L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, forcing the punk rock icon to step away from the band’s upcoming farewell tour while she undergoes treatment and recovery.
Finch, who is also a respected photographer and multidisciplinary artist, is currently receiving intensive medical care after her condition progressed more rapidly than initially expected.
According to L7, what first appeared to be a treatable diagnosis requiring radiation has since led to multiple surgeries and ongoing physical challenge (per Sonic Perspectives).
As a result, Finch now requires extensive rehabilitation, professional in home care and continued medical treatment. Friends, family and collaborators have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help ease the financial burden associated with her recovery.
Speaking on behalf of L7, vocalist and guitarist Donita Sparks said:
“We are all devastated by the news and are surrounding her with love, protecting her privacy and dignity, while helping raise the resources she urgently needs for the care ahead. Jennifer is family, and we want her to feel the full strength of the community that has loved and supported her for so many years.”
L7 ‘The Last Hurrah’ Tour
Finch’s diagnosis means she will be unable to perform during the U.S. leg of The Last Hurrah Tour, which was announced as L7’s farewell run, Finch encouraged the band to continue with the scheduled dates despite her absence.
Japanese bassist Tsuzumi Okai, who previously toured with Limp Bizkit in 2018, will fill in for Finch during the U.S. performances, the farewell tour begins on October 9th and includes shows in New York City, Washington D.C., Nashville, Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles.
L7 first formed in 1985 before going on hiatus in 2001. The influential punk outfit reunited in 2015, later releasing the acclaimed documentary L7: Pretend We’re Dead before returning with their first studio album in two decades, Scatter The Rats, in 2019.
Australian fans last saw the band at Good Things Festival in 2024, where L7 delivered a career spanning performance alongside Korn, Sum 41 and Violent Femmes.
While the band’s farewell tour will continue, the focus remains firmly on Finch’s recovery as fans around the world rally behind one of alternative rock’s most influential musicians.
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