Former Scorpions bassist Francis Buchholz dies at 71

The former bassist of the legendary German rock band Scorpions has died at the age of 71, his family said on Friday.“We received a message to this effect from his daughter,” Scorpions spokesman Peter Lanz said.The internationally successful band from the northern city of Hanover parted ways with Buchholz in 1992 after a dispute.Buchholz died of cancer on Thursday, according to a social media post signed by his family, who said he “departed this world peacefully and 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,” the post said.In a post on a Scorpions’ social media account, the band said goodbye to a “long-time friend”.“His legacy with the band will live on forever, and we will always remember the many good times we have shared together,” the statement continued, sending the band’s condolences to his friends and family.