Former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz has died at 71.
His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, sharing that Buchholz passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, after 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. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love.”
“Our hearts are shattered. Throughout his fight with cancer, we stayed by his side, facing every challenge as a family – exactly the way he taught us.”
“To his fans around the world – we want to thank you for your unwavering loyalty, your love, and the belief you placed in him throughout his incredible journey….”
Francis Buchholz was a German musician best known as the longtime bassist for the legendary hard rock band Scorpions. Born on February 19, 1953, Buchholz joined Scorpions in 1977, just as the band was rising to international fame, and became a key part of their classic lineup.
During his tenure, which lasted until 1992, Buchholz played on many of Scorpions’ most successful and influential albums, including Lovedrive, Blackout, Love at First Sting, Savage Amusement, and Crazy World. These records produced some of the band’s most iconic songs, such as “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Still Loving You,” and “Wind of Change.” His steady, melodic bass lines helped shape the band’s polished yet powerful sound that dominated rock radio in the 1980s.
Buchholz abruptly exited Scorpions in 1992. He later explained that ongoing internal tensions, legal disputes, and his wish to spend more time with his family ultimately led to his decision to leave the band.
“I was fed up with the music,” he said per Bravewords in 2023. “I was fed up with being in the group with all this internal fighting and turmoil that was going on after spending so many years together.”
“So, at that time, I became a father of twin girls, and I already had a year and a half old child,” Buchholz added. “So, I decided that was what I was going to focus on. I removed myself from the world of rock and into the world of family life.”
After leaving Scorpions, Buchholz continued working in music behind the scenes, focusing on songwriting and production, He later collaborated with fellow former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell in the band Buchholz & Rarebell, revisiting classic hard rock influences while exploring new material.