KOTTAK is the side project of the KINGDOM COME, WILD HORSES, WARRANT and SCORPIONS drummer James Kottak (a.k.a. 'Jimmy Ratchitt') and his wife Athena Lee, sister of MÖTLEY CRÜE's notorious TOMMY LEE. The drummer's debut album, 1999's 'Krunk Greatist Hits' was credited to KRUNK and recorded with guitarist Rick Steier, also ex-KINGDOM COME, and bass player Mike Horvat.

2005 album recordings, 'Therupy' released through Kottak's own S.N.U.G Records, saw bass delegated to the BLACK SYMPHONY and MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP credited Rev Jones. In April 2006 it was learned that KRUNK was about to undergo a title change to simply KOTTAK.

For the band's January 14th 2007 show at the Cat Club in Hollywood, California KOTTAK was joined onstage by WARRANT singer JANI LANE, on the drums, vocalist Happenin' Harry and BLACK SYMPHONY guitarist Rick Plester.

In May 2009 it was announced that James Kottak had joined ex-WARRANT singer JANI LANE's live band.