Francis Buchholz — the former bassist for German rock band the Scorpions — has passed away at the age of 71, according to a statement issued by his family.

Buchholz was part of the band during some of its most successful years and parted ways in 1992 following a dispute.

Buchholz died after 'private battle with cancer' — family

"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," the family statement said.

"He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love," the statement said.

"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 said.

Scorpions among Germany's biggest rock exports

The Scorpions are considered one of Germany's most famous bands and are known for their songs "Rock You Like a Hurricane" and "Still Loving You," among others.

Buchholz worked on the Scorpions album "Crazy World," released in 1990, which is one of the band's most commercially successful albums, featuring the hit "Wind of Change."

The power ballad, written by singer Klaus Meine, captured the zeitgeist as the Cold War drew to a close, marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall and Germany's reunification.

Buchholz left the group following a dispute that eventually wound up in court over the management of the band.

The Scorpions were founded by guitarist Rudolf Schenker near Hanover in 1965 and are mentioned along US rock acts like Van Halen, Aerosmith and Australia's AC/DC.

Edited by: Sean Sinico