L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, her bandmates announced Monday. Finch is currently undergoing treatment after surgery complications caused significant physical limitations. She will not join the band’s upcoming U.S. tour, though she has encouraged the group to proceed with the performances as planned.
The news of the 59-year-old musician’s diagnosis has prompted an outpouring of support from the music community, including the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to assist with mounting medical costs. While initial medical assessments suggested the condition might be treatable through radiation, the illness progressed rapidly, necessitating multiple surgeries and long-term care.
Medical Challenges and Ongoing Recovery
The rapid progression of the cancer led to unforeseen complications that left Finch requiring professional in-home nursing, medical equipment, and intensive physical and speech therapy. The financial burden of these services has outpaced the support of her immediate circle, leading to the public fundraising effort.
“Following multiple surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support.”
L7, via statement reported by Loudersound
The campaign aims to raise $150,000 to cover these expenses, as well as to help preserve an archive of her life’s work and complete an in-progress creative project.
Impact on the Last Hurrah Farewell Tour
Finch will be absent from the U.S. leg of L7’s “Last Hurrah” tour, a series of dates that was originally organized while all four band members were in good health. Despite the diagnosis, the band confirmed that they intend to honor the tour dates at Finch’s request, prioritizing her well-being while continuing the band’s legacy.
The tour is scheduled to begin on October 9 in Phoenix, Arizona, and concludes with a November 14 performance in Los Angeles.
“The Last Hurrah Tour was planned along with Jennifer when all four of us were in good health and spirits. Although she will not be able to join us for the upcoming U.S. dates, Jennifer has asked us to continue with the tour as planned. We will honor her request while making her care and well-being our immediate priority.”
Donita Sparks, L7 singer and guitarist
Finch’s History and Legacy in Alternative Rock
Jennifer Finch has been a defining figure in the alternative rock scene since the late 1980s. Beyond her foundational role in L7, she has been a multidisciplinary artist, working as a photographer and musician in other notable projects, including Sugar Babydoll—a group that featured Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland—and the bands OtherStarPeople and the Shocker. Her contributions to L7 were central to the band’s success during the 1990s, including their most commercially successful era surrounding the 1992 album Bricks Are Heavy, which featured the hit single Pretend We’re Dead
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Following a hiatus, Finch reunited with the group in 2015 and played on their most recent studio album, 2019’s Scatter the Rats.
Support from the Community
The band has emphasized the importance of community support during this time. Sparks reiterated that Finch remains an integral part of the L7 family.
“Jennifer is part of our family. We love her, and we want her to feel the full strength of the community that has loved and supported her for so many years.”
Donita Sparks, L7 singer and guitarist
As the band moves forward with the tour, fans and followers are being encouraged to share the fundraising campaign to help ensure that Finch has access to the specialized care required for her recovery.
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