Scorpions Bassist Francis Buchholz Passes Away at Age 71

Francis Buchholz, the esteemed bassist from the legendary rock band Scorpions, has passed away at the age of 71. His family confirmed his death on Friday, stating he had been battling cancer privately. He left this world surrounded by his loved ones, and his family expressed gratitude for the support of fans over the years.

Early Life and Career

Buchholz began his musical journey in a high school band. In the early 1970s, he collaborated with Uli Jon Roth, Jürgen Rosenthal, and Achim Kirschning to form a band called Dawn Road. This group laid the foundation for his integral role in Scorpions alongside Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker.

Milestones with Scorpions

Francis Buchholz’s debut album with Scorpions was “Fly to the Rainbow,” released in 1974. He played a crucial role in the band until 1990, featuring in every major project during that time. This included iconic tracks like “Rock You Like a Hurricane” (1984) and the global hit “Wind of Change” (1990).

Later Years and Collaborations

After departing from Scorpions in 1992, Buchholz continued his musical pursuits. He joined Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, performing bass on their 2012 tour. His contributions included the albums “Bridge the Gap” (2013) and “Spirit on a Mission” (2015).

Legacy

Buchholz leaves behind a rich legacy in the rock music world. His work with Scorpions has influenced generations of musicians. Fans and fellow musicians remember him for his passion and talent.