We are saddened to report that former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz has died at the age of 71 following a private battle with cancer. His family confirmed the news earlier today, Friday (23rd), with the following statement:
“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.
With love and gratitude,
Hella, Sebastian, Louisa and Marietta”
Buchholz joined the Scorpions in the early 1970s after forming the band Dawn Road with Uli Jon Roth and others, and eventually merged with Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker. His first release with the band was 1974’s Fly to the Rainbow, and he remained a key member through 1990’s Crazy World, contributing to some of the band’s most recognized material, including “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Wind of Change.” After leaving Scorpions in 1992, Buchholz later returned to the road as part of Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, touring in 2012 and appearing on albums Bridge the Gap (2013) and Spirit on a Mission (2015).
Our thoughts are with Buchholz’s family and friends during this difficult time.
Scorpions shared the following:
“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.
Klaus, Rudolf, Matthias”
Opeth left the following tribute:
“”Francis Buchholz has passed away and it is very saddening news indeed. He was the bass player with the ”most” (I suppose) classic line-up of the Scorpions, consisting of Klaus, Rudolf, Jabs, Rarebell and Francis. In the 80’s they were probably my favorite band in the world. I love all eras of the Scorps but got into them through the ”Blackout” album in the early 80’s, so Francis became an idol of mine, just like the other guys in the band. I didn’t know him, and I never met him. Many bass players I’ve met are the most modest person in the band, including my own band. They lay down the foundations together with the drummer and stay in the background. In many ways I believe that’s how they want it. Francis seemed to be just like that. He didn’t take up as much space as the rest of the boys from Hanover, but had an unquestionable presence up there. I was transfixed with their performance at the now classic ”Dortmund 83” festival that was aired on national television here in Sweden that year. I couldn’t believe I could actually see those guys ”moving”. Feels like these are ancient memories from a different planet now.
Anyways, I digress….
I want to extend our warmest condolences to the Buchholz family and friends, and of course to the fans of Francis. We’re having a record evening (shocker!) at home this evening, and chances are (about 100%) that there’ll be some Scorpions records on the turntable. Francis Buchholz, rest in peace! Love from Opeth””
