A member of the renowned group Scorpions, a rock legend, has passed away at 71 after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family.
Francis Buchholz, a talented musician from Germany and former bassist of the famous hard rock band Scorpions, peacefully left this world on January 22, surrounded by his close family members. Having been a significant part of the band during its most prosperous period, he parted ways with the group in 1992 due to a disagreement.
The news of his passing was shared by his family on social media. They expressed their deep sorrow in a heartfelt message, stating: “With immense sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Francis, who succumbed to cancer in a private battle. He departed peacefully, embraced by love.”
“Our hearts are broken. Throughout his fight against cancer, we stood by him, confronting every obstacle as a united family – just as he had taught us. To his dedicated fans worldwide – we extend our gratitude for your unwavering support, affection, and faith in him during his remarkable journey.
“You gave him the world, and he reciprocated with his music. Even though the melodies have faded, his spirit lives on in every tune he played and every life he touched. With love and appreciation, Hella, Sebastian, Louisa, and Marietta.”
Scorpions also paid tribute to Buchholz, remarking, “We have received the saddening news of the passing of our longtime friend and bassist, Francis Buchholz. His impact with the band will endure, and the fond memories we shared will always remain.”
Hailing from Hanover, West Germany, Buchholz initially performed with the rock group Dawn Road before joining Scorpions on the album Fly to the Rainbow in 1974. He contributed to the band’s pivotal albums, including Lovedrive, Blackout, Love at First Sting, and the live records Tokyo Tapes and World Wide Live.
During an interview with Brave Words, he reflected on Scorpions’ impact at the conclusion of the Cold War, stating: “While I was growing up, Europe was still divided by the Iron Curtain. Living in Germany back then, there was always this looming threat of a potential war between Russia and America.
“I always harbored fears of a Russian invasion of Eastern Germany. … However, performing in Moscow at the Peace Festival in the ’90s and being invited to the Kremlin by Mr. [Mikahil] Gorbachev, the President of Russia at the time, was a significant moment for us – realizing that we had achieved this through our passion for music.”
The Scorpions, a prominent German band founded by guitarist Rudolf Schenker in 1965, are renowned for hits like Rock You Like a Hurricane and Still Loving You.
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