Image: Francis Buchholz [Facebook, Francis Buchholz]
According to a public statement from his family, former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz passed away yesterday, January 22, 2026, at age 71, following a battle with cancer. In their Facebook post, his loved ones wrote:
“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.
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.
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. Though the strings have gone silent, his soul remains in every note he played and in every life he touched.
With love and gratitude,
Hella, Sebastian, Louisa and Marietta”
From 1973 to 1992, Francis Buchholz was a member of the legendary Hanover-based rock band Scorpions from Germany. During that time, the band released albums such as Love At First Sting (1984) and Crazy World (1990), which feature many of their most iconic songs, including “Still Loving You,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane,” and “Wind of Change.” As his family so fittingly put it: songs like these will live on forever.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
