Former Motorhead drummer Mikkey Dee will play drums for Scorpions when the veteran band performs in the U.S. next month. The group's regular drummer, James Kottak, has had some issues over the past couple of years -- including an arrest in Dubai that led to rehab -- that have sidelined him from playing.

Scorpions announced the news on their website, saying that Dee will play 12 dates with them as "Kottak is currently on break while he seeks medical attention." Dee's shows with the group start on May 6 in Charlotte, N.C., and wrap up three weeks later on May 29 in San Antonio.

“We would like to continue our Return to Forever tour with James, but we have to realize that his health is priority," said singer Klaus Meine. "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.”

You can see the full list of Scorpions' U.S. tour dates below.

Dee played with Motorhead from 1992 until last year, when frontman Lemmy Kilmister died after a short battle with cancer on Dec. 28. Days after his death, Dee said that “Motorhead is over, of course. Lemmy was Motorhead. But the band will live on in the memories of many.”

Scorpions recently released a tour edition of last year's Return to Forever album. They've been on the road promoting the record, as well as their 50th anniversary. After the dozen U.S. dates next month, the band will head back overseas for shows in Switzerland, Spain and Finland. There's no word on whether Dee will remain with them for these shows or if Kottak may be back by then.

Scorpions 2016 U.S. Tour Dates
5/06 — Charlotte, N.C.
5/09 — Nashville, Tenn.
5/10 — St. Louis, Mo.
5/13 — Las Vegas, Nev.
5/14 — Las Vegas, Nev.
5/18 — Las Vegas, Nev.
5/20 — Las Vegas, Nev.
5/21 — Las Vegas, Nev.
5/24 — El Paso, Texas
5/25 — Albuquerque, N.M.
5/28 — Pryor, Okla.
5/29 — San Antonio, Texas

Scorpions Albums Ranked Worst to Best

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