His wife penned a heartbreaking statement on social media.

Francis Buchholz dead: Scorpions and Michael Schenker bassist dies (Image: Getty)

Beloved bassist Francis Buchholz, best known for his work with Scorpions and Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock, has died aged 71. The German rock star sadly died following a private battle with cancer. The musician’s wife Hella announced the tragic news on social media as tributes poured in for the rock icon.

Taking to social media on Friday, the statement read: “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.”

They continued: “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.”

His family thanked his fans around the world 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.”

Tributes have poured in for the beloved music star as fellow Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth said: “Very saddening! We were friends. My heartfelt condolences to Hella and family!”

Buchholz was born in Hanover in 1954. He initially began his music career playing for Dawn Road, before he and guitarist Ulrich Roth departed the band to join Scorpions.

Francis Buchholz dead: The rocker died after a battle with cancer (Image: Getty)

He remained part of the lineup for close to 20 years before he departed in 1992.

During his time with the band, they released ten albums and sold millions of records across the globe. His final contribution to Scorpions was on the 1990 album, Crazy World.

He continued to tour regularly following his departure from the band.

In the 2000s, he teamed up with his Scorpions bandmate Roth and later joined the band’s Michael Schenker for his Temple of Rock project, which they took across the world.

Francis Buchholz dead: He remained a member of The Scorpions for almost 20 years (Image: Getty)

Reflecting on his most cherished Scorpions memories during an interview with Brave Words in 2007, Buchholz shared, “We had so many great moments that I can not say that this was the greatest or that was the greatest.

Of course the Peace Music Festival in Moscow was a great day, a great moment, but so were all the other shows, we did so many great shows, thousands of shows.”