Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz has died at the age of 71 after a private battle with cancer, his family said. Also known for his work with Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, the German passed away on Thursday, with his wife Hella announcing his death on Friday on social media. His first release with Scorpion, “Fly to the Rainbow,” came in 1974, and he worked on all of their output until he stepped away from the band in 1992, TMZ reports. “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,” the statement said. “He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love.” It added, “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.” They thanked fans for their “unwavering loyalty and love” throughout his journey. “You gave him the world, and he gave you his music in return,” they continued. “Though the strings have gone silent, his soul remains in every note he played and in every life he touched.”
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