Jennifer Finch, bassist of the influential rock band L7, died Saturday after a battle with brain cancer. She was 59.
L7 confirmed Finch’s death in an Instagram post. “It is with very heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch passed away today,” the post read. “She fought a long and courageous battle with brain cancer and was loved by many wonderful friends, musical colleagues and fans around the world. We love you, Jennifer.”
The band also issued a statement through their rep, writing: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch, whose fierce spirit, humor and boundless creativity helped shape L7 and changed all of our lives forever. Jennifer was a true original who lived entirely by her own rules, and the impact she had on music, art and everyone lucky enough to know her cannot be measured. We love her beyond words and will carry her with us always. Stay strong, our dear friend.”
Earlier this month, Finch announced she was undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. When the musician was first diagnosed, her condition was thought to be easily treated with radiation therapy, but complications required her to undergo multiple surgeries. The procedures left her with severe physical limitations and she required extensive medical care afterward. (Finch was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011.)
Due to Finch’s diagnosis and treatment, she has dropped out of the upcoming US leg of the L7 Last Hurray Tour, which was originally planned when the artist was in good health. At the time, Finch asked her bandmates to continue as planned.
L7 formed in 1985, and Finch joined the group in 1987. Rolling Stone The band’s profile described her as “a poor and unprepared bass player who instantly added verve to their live performance.” L7 debuted their self-titled debut in 1988, and Finch served as the band’s bassist for much of their peak in the Nineties before leaving the band in 1996 at the age of 30. Her decision to leave was twofold: Finch had gotten sober and was still dealing with the death of his father.
“When you’re younger, there’s so much pressure on everything,” she said. Rolling Stone. “I know I succumbed to this particular pressure of not being able to be everything that (I felt) was expected.”
She played in two other bands: OtherStarPeople and Shocker; launched her own label, Little Pusher Records; and worked a lot as a photographer. In 2015, Finch reunited with L7 and featured on their 2019 album. Scatter the rats.
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Friends and family previously launched a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of her treatment and recovery, as well as to support efforts to create an archive of Finch’s work and complete what is being described as a “significant creative project” scheduled for release next year.
This story is developing.