Francis Buchholz, the former bassist of the legendary rock band Scorpions, passed away on January 22, 2026, at the age of 71. Buchholz, hailed for his contributions to the band’s iconic sound, joined Scorpions in 1973, coinciding with the arrival of lead guitarist Uli Jon Roth. Their collaboration began with the album “Fly To The Rainbow,” released in 1974, marking the start of a remarkable journey.
Buchholz remained with Scorpions until 1992, making significant contributions to many of the band’s classic albums, including “In Trance” (1975), “Lovedrive” (1979), “Animal Magnetism” (1980), “Blackout” (1982), and “Love At First Sting” (1984). Although Roth departed in 1978 after the live album “Tokyo Tapes,” Buchholz’s impactful presence continued to shape the band’s musical legacy.
One of his notable songwriting contributions came from the track “Kicks After Six,” featured on his final album with the Scorpions, “Crazy World,” released in 1990. This album is particularly celebrated for the power ballad “Wind Of Change,” which became synonymous with the band’s identity and success.
Later in his career, Buchholz reconnected with former bandmates Roth and Michael Schenker, contributing to Schenker’s project Temple of Rock, including the albums “Bridge The Gap” (2013) and “Spirit On A Mission” (2015).
In a reflective interview with Riff Raff magazine in 1991, Buchholz shared his fondness for the music he had created with the band, citing “Crazy World” as a personal favorite for its emotional depth. He expressed nostalgia for past albums, particularly “Lovedrive” and “Love at First Sting,” revealing how he enjoyed reminiscing over old records during quiet moments at home.
Following his passing, Buchholz’s family expressed gratitude to his fans globally, stating, “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.” This heartfelt message underlines not only Buchholz’s musical legacy but also the lasting bond he shared with his audience. His influence in the rock genre will undoubtedly continue to resonate through generations of music enthusiasts.