy is
world class 1A singer, his voice rather reminds me off a rusty harpoon
scratching down a shelf and competing here with rather weak sound
conditions. But to repeat myself - our front paradise bird gives
everything including a full load of adrenalin to himself.
like
a wild chick our drumer boys jumps across the stage to rhythm of LA
garage rock meets punk philosophy, and his heartdrop Athena shows, she's
a real animal on drums. But no, she hasn't adopted her skill from
brother Tommy Lee, as she said so before the show. Tommy had left home
before she even thought about to become a drummer as well. But however,
the talent seems to be in her family.
Thanks
to almost no light on stage and the poor sound, these
clips here didn't come out very well...
Who
the hell knows, is responsible for the poor light on stage. But that one
should be tortured, that's for sure. Because with only two dark red
lights you gues more than you see up there. And it doesn't happen very
often, that I have to use a flashlight almost constantly when taking
pictures. -
Well just for info, Kottak has yet put out 2 releases. One is the debut
'Greatist Higs' and the follow up 'Therupy'. And we are getting
introduced to both of them. Most of all and best known is the song 'Sunset
Blvd', of what we just received the videoclip as well, filmed on Sunset
Blvd - where else of course (see above).
I also do like Kottaks version of the Scorpions classic tune 'Holiday',
which starts like the original, but then develops into a smashing punk
song.
During
this track Jimmy jumps from stage and pulls people in the audiance to
the front sharing a headbanger's scenery. And all these girls, who
are here tonight because of the supportact in first place, seem to like
James very much.
So well then, go and copy that. - to bring in such a good mood
within these 30 something souls, despite the sound conditions. It's
probably his aura and beeing a bit nuts and having fun themselves,
what this band makes so luvable.
Although they do leave out some songs on the setlist. But an extended 'Rock'n'Roll
forever' including a big final and the supportband on stage as well,
does everything to give this intimate party a happy end.
Let's put it that way. This
hasn't necessarelly been what you call a high quality sophisticated
performance. But it has been entertaining, funny and a little crazy. And
this is the point, to have a good night out, - like that night back then
in the nineties at the Warrant gig with
‚Should
I Stay, Or Should I Go...’-stay of course - what else...
http://www.myspace.com/kottak
