Francis Buchholz, the original bassist for the Scorpions, passed away peacefully on January 22 at the age of 75 after a private battle with cancer, confirmed by his family. Buchholz was an integral part of the band’s rise to international fame, contributing to its signature hard rock sound throughout the 1970s and 80s.
Opeth's frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt shared a heartfelt message on social media, praising Buchholz's discreet yet impactful presence within the classic Scorpions lineup. Åkerfeldt recalled discovering the band through their 1980s material and described Buchholz as an idol, noting how the bassist's foundation work with the drummer was essential yet often in the background.
Buchholz's career highlights include performances on iconic tracks such as "Rock You Like a Hurricane," "Still Loving You," and "Wind of Change," which became anthems of a generation. After leaving Scorpions in 1992 to focus on family life, Buchholz later returned to music, collaborating with Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock and touring globally.
He is survived by his wife Hella, son Sebastian, and twin daughters Louisa and Marietta. His family has expressed their deep sorrow and asked for privacy as they cope with their loss.