Scorpions will have a different, yet very familiar face behind the kit for them when they get ready to hit the road in May. Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee has agreed to sit in with the band on their upcoming North American tour dates.

Dee will man the kit in place of James Kottack, who has taken leave from the band while he seeks medical attention for an undisclosed ailment. Dee was initially expected to join Thin Lizzy for dates this summer, but recently bowed out of the band's anniversary shows. So far, Dee is only expected to fill in for the twelve North American shows the band has scheduled.

Those include a tour kickoff performance at Carolina Rebellion on May 6 and a five-night stand at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in mid-May. The band will conclude their North American touring June 4 in Guadelajara, Mexico, then take a breather before starting up their European touring.

Scorpions singer Klaus Meine states, "We would like to continue our Return to Forever tour with James, but we have to realize that his health is priority. We wish James a speedy recovery and he will be back to Rock with us very soon! We look forward to seeing all our fans this month."

To see all of Scorpions currently scheduled tour dates, click here.

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