Jennifer Finch, the bassist for influential rock group L7, died Saturday after a battle with brain cancer. She was 59.
L7 confirmed Finch’s death in an Instagram post. “With a very heavy heart we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today,” it read. “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.”
The band also issued a statement via their rep, writing: “We are shattered 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 on her own terms, and the impact she made 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. Rest in power our dear friend.”
Earlier this month, Finch announced that she was undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. When the musician was first diagnosed, it was believed her condition would be easily treated with radiation, but complications required her to undergo multiple surgeries. The procedures left her with severe physical limitations, and she required extensive medical care afterward. (In 2011, Finch was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer.)
Due to Finch’s diagnosis and treatment, she dropped out of the upcoming U.S. leg of L7‘s Last Hurrah Tour that had been 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 1987. In a 2017 Rolling Stone profile of the band, she was described as “an ill-behaved and untrained bassist who added instant verve to their live act.” L7 rolled out their self-titled debut in 1988 and Finch served as the group’s bassist for most of their Nineties peak before leaving the band in 1996 at age 30. Her decision to exit was twofold: Finch had become sober and was still processing the death of her father.
“When you’re younger, there’s so much pressure riding on everything,” she told Rolling Stone. “I know I caved under that specific pressure — of not being able to be everything [I felt] was expected.”
She played in two additional bands, OtherStarPeople and the Shocker; launched her own label, Little Pusher Records; and worked prolifically as a photographer. In 2015, Finch reunited with L7 and featured on their 2019 album, Scatter the Rats.
A GoFundMe was previously launched by friends and family to cover the costs associated with her treatment and recovery, and to support efforts to create an archive of Finch’s work and complete what’s described as “a significant creative project” that was scheduled for release next year.
