L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has died at the age of 59, just days after publicly revealing she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The pioneering punk musician passed away on Saturday (July 18th), with the news confirmed by her longtime L7 bandmates in an emotional statement shared on social media, Finch’s passing comes less than a week after fans learned she had stepped away from L7’s farewell tour to focus on treatment (per Revolver).
“With a very heavy heart we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today,” the surviving members of L7 wrote.
“She had a long courageous fight with brain cancer and was loved by many wonderful friends, musical peers and fans worldwide. We love you Jennifer.”
Community support
The news follows Finch’s recent diagnosis, which revealed she had withdrawn from the band’s upcoming farewell tour after her condition rapidly worsened, what was initially expected to be a course of radiation treatment escalated into multiple surgeries and intensive rehabilitation.
In the days following the announcement of her illness, an outpouring of support arrived from across the rock and alternative music community. Artists including TOOL’s Maynard James Keenan, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament and Bikini Kill’s Kathleen Hanna contributed to a GoFundMe campaign established to help cover Finch’s medical expenses.
The fundraiser reportedly raised close to $400,000 USD (approx $573, 065.90 AUD).
Before helping shape L7 into one of alternative rock’s most influential bands, Finch played bass in the short lived San Francisco outfit Sugar Babydoll alongside Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland, who would later form Hole and Babes in Toyland respectively.
After joining L7 in 1986, Finch performed on the band’s self-titled debut, Smell the Magic, Bricks Are Heavy and Hungry for Stink, before returning for the reunited band’s 2019 album Scatter the Rats. Her playing became a defining part of L7’s uncompromising sound and helped cement the band’s legacy within punk, grunge and alternative music.
Finch’s influence stretched well beyond music through her work as a photographer and artist, while her fearless attitude inspired generations of musicians and fans alike.
Jennifer Finch leaves behind an enduring legacy that helped redefine women in heavy music, with tributes continuing to pour in from across the global rock community.
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