Before reality television introduced Athena Lee to a wider audience, she was already making a name for herself behind the drums in Los Angeles. Growing up alongside her older brother, Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, she discovered percussion as a teenager and eventually entered the competitive rock scene of the 1980s. What began as a way to release frustration became a career spanning hard rock, punk, and live performances.
Athena’s story extends well beyond her famous family connections. She has performed with Hardly Dangerous, KrunK, Kottak, and Femme Fatale, earned recognition for her drumming, and appeared on Ex-Wives of Rock. Away from music, her experiences include working as a surgical nurse, raising three children, and surviving breast cancer.
Quick Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Athena Lee (born Athena Bass) |
| Date of Birth | December 8, 1964 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles County, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rock drummer, musician, television personality |
| Main Instrument | Drums |
| Musical Genres | Hard rock, punk rock, pop punk |
| Parents | David Lee Thomas Bass and Vassiliki “Voula” Papadimitriou |
| Sibling | Tommy Lee |
| Former Husband | James Kottak (1996–2010) |
| Children | Tobi, Miles, and Matthew |
| Notable TV Show | Ex-Wives of Rock |
Athena Lee’s Age, Birthday, and Early Life
Athena Lee was born on December 8, 1964, in Los Angeles County, California. She grew up primarily in Covina, where music gradually became a central part of her life. Although her brother would eventually become an international rock star, the family’s everyday life was rooted in the suburban communities of Southern California.
Athena showed an early interest in performing, particularly through tap and jazz dancing. That experience gave her an appreciation for rhythm before she began playing drums. Her interest in music grew as the Los Angeles rock scene developed around her.
Family Background and Greek-American Heritage
Athena’s father, David Lee Thomas Bass, served as a sergeant in the United States Army. Her mother, Vassiliki “Voula” Papadimitriou, came from Greece and had participated in beauty pageants. The family relocated from Greece to California after Tommy’s birth, combining Greek traditions with their new American surroundings.
Athena has described her father as disciplined and her mother as deeply devoted to family life. Her parents encouraged their children to take lessons seriously, including music and dancing. Their emphasis on commitment influenced the way Athena approached performing.
Athena Lee and Tommy Lee’s Shared Musical Roots
Tommy Lee, born on October 3, 1962, in Athens, Greece, is Athena’s older brother and the drummer of Mötley Crüe. He became famous during the band’s rise in the 1980s, but their shared connection to percussion began much earlier, inside the family home. Their father had built a soundproof rehearsal space for Tommy.
When Athena was approximately 15 or 16, Tommy encouraged her to try his drums after she became upset about missing a dance. He taught her a basic beat, and she immediately enjoyed playing. Later, while Tommy was touring, she practiced on his equipment and carefully restored its original arrangement. Beyond her immediate family and her own children’s musical pursuits, Athena is also the aunt to Tommy Lee’s sons, Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee, keeping the family’s creative legacy alive across the entertainment industry.
How Athena Developed Her Own Drumming Style
Although Tommy introduced her to the instrument, Athena developed most of her abilities through independent practice and experience. She has explained that her brother deliberately avoided teaching her too much because he wanted her to discover her own technique. Early encouragement also came from drummer Jaime Harris, who helped her understand musical arrangements.
Her background in dancing gave her a natural appreciation for groove and movement. Rather than copying her brother’s stage performances, Athena concentrated on becoming comfortable with rhythm, coordination, and the relationship between drums and the rest of a band.
Hardly Dangerous and the Sunset Strip Rock Scene
Athena’s early professional breakthrough came with Hardly Dangerous, an all-female rock band connected to the thriving Los Angeles club circuit. She joined after learning that musicians she knew needed a drummer. Rehearsing with the group helped transform her individual practice into practical experience playing alongside guitarists, bassists, and singers.
Her first live show took place at Gazzarri’s, a famous Sunset Strip venue. Among those attending were Jon Bon Jovi, Sebastian Bach, and members of Heart, along with her family. Athena remembered feeling particularly nervous about her parents seeing her perform, but the experience strengthened her confidence.
Exploring Punk Rock With Butt Trumpet and Fair Game
As her experience expanded, Athena became associated with Butt Trumpet, a Los Angeles punk rock group known for its deliberately provocative style. The band operated in a different musical world from mainstream glam metal, emphasizing raw energy, aggressive rhythms, and an underground attitude. Athena’s involvement formed part of her broader exploration of rock.
She also played with Ron Keel’s Fair Game, a project associated with the American hard rock singer. Moving between these musical environments exposed her to different performers and playing styles, helping her develop versatility beyond the sound of Hardly Dangerous.
KrunK and Kottak: Her Most Important Recording Project
In the late 1990s, Athena and James Kottak formed KrunK, a rock project that eventually became known as Kottak. Their arrangement was unusual because James, famous as the drummer for Scorpions, handled lead vocals and guitar while Athena occupied the drum stool. It gave both musicians an opportunity to work outside their established roles.
The band combined melodic rock with punk influences and performed internationally. Athena contributed to songwriting as well as drumming, giving her a more substantial creative role. During this period, the group recorded material that reflected its energetic performances and interest in straightforward rock arrangements.
Athena Lee’s Recorded Music and Discography
Athena’s best-documented recording work is connected to KrunK/Kottak, particularly its early releases. The band’s debut, Greatist Hits, appeared around 2000 through its independent label, while Therupy followed in 2006 through Escapi Music. These projects demonstrate her contributions as a performing drummer and creative collaborator.
On Therupy, Athena recorded drum parts using scratch or guide tracks to preserve the feeling of playing with other musicians. Two tracks featured James Kottak on drums instead. She also co-wrote much of the material, including songs developed during a writing session in the mountains. Another favorite from the group’s early repertoire was “Ten Shots”, which she particularly enjoyed performing live.
| Year | Album or Recording | Musical Project |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Greatist Hits | KrunK |
| 2006 | Therupy | Kottak |
| 2006 | “Pink/Soft” | Kottak (from Therupy) |
| 2006 | “Money Changes Everything” | Kottak (from Therupy) |
Drumming Influences, Technique, and Musical Approach
Athena has named Dennis Chambers, Terry Bozzio, and Vinnie Appice among the drummers she admires. She was particularly impressed by Bozzio’s work with Missing Persons because his movement behind the kit reminded her of dancing. Chambers became another important influence through his command of rhythm and expressive playing.
Her approach emphasizes groove, coordination, and rhythmic feel rather than unnecessary complexity. Even after years of performing, she pursued technical lessons to strengthen her left hand and improve exercises such as paradiddles. That willingness to revisit basic skills reflects her commitment to improving as a musician.
Drum Kits, Equipment, and Career Recognition
Athena’s equipment history includes DDrum, followed by an endorsement relationship with Rockett Drum Works, the custom drum company associated with Poison drummer Rikki Rockett. She also announced an endorsement with Regal Tip drumsticks in 2011. Her interest in custom equipment reflected her close relationships within the drumming community.
Her career recognition includes winning Best Female Drummer at the 1997 Rock City News Awards, while KrunK received recognition as a punk band. She also became the first woman nominated for Best Drummer in the combined category at the seventh annual Los Angeles Music Awards.
Joining Femme Fatale and Returning to the Rock Stage
Athena later performed with Femme Fatale, the hard rock band led by singer Lorraine Lewis. The group returned with an all-female lineup that included experienced musicians such as Courtney Cox, Janis Tanaka, Katt Scarlett, and Nita Strauss during its revival period. The project connected performers from different generations of rock music.
In October 2016, Athena played drums with Femme Fatale during the Monsters of Rock Cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl. The band performed familiar songs including “Falling in and Out of Love” and “Waiting for the Big One,” alongside material from its newer recordings.
Athena Lee’s Education and Career as a Surgical Nurse
Outside entertainment, Athena pursued professional nursing training and worked as a surgical nurse. This career required concentration, technical knowledge, and responsibility in a demanding healthcare environment. It also provided an entirely different professional experience from touring, recording, and performing before audiences.
Athena has spoken positively about her nursing work, explaining that she enjoyed the profession. However, long working hours became difficult to balance with raising young children. Her experience demonstrates how her working life extended beyond the music industry.
Marriage to James Kottak and Their Relationship
Athena married James Kottak on September 30, 1996. Their marriage connected two experienced musicians, but their shared work in KrunK eventually created additional pressures. Athena later discussed disagreements over the band’s direction, including its decision to change its name to Kottak.
The couple separated in 2010, after approximately 14 years of marriage. Their divorce and family responsibilities became important subjects during Athena’s television career. James, who had performed with Scorpions and Kingdom Come, died on January 9, 2024, aged 61.
Athena Lee’s Children and Their Musical Connections
Athena is the mother of three children: Tobi, Miles, and Matthew. She has spoken warmly about their personalities, accomplishments, and interests. Although her professional commitments sometimes involved touring and recording, she regularly emphasized the importance of family and her responsibilities as a mother.
Her son Miles Kottak, born in 1993, continued the family’s musical tradition as a drummer with Bad Suns. Unlike the heavier rock styles associated with Athena and Tommy, Bad Suns developed an alternative rock sound. Miles also studied drumming through school jazz, concert, and marching bands.
Athena Lee’s Battle With Breast Cancer
Athena’s personal life has included a serious battle with breast cancer. She received treatment and has been described as being in remission since 1999. The experience affected her outlook on family, particularly her desire to remain involved in her children’s lives while confronting a frightening medical challenge.
Her cancer experience also encouraged her to document personal memories. Athena began developing an autobiographical project initially discussed under the title Coming in Second, later referring to Girls Don’t Play Drums. The project was intended to preserve stories about her childhood, career, and family experiences.
Ex-Wives of Rock and Her Television Career
Athena became a familiar television personality through Ex-Wives of Rock, which premiered in 2012. The reality series followed her alongside Sharise Neil, Bobbie Brown, and Susan “Blue” Dixon. Each woman had been married to a musician associated with the hard rock scene, but the program focused largely on their own relationships and personal lives.
The series aired on Slice in Canada and Fuse in the United States, with Shannon Tweed serving as narrator. Across three seasons, viewers followed Athena’s family responsibilities, divorce-related challenges, friendships, health concerns, and efforts to reconnect with performing.
Creative Interests and Life Beyond Music
Athena’s interests extend into fashion, beauty, cooking, and other creative activities. During the early Los Angeles rock era, she helped musicians with their appearance and recalled working on makeup for Poison, including the period surrounding the band’s debut album, Look What the Cat Dragged In.
She also explored entrepreneurship through a scented-candle venture called Aphrodite by Athena. Away from performing, cooking has remained one of her favorite interests. These activities reveal a creative side of Athena that goes beyond her stage performances and recording projects.
Live Performance Videos and Social Media Presence
Athena’s musical performances have continued to attract attention through online videos, interviews, and archived concert footage. Fans can revisit recordings connected to Hardly Dangerous, KrunK, Kottak, and Femme Fatale. These clips offer a closer look at her playing across different styles of rock music.
She has also shared musical experiences through social media, including posts connected to a Hardly Dangerous reunion and an unexpected onstage appearance with Steel Panther. Her earlier Facebook activity and performance videos helped audiences discover aspects of her career that television only briefly explored.
Five Interesting Facts About Athena Lee
- She used to chew gum while drumming: Athena explained that chewing gum helped her relax and feel comfortable while playing, something her brother Tommy found amusing.
- She worked on Poison’s early stage makeup: Athena recalled helping the band develop its glamorous appearance during the era of Look What the Cat Dragged In.
- She created a candle business: Her entrepreneurial interests included a scented-candle collection called Aphrodite by Athena.
- She appeared in a country-rock music video: Athena and Bobbie Brown participated in Scott Carey’s “Cougar” music video project in 2012.
- Her son helped create her TV show’s theme song: Miles Kottak composed the music, while Athena and Lorraine Lewis wrote the lyrics. The recording took place at Tommy Lee’s Atrium studio.
Conclusion: Athena Lee’s Place in Rock Music
Athena Lee earned her place behind the drums on the Sunset Strip, where women playing hard rock and punk faced a demanding and competitive music scene. Her performances with Hardly Dangerous, KrunK, Kottak, and Femme Fatale reveal a musician comfortable exploring different sounds without abandoning her love of powerful rhythms.
Being Tommy Lee’s younger sister may be what first draws people to her story, but it is hardly the whole picture. Athena has spent decades balancing music, television, motherhood, and personal challenges. Her recordings, stage performances, and influence on another generation of musicians are what make her career worth remembering.
FAQs
Who is Athena Lee?
Athena Lee is an American rock drummer and television personality known for her music career and being Tommy Lee’s younger sister.
When was Athena Lee born?
Athena Lee was born on December 8, 1964, in Los Angeles County, California. She spent much of her childhood growing up in Covina.
Did Athena Lee play drums for Mötley Crüe?
Athena Lee was not a member of Mötley Crüe. Her brother Tommy Lee became the band’s drummer, while she pursued her own musical career.
Who was Athena Lee married to?
Athena married James Kottak, the former Scorpions drummer, in 1996. They separated in 2010 after approximately 14 years of marriage.
Does Athena Lee have children?
Athena Lee has three children: Tobi, Miles, and Matthew. Her son Miles followed the family’s musical tradition as a drummer with Bad Suns.
