Scorpions Bassist Francis Buchholz Lifeless at 71

Beloved Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz, who additionally performed for Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock band, has died.

The German rock star handed away Thursday following a non-public battle with most cancers, his household introduced on social media Friday. They famous he “departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love” and thanked followers for his or her unwavering help through the years.

Francis was a lifelong musician, who began enjoying bass in a highschool band. He acquired along with Uli Jon Roth, Jürgen Rosenthal and Achim Kirschning within the early ’70s to type a band known as Daybreak Highway … they usually ultimately joined Scorpions, alongside Klaus Meine and Rudolf Schenker.

Francis’ first launch with Scorpions was 1974’s “Fly to the Rainbow” … and he was concerned in each certainly one of their initiatives by 1990’s “Crazy World.” They’re greatest identified for his or her 1984 rock anthem “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and the 1990 ballad “Wind of Change.”

Francis stepped away from the band in 1992 however teamed up with Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock to play bass of their 2012 tour. He contributed to Temple of Rock’s 2013 album “Bridge the Gap” and 2015’s “Spirit on a Mission.”

He was 71.