Francis Buchholz, Scorpions and Michael Schenker bassist, dead at 71
Francis Buchholz, the bassist with rock titans Scorpions, has died aged 71.
The German musician passed away following a private battle with cancer on January 22nd, 2026, his family confirmed in a statement published on Facebook.
The message began, “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.”
The eulogy continued, “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.”
Buchholz’s family heartbreakingly continued, “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.”
It poignantly concluded, “Though the strings have gone silent, his soul remains in every note he played and in every life he touched.”
Buchholz, who was born in Hannover in 1954, initially began his journey in rock playing in Dawn Road, before he and guitarist Ulrich Roth departed the band to join Scorpions. The bassist remained part of the line-up for almost 20 years before departing in 1992.
During his time with the band, they released ten albums and sold millions of records across the globe. His final contribution to Scorpions was on the 1990 album, Crazy World.
Following his departure, Buchholz continued to tour regularly. In the 2000s, he teamed up with his Scorpions bandmate Roth and later joined the band’s Michael Schenker for his Temple of Rock project, which they took across the world.
Reflecting on his favourite Scorpions memories during an interview with Brave Words in 2007, Buchholz shared, “We had so many great moments that I can not say that this was the greatest or that was the greatest. Of course the Peace Music Festival in Moscow was a great day, a great moment, but so were all the other shows, we did so many great shows, thousands of shows.”
Buchholz is survived by his wife, Hella, and their three children, Sebastian, Louisa and Marietta.
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