Former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz dies at 71

Former Francis Buchholz, longtime bassist for the German hard rock band Scorpions, has died at the age of 71.

His family confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Friday, Jan. 23, stating that Buchholz passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, following a private battle with cancer.

“It is with overwhelming sadness and heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved Francis passed away yesterday after a private battle with cancer,” the statement read. “He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love.”

The family said they remained by his side throughout his illness and thanked fans around the world for their support. “You gave him the world, and he gave you his music in return,” the statement continued, signed by Hella, Sebastian, Louisa, and Marietta.

Buchholz was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1954 and discovered rock music at the age of 11. By 15, he was already playing bass in a high school band. In 1972, he joined the band Dawn Road alongside Uli Jon Roth, Jürgen Rosenthal, and Achim Kirschning. The group merged with Scorpions in 1973, joining Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker.

Buchholz went on to perform on every Scorpions album released between 1974’s Fly to the Rainbow and 1990’s Crazy World. His bass work featured on some of the band’s most famous songs, including “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Still Loving You,” and “Wind of Change.”

He remained with Scorpions until 1992, before leaving the band. In the mid-2000s, he reunited with Roth for a tour across Europe and the United States. He later worked with the band Dreamtide as bassist and co-producer on their 2008 album Dream and Deliver.

Buchholz also collaborated with former Scorpions guitarist Michael Schenker, joining the Michael Schenker Group and Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock. He appeared on two Temple of Rock albums: 2013’s Bridge the Gap and 2015’s Spirit on a Mission.

Though his career spanned decades and continents, Buchholz is best remembered as a key part of Scorpions’ classic lineup, helping shape the sound of one of rock music’s most successful bands.