Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz dies aged 71: Musician’s family say their ‘hearts are shattered’ after his private battle with cancer

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German musician Francis Buchholz has died at the age of 71.

The bassist gained fame playing with the rock band Scorpions and Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock.

The musician died on Thursday after a fight with cancer, his wife, Hella, shared in a sad post online.

The family announced with great sadness that Francis passed away yesterday after fighting cancer privately. They shared that they are heartbroken by the loss.

‘He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love. Our hearts are shattered.

We supported him through his cancer journey, tackling every difficulty together as a family, just as he had always shown us how to do.

His family also thanked his fans for their ‘unwavering loyalty and love’ throughout his career.  

You were incredibly generous to him, and he showed his gratitude through his music. Even though he’s no longer playing, his spirit lives on in every song and in the hearts of everyone he knew.

The Scorpions guitarist expressed his sadness upon hearing the news, saying, ‘This is very upsetting! We were close, and I send my deepest sympathies to Hella and her family.’

People expressed their sadness and offered condolences to his family. One fan shared memories of seeing him perform with the Scorpions four times in the 80s and with Michael Schenker more recently, ending with a message of rest in peace.

I was so incredibly saddened to hear about Francis’s passing. I actually had the privilege of seeing him perform with Michael and Herman right here in the UK a few years ago at The Robin in Bilston – it was a fantastic gig, and I even have a signed photo to remember it by. Rest in peace, Francis.

That’s very sad to hear. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few years back when he was performing with Michael Schenker. He was a truly talented bass player and a well-respected part of the classic Scorpions lineup. Rest in peace.

Francis played with the Scorpions from 1973 to 1992, contributing to 12 of their most popular and successful albums.

In 2012, he teamed up with Michael Schenker, his former bandmate from the Scorpions, for a tour celebrating their work on the ‘Lovedrive’ album, called the Temple of Rock – Lovedrive Reunion Tour.

Francis lived in Hanover with his wife Hella. They had a son and twin daughters. 

Along with his performing career, he also worked as a record producer and consultant. 

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2026-01-23 18:03