L7 bassist Jennifer Finch dies days after brain cancer diagnosis

Jennifer Finch, the longtime bassist for the seminal grunge rock group L7, has died at the age of 59. Her passing comes just days after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, a battle she faced with courage following a previous diagnosis of thyroid cancer in 2011.

Finch was an integral part of L7, a band closely associated with the grunge and riot grrrl movements. Formed in the late 1980s, L7 carved out a significant space for women in the male-dominated punk and rock scenes. The band's members, Donita Sparks, Suzi Gardner, and Demetra "Dee" Plakas, announced Finch's death on Instagram, remembering her as a "beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker."

Her illness led her to withdraw from L7's upcoming "The Last Hurrah" farewell tour, though she gave the band her blessing to continue. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by friends and family to support her treatment quickly exceeded its target, raising close to $400,000. Despite initial radiation and multiple surgeries, Finch succumbed to complications from the disease.

Beyond her musical contributions, Finch was passionate about photography, documenting Los Angeles' punk and alternative rock scenes. She played in earlier bands like Sugar Babydoll and The Pandoras before joining L7 in 1986. L7's 1992 album "Bricks Are Heavy," featuring the hit "Pretend We're Dead," is considered a landmark of the era. The band also co-founded Rock for Choice in 1991, advocating for reproductive rights and challenging sexism through their music.

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She had a long courageous fight with brain cancer and was loved by many wonderful friends, musical peers and fans worldwide.