Ex-Scorpions Bassist Francis Buchholz Dies at 71

Francis Buchholz, the former Scorpions bassist and onetime member of Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, has died at the age of 71.

The news was confirmed by the bassist's family on Friday (Jan. 23). They shared a statement on his official Facebook page that reads as follows:

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

A History of Francis Buchholz

Francis Buchholz was born in Hanover, West Germany on Feb. 19, 1954. After discovering music at the age of 11, he made his first public appearance as a musician at age 15 while still in high school.

While in college, he joined a band called Dawn Road with Uli John Roth and eventually members of the band teamed up with other members of the Scorpions under the Scorpions name in the earliest incarnation of the band. His first recording with the group appeared on their 1974 album, Fly to the Rainbow.

Buchholz would go on to appear on 12 albums with the Scorpions, including two live albums — 1978's Tokyo Tapes and 1985's World Wide Live. He would exit the band after appearing on the band's 1990 smash album Crazy World.

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Once asked by Bravewords about his finest moment as a member of the Scorpions, Buchholz shared, "We still had the Iron Curtain in Europe when I was a boy. Living in Germany at this time there was always this great threat of a third World War between Russia and America. I was always afraid of the Russians coming over the border in Eastern Germany, which was Russian controlled, and was only 80 miles away from our home. We were always scared that the Russians would come. Then, playing in Moscow at the Peace Festival back in the 90’s, we were invited to the Kremlin by Mr. Gorbachev, Russia’s President at that time, and that was one of those great moments — to think we had achieved something like this just from doing what we love to do.”

After his Scorpions tenure concluded, Buchholz initially spent time as a family man raising his children before re-entering the music scene. He toured with Uli John Roth in the mid-2000s, toured with Michael Schneker as part of his Temple of Rock - Lovedrive reunion tour in 2012 before recording with the band in 2013. His credits also include albums recorded with Dreamtide and Phantom 5.

In addition to his work as a musician, Buchholz also founded a PA and stage lighting rental company and began to distribute exponential loudspeaker cabinets that he had developed. He also authored the Bass Magic book and worked as a record producer and a consultant.

What Scorpions Said About Francis Buchholz' Death

In a posting to their own socials, Scorpions also addressed the death of their onetime bassist Francis Buchholz.

Shared via their Instagram, the post reads as follows:

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, Matthias

As 2026 is just starting, let's take a look at some of the incredible talent that we lost in 2025 in the gallery below.