Jennifer Finch, the bassist for the rock band L7, died Saturday at age 59 following a battle with brain cancer. According to a statement from the band, Finch passed away after a “long courageous fight.” Her death follows a recent diagnosis of an aggressive form of the disease that required multiple surgeries and extensive medical care, leading to her withdrawal from the band’s scheduled U.S. tour.
The Legacy of Jennifer Finch in L7
Finch joined L7 in 1987, two years after the group formed. She served as the group’s bassist for most of their Nineties peak. A 2017 Rolling Stone profile described her as an “ill-behaved and untrained bassist” who added instant verve to the band’s live act.
The band, in a statement released via their representative, credited Finch with shaping the group’s identity. “Jennifer was a true original who lived entirely on her own terms,” the statement read. Her influence extended beyond her bass playing; she was noted for her humor and creativity, which the band said “changed all of our lives forever.”
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Before her 2015 reunion with L7, which led to her appearance on the 2019 album Scatter the Rats, Finch pursued a diverse career in the arts. She played in the bands OtherStarPeople and the Shocker, founded the label Little Pusher Records, and worked prolifically as a photographer.
Health Challenges and Career Transitions
Finch’s medical history included a prior diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2011. Her most recent diagnosis involved an aggressive form of brain cancer. While initial expectations suggested the condition could be managed with radiation, complications necessitated multiple surgeries, which ultimately resulted in severe physical limitations.
This diagnosis forced Finch to step away from L7’s “Last Hurrah” tour. At the time of her withdrawal, she encouraged her bandmates to proceed with the tour as planned. She previously left L7 in 1996 at age 30. Reflecting on that decision in a 2017 interview with Rolling Stone, Finch cited the intense pressure of the industry and the personal toll of grieving her father’s death as primary reasons for her exit.
Ongoing Support and Future Projects
In the wake of her diagnosis, friends and family established a GoFundMe campaign. The funds were intended to cover medical costs and recovery. Additionally, the campaign aimed to support the creation of an archive of Finch’s work. Supporters also hoped to complete a “significant creative project” that remains scheduled for release next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Jennifer Finch join L7?
- Finch joined the band in 1987, two years after they formed in 1985.
- What was the cause of Jennifer Finch’s death?
- Finch died following a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer, according to the band’s official statement.
- Did Jennifer Finch play on L7’s later albums?
- Yes, after rejoining the band in 2015, she was featured on their 2019 album, Scatter the Rats.
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Did you see L7 live during their Nineties peak or their recent reunion tours? Share your favorite memories of Jennifer Finch’s stage presence in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the legacy of iconic rock musicians.
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