Scorpions Drummer Back Home After Stint In Dubai Jail
Scorpions drummer James Kottak has been released from a Dubai jail. He'd been in prison ever since his conviction for a drunken pre-concert airport outburst against Islam last month.
"James Kottak boarded a plane out of Dubai and arrived in the U.S. last night," the Scorpions said in a Facebook message announcing Kottak's return. "He will have to find the time to sort out his problems." Helloween’s Mark Cross was forced to fill in for Kottak during a April 5 Scorpions performance the 2014 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 51-year old reportedly consumed five glasses of wine on the flight to Dubai two days before, and then allegedly began shouting derogatory remarks about "non-educated Muslims" once arriving at the airport. Kottak was charged with being under the influence of alcohol while in transit, as witnesses testified that he dropped his pants, complained about the smell and raised his middle finger.
Kottak admitted to drinking, for which he was fined approximately $545, but denied the other charges.