Former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz dies at the age of 71

The former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz passed away at the age of 71, the news was shared by his family. The late musician first joined the German group in 1973 until 1992 when he left them after a disagreement over band management. He was part of Scorpions’ most successful albums, including “Taken By Force” (1977), “Lovedrive” (1979), “Blackout” (1982), “Love at First Sting” (1984) and his final one “Crazy World” (1990).

Later in his career he recorded with Dreamtide, Phantom 5 and Michael Schenker, with whom he previously worked in Scorpions. He lived in Hannover, Germany with his wife Hella, they had a son and twin daughters. Besides being a bass player he also worked as a record producer and consultant.

The official statement Francis Buchholz’s family about his passing

“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,” his family said.

What Scorpions said about the death of Francis Buchholz

“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 and Matthias said in an official statement.

Francis Buchholz discography

Scorpions

• “Fly to the Rainbow” (1974)
• “In Trance” (1975)
• “Virgin Killer”(1976)
• “Taken by Force” (1977)
• “Tokyo Tapes” (live – 1978)
• “Lovedrive” (1979)
• “Animal Magnetism” (1980)
• “Blackout” (1982)
• “Love at First Sting” (1984)
• “World Wide Live” (live – 1985)
• “Savage Amusement” (1988)
• “Crazy World” (1990)

With Dreamtide

• “Dream and Deliver” (2008)

With Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock

• “Live in Europe” (DVD – 2012)
• “Bridge the Gap” (2013)
• “Spirit on a Mission” (2015)
• “On a Mission – Live in Madrid” (DVD – 2016)

With Phantom 5

• “Phantom 5” (2016)
• “Play II Win” (2017)