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Francis Buchholz, former bassist of the Scorpions, died on Thursday (January 22, 2026) at the age of 75. His family announced this. Accordingly, Buchholz succumbed to a serious illness and died peacefully in the presence of his relatives.
The defining Scorpions era
Francis Buchholz was a member of the Scorpions from 1973 to 1992 and was therefore part of the line-up that existed in the Hanover band’s most successful era. The classics “Rock You Like a Hurricane”, “Still Loving You” and “Wind of Change” fell during this time.
decision for the family
In 1992, shortly after the worldwide breakthrough of the album “Crazy World”, Buchholz decided to withdraw from active touring life. After the birth of his twin daughters, he prioritized family life over career.
“We are deeply saddened,” the family said in a joint statement. “During his fight against the disease, we were always at his side and faced every challenge together. Francis was a family man. Words cannot describe our grief.”
Return as a musician
After leaving the Scorpions, Buchholz initially worked as a consultant in the music industry. He later returned to the big stages: a new chapter in his career began with Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock. Together with former companions such as Michael Schenker and Herman Rarebell, he released four more albums
Farewell and request for privacy
Francis Buchholz leaves behind his wife Hella and their children: son Sebastian and twin daughters Louisa and Marietta. The family asks for respect and privacy.
The last time the Scorpions had to report a deceased (ex) member was in 2024. James Kottak, the former drummer of the Scorpions, died on January 9, 2024 at the age of 61 in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, according to a report by “TMZ”.
Kottak joined the Scorpions in 1996. He was heard for the first time on the 1999 album “Eye II Eye”, and several other releases followed. In 2016 the band announced Kottak’s departure. The reason for this was apparently Kottak’s alcohol consumption. He had already been replaced by Motörhead drummer Mikkey Dee, who then became the official drummer of the Hanover rock veterans and remains so to this day.