Scorpions Bassist Francis Buchholz Dies at 71
Francis Buchholz, the former bassist of the legendary rock band Scorpions, has passed away at the age of 71. His family announced the sad news on Facebook on January 23, 2023.
Tribute from Family
In their heartfelt message, the family shared their overwhelming sadness. They revealed that Buchholz lost his life after a private battle with cancer. Surrounded by loved ones, he departed peacefully.
- Born: February 19, 1954, in Hanover, West Germany
- Death: January 22, 2023
The family expressed their gratitude to his fans worldwide. They thanked them for their loyalty and support throughout his musical journey. They emphasized that although Francis has passed, his music will forever resonate in the hearts of many.
Musical Career Highlights
Buchholz began his musical journey with the hard rock band Dawn Road, where he played alongside guitarist Uli Jon Roth. Both musicians joined Scorpions after Michael Schenker left the band for UFO.
Key Albums with Scorpions
During his time with Scorpions, Buchholz contributed to several iconic albums, including:
- Fly to the Rainbow – 1974
- Love Drive – 1979
- Blackout – 1982
- Love at First Sting – 1984
- Tokyo Tapes (live) – 1978
- World Wide Live (live) – 1985
- Crazy World – 1990
His final album with the band, *Crazy World*, featured his sole co-writing credit on the track “Kicks After Six.”
Post-Scorpions Career
After leaving Scorpions in 1992, Buchholz continued to share his musical talents. He toured with Uli Jon Roth and recorded with the band Dreamtide. Later, he collaborated with another Scorpions alum, Michael Schenker, in his Temple of Rock band.
With Temple of Rock, Buchholz recorded two albums:
- Bridge the Gap – 2013
- Spirit on a Mission – 2015
Francis Buchholz’s contributions to rock music have left a lasting legacy. His artistry and passion inspired countless fans around the globe. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, and music lovers alike.
