Scorpions Bassist Francis Buchholz Passes Away at 71
Francis Buchholz, the esteemed bassist of the iconic rock band Scorpions, has passed away at the age of 71. His family confirmed that he died following a private struggle with cancer. The announcement was made via social media on January 23, 2026, where they expressed gratitude for the affection shown by fans throughout his career.
Legacy of Francis Buchholz
Buchholz began his music journey in a high school band. In the early 1970s, he collaborated with Uli Jon Roth, Jürgen Rosenthal, and Achim Kirschning to form the band Dawn Road. This ensemble later became part of Scorpions, along with members Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker.
Notable Contributions to Scorpions
- Debut Album: Buchholz’s first album with Scorpions was “Fly to the Rainbow,” released in 1974.
- Key Albums: He contributed to significant projects until 1990’s “Crazy World.”
- Famous Tracks: The band is renowned for hits like “Rock You Like a Hurricane” (1984) and “Wind of Change” (1990).
After leaving Scorpions in 1992, Buchholz continued to make music. He joined Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, participating in their tours and albums, including “Bridge the Gap” in 2013 and “Spirit on a Mission” in 2015.
The Final Years
Throughout his life, Francis Buchholz remained a passionate musician. His influence in the rock world is celebrated, and he is remembered fondly by fans and peers alike.
Francis Buchholz will be deeply missed. His contributions to music and the lasting impact of his work with Scorpions and Temple of Rock will not be forgotten.
