Ever since the tragic passing of Lemmy Kilmister, Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee has bounced around between groups, making guest appearances and filling in on tours. His latest gig was replacing James Kottak in the Scorpions and the role was just made permanent.

In late April earlier this year, the German icons announced they had tapped Dee in place of Kottak while he sought medical attention for an issue that remains undisclosed. Assuring Kottak left on a positive note, the Scorpions posted a statement on their Facebook page, recognizing the now former skinsman for his work with the band and welcoming Dee.

“We would like to thank James for so many years of lasting participation in the band and personal friendship," they said. "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 U.S., 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."

Commenting on landing the permanent spot, Dee said in a Facebook post of his own, "I feel truly honored 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 traveling 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 Motorhead bangers along the way."

The drummer also looked back on his time in Motorhead, adding, "I had some close to 25 amazing years with my friends and brothers Lemmy and Phil [Campbell] in Motorhead 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."

Before linking up with the Scorpions in April, Dee was slated to sit behind the kit with Thin Lizzy for a series of six shows. After getting the nod from the Scorps, he respectfully bowed out of the Thin Lizzy spot, being replaced by Judas Priest's Scott Travis.

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