Francis Buchholz
| Francis Buchholz | |
|---|---|
 Francis Buchholz with Michael Schenker Group (MSG) at Kavarna Rock Fest 2012. | |
| Background information | |
| Born |
19 February 1954 Hannover, Germany |
| Genres | Hard rock, Heavy metal |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Bass guitar |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Associated acts | Scorpions, Dawn Road, Dreamtide, Uli Jon Roth Sky Band, MSG |
Francis Buchholz (born 19 February 1954 in Hannover, Germany) is a German bassist best known as a member of the rock/hard rock band Scorpions.
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 band was 1974's Fly to the Rainbow, and he stayed with the band for 18 years, recording 12 albums during the band's most commercially successful period. Together they sold over 15 million albums in the USA alone and over 65 million albums worldwide. For his success with the Scorpions, Buchholz was awarded with over 100 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 band was Crazy World.
Buchholz reunited with Uli Roth for a tour of Europe and the United States in 2005 and 2006. In 2008 Francis 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 world wide on iTunes.[2]
In 2012, Francis Buchholz toured with former Scorpions lead guitarist Michael Schenker for the European dates of his Temple of Rock Tour alongside former Scorpions drummer Herman Rarebell, with Ex-Rainbow vocalist Doogie White and MSG's Wayne Findley on guitars and keys. Their "Temple Of Rock - Lovedrive Reunion" tour went through Europe and far East. A DVD, Blu-ray and Double-CD "Live In Europe" was released for Christmas 2012. Their new album "Bridge The Gap" is already half finished, it will be released in November 2013. The European tour will start in April 2013 followed by concerts in Mexico and South America. The group is currently on tour in 2015.
Personal
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 '90's.
Buchholz lives in Hannover, Germany, with his wife Hella, 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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Francis Buchholz Interview". Get Ready To Roll. 2008-09-05.
- ↑ "Band". Dreamtide Official. Retrieved 2009-05-22.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Gegers (February 2006). "Interview: Francis Buchholz". hardrock80.com.
External links
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