Francis Buchholz

Francis Buchholz (born 19 February 1954 in Hanover, West Germany) is a German bass guitarist best known as a former member of the rock/hard rock band Scorpions from 1973 to 1992.

Francis Buchholz
Francis Buchholz with Michael Schenker"s Temple Of Rock at Kavarna Rock Fest 2012.
Background information
Born (1954-02-19) 19 February 1954
Hanover, West Germany (now Germany)
GenresHard rock, Heavy metal
Occupation(s)Musician
InstrumentsBass
Years active1969–present
Associated actsScorpions, Dawn Road, Dreamtide, Uli Jon Roth Sky Band, Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock, Phantom V

Biography

Buchholz discovered rock music at the age of 11. His first public appearance as a bass player was at age 15 while in a high school. From then on he played in different rock, blues and jazz bands in his hometown of Hannover. While a mechanical engineering student at the University of Hannover and taking classes at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover, Buchholz joined Dawn Road, whose lineup included guitarist Uli Roth. Eventually the musicians from Dawn Road and the Scorpions merged into a new incarnation of the Scorpions in 1973, with Buchholz on bass. Buchholz' first recording with the Scorpions was 1974's Fly to the Rainbow, and he stayed as a band member for 18 years, recording 12 albums during the band's most commercially successful period. Together they sold over 15 million records in the USA alone and over 100 million records worldwide. For his success with the Scorpions, Buchholz was awarded with over 50 gold and platinum awards for record sales all over the world. He left the band after a disagreement over band management in 1992.[1] His last album with the Scorpions was Crazy World, which also contained the only Scorpions track Buchholz contributed to writing, "Kicks After Six".

Buchholz reunited with Uli Roth for a tour of Europe and the United States in 2005 and 2006. In 2008 Buchholz worked with the band Dreamtide as their bassplayer and co-producer, the album "Dream And Deliver" was released in Japan (King Records), Europe (AOR Heaven) and worldwide on iTunes.[2]

In 2012, Buchholz toured with former Scorpions lead guitarist Michael Schenker for the European dates of his "Temple of Rock - Lovedrive Reunion Tour" alongside former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, with ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White and MSG's Wayne Findley on guitars and keys. The "Temple of Rock – Lovedrive Reunion" tour went through Europe and Far East. A DVD, Blu-ray and Double-CD "Temple Of Rock - Live in Europe" was released for Christmas 2012.

Temple Of Rock's next album "Bridge The Gap" featured Buchholz on Bass, it was released in November 2013. A European tour in 2013 was followed by concerts in Mexico and South America and in 2014 they toured Japan and Europe. Their new album "Spirit On A Mission was released in 2015 and the band toured USA, Japan and Europe. Early in 2016 they play more shows in UK and Scandinavia.

Equipment
  • Instruments:
  • Equipment:
    • Ampeg SVT Amplifiers and 8x10 Cabinets
    • Custom Built 4x12 Gauss Cabinets
    • Custom Built 2x15 Electro Voice Cabinets
    • Custom Built JBL High Range Horn Cabinets
    • RotoSound strings
    • Jim Dunlop Nylon Picks
    • Shure Microphones
    • ProTools Recording System
    • Line6 Wireless system

Personal life

In 1978, Buchholz founded a PA and stage lighting rental company, Rocksound, in Germany.[1] The company began as a way to distribute special exponential loudspeaker cabinets Buchholz had developed, but also to provide employment for the Scorpions' roadies when not on tour.[1][3] The company thrived in the 1980s and 1990s.

Buchholz lives in Hannover, Germany, with his wife Hella, they have a son and twin daughters.[3]

In 1996, Buchholz authored the book Bass Magic, he also worked as a record producer and consultant.[3]

References
  1. "Francis Buchholz Interview". Get Ready To Roll. 5 September 2008.
  2. "Band". Dreamtide Official. Archived from the original on 12 May 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2009.
  3. Gegers (February 2006). "Interview: Francis Buchholz". hardrock80.com.
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