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Francis Buchholz, the classic Scorpions bassist who played on their biggest songs and albums, died at age 71 on Thursday, January 22nd, after a private battle with cancer.
His passing was announced by his family on his official Facebook page, with a statement reading:
“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. You gave him the world, and he gave you his music in return. Though the strings have gone silent, his soul remains in every note he played and in every life he touched.”
Scorpions added their own statement via the band’s Facebook page, writing, “Dear Fans, we have just received the very sad news that our longtime friend and bass player, Francis Buchholz, has passed away. His legacy with the band will live on forever, and we will always remember the many good times we have shared together. Our hearts go out to Hella, his family, and friends. R.I.P. Francis.”
Buchholz was born February 9th, 1954, in Hanover, Germany. In 1972, he joined the band Dawn Road with singer-guitarist Uli Jon Roth. That band eventually welcomed Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker from an early version of Scorpions, and then eventually became the new incarnation of Scorpions.
The bassist was a member of Scorpions from 1973 through 1992, playing on all their best-known songs, including “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” Wind of Change,” and “No One Like You,” among others, as well as multi-platinum albums like Love at First Sting and Crazy World.
Buchholz left Scorpions in 1992 over a disagreement with management, but went on to play with Michael Schenker Group and Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock.
Our condolences go out to Francis Buchholz’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit a couple of his biggest hits with Scorpions below.
English (US) · 