Francis Buchholz, the influential bassist best known for his work with the legendary German rock band Scorpions, has died at the age of 71 after a private battle with cancer, his family announced on January 23, 2026. He passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy that helped define one of hard rock’s most successful eras.
In a heartfelt social-media announcement, Buchholz’s family shared that they remained by his side throughout his illness and expressed profound gratitude to fans around the world for their support over his long and storied career. “You gave him the world, and he gave you his music in return,” the statement read, underscoring his deep connection with listeners and the impact his music had on generations of rock fans.
Born on February 19, 1954, in Hanover, West Germany, Buchholz began his musical journey at a young age, playing bass as a teenager before joining hard rock band Dawn Road. In 1973, he and guitarist Uli Jon Roth became part of the Scorpions, contributing to the band’s evolution from regional act to international rock powerhouse.
Over nearly two decades with the band, Buchholz’s bass work provided the rhythmic foundation for some of the Scorpions’ most enduring and iconic albums, including Fly to the Rainbow (1974), Lovedrive (1979), Blackout (1982), and Love at First Sting (1984), among others. His tenure spanned 12 studio records and numerous hit singles that became staples of classic rock radio around the world.
Buchholz’s steady, dynamic playing was a key element in an era that produced timeless songs such as “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” “Still Loving You,” and “Wind of Change”, tracks that helped propel the Scorpions to global fame.
After leaving the Scorpions in 1992 amid internal changes and a shift in management, Buchholz continued his musical career, collaborating with former bandmate Uli Jon Roth and later joining Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock. He contributed to several albums and tours, bringing his seasoned musicianship to different projects even after departing the band that made him famous.
Beyond his recording and touring legacy, Buchholz also made contributions to the music industry through production work and his authoring of the book Bass Magic, reflecting his technical insight and lifelong devotion to the instrument.
The Scorpions themselves paid tribute to their former bandmate on social media, describing him as a “long-time friend” whose legacy with the band would “live on forever.” Members of the group — including Klaus Meine, Rudolf Schenker and Matthias Jabs — extended condolences to Buchholz’s family and friends, highlighting the deep bonds formed during their years together on the road and in the studio.
Fans and fellow musicians took to social platforms to remember Buchholz’s contributions and the role his bass lines played in their own rock journeys, with many recalling concerts and albums that shaped their own musical tastes.
Francis Buchholz is survived by his wife, Hella, and their three children. His passing marks a significant loss in the rock community, but his influence — heard in the grooves of classic records and felt by audiences worldwide — will endure.
