Francis Buchholz Dies: Scorpions Bassist Was 71

Francis Buchholz, a bassist for the Scorpions and Michael Schenker, is dead at 71.

On Friday, January 23, the German rock star’s wife, Hella, announced his January 22 death via Facebook.

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

Hella continued, “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 conclude the update, she wrote, “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.”

In the early ’70s, Buchholz was a member of the band Dawn Road with Uli Jon Roth, Jürgen Rosenthal, and Achim Kirschning. They ultimately joined Scorpions alongside Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker.

Buchholz played bass on every Scorpions album, from 1974’s Fly to the Rainbow to 1990’s Crazy World. His riffs are well-known in hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane, “Wind of Change,” “Still Loving You,” and more.

In the comments of the death announcement, fans flooded Buchholz’s widow and family with condolences as they reflected on the bassist’s life and legacy. One Facebook user wrote, “Thank you for the endless energy fabulous back beat. Rock in Peace.”

Another fan shared, in part, “Thank you, Francis, for giving me the best musical upbringing I ever could have asked for.”

Someone else commented, “Deepest condolences to all his family and friends and fans!”

A different follower wrote, “So many memories with the scorpions over the years. Seen him so many times.  Rock in peace. .”

Meanwhile, yet another Facebook user shared, “RIP, Francis! You will be missed and always remembered. You contributed so much to my life, and I thank you for that. You live on every time I rock out to your music. .”