German musician Francis Buchholz has died at the age of 71.The bassist was best known for his work with rock band the Scorpions and Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock.The rocker passed away on Thursday following a battle with cancer, his wife Hella confirmed in a heartbreaking social media post.In a statement, his family wrote: ‘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. 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 also thanked his fans for their ‘unwavering loyalty and love’ throughout his career.They added: ‘You gave him the world, and he gave you his music in return. Though the strings have gone silent, his soul remains in every note he played and in every life he touched.’The Scorpions guitarist paid tribute, saying: ‘Very saddening! We were friends. My heartfelt condolences to Hella and family!’Others wrote: ‘Such sad news, condolences to his family’… ‘Very sad news, saw him with Scorpions 4 times back in the 80’s and once with Michael Schenker in more recent years…RIP Francis.’Saddened and stunned, got to see him play with Michael and Herman here in the UK just a few years back at the Robin in Bilston and have a signed photo from said gig, R.I.P Francis.’That’s sad news.. I was fortunate to meet him a few years ago myself. When he was active and playing with Michael Schenker. A great bass player and a respected member of the old Scorpions line up. RIP.’Francis was a member of Scorpions from 1973 until 1992, recording 12 albums with the band during their most commercially successful period.