The rock world has come out in support after L7 bassist Jennifer Finch revealed she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The 59-year-old singer shared the news this week in a joint statement with her bandmates Susie Gardner, Donita Sparks and Dee Plakas.
L7 shared a statement on Instagram revealing Jennifer Finch’s diagnosis. GoFundMe
“Our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer,” the band announced on Instagram.
“After numerous surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional support at home.”
They set up a crowdfunding page to help Finch with his mounting medical costs, reaching his US$350,000 ($500,000) goal in a matter of days.
A host of her fellow rock musicians, including Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament; Adrienne Armstrong, wife of Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong; Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill; and Tool lead singer Maynard James Keenan were among those who donated to Finch’s treatment.
Although it was initially believed that treatment, including a full course of radiation, would return Finch to “some version of normalcy”, unforeseen complications led to a “series of severe setbacks”.
Despite the diagnosis, Finch appeared to be in good spirits, judging by a photo taken at the hospital: she was smiling, showing off a large scar from the operation.
Finch’s friend Aubrey Miller shared the news following the outpouring of support, singling out Courtney Love for her support in raising funds that will cover eight additional weeks of Finch’s medical expenses.
“Special shout out to L7, the band and Courtney Love for their support and love. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible,” she said.
L7 are set to begin their farewell tour in October, but Finch will no longer be joining them on tour.
L7, (from left) Jennifer Finch, Susie Gardner, Demetra Plakas and Donita Sparks, pictured in 2020. Getty
“The Last Hurray Tour was planned with Jennifer while all four were in good health and spirits,” their statement read, explaining that Finch asked them to continue the tour as planned.
Finch joined the band in 1986 and was involved with Dave Grohl, then the drummer for fellow grunge icons Nirvana, in the early ’90s.
L7 became popular with their 1992 hit. Pretend we’re dead. After a hiatus from 2001 to 2014, they reunited and have since toured internationally, including most recently in Australia in 2024.