Jennifer Finch was best known as the bassist for the influential rock group ‘L7’, a band that became prominent during the alternative rock movement of the 1990s. Finch brought her distinctive style and fierce energy to the group, helping establish ‘L7’ as one of the most impactful rock bands of their era. Now, the artist has passed away following a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.Jennifer Finch passed away on Saturday after a courageous fight with brain cancer. She was 59. ‘L7’ confirmed Finch’s passing through an Instagram post, with the band writing, “With a very heavy heart, we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today. 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.”
Jennifer Finch’s health battle and medical complications
According to Rolling Stone, 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, requiring extensive medical care afterwards. In 2011, Finch had also been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, adding to her medical history.
Despite her health challenges, Jennifer Finch remained devoted to music, photography and her creative work until the end.Image credit (Instagram)
Due to Finch’s diagnosis and treatment, she dropped out of the upcoming US 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. The band stated through their representative, writing, “We are shattered by the loss of our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch, whose fierce spirit, humour and boundless creativity helped shape ‘L7’ and changed all of our lives forever.“
Jennifer Finch’s career with L7 and solo work
‘L7’ formed in 1985, and Finch joined the group in 1987. In a 2017 Rolling Stone profile, she was described as “an ill-behaved and untrained bassist who added instant verve to their live act.” The band rolled out their self-titled debut in 1988, and Finch served as the group’s bassist for most of their 1990s peak before leaving the band in 1996 at age 30. Her decision to exit came during a period when she had become sober and was processing the loss of her father.
From helping define ‘L7’ in the 1990s to reuniting with the band years later, Jennifer Finch’s influence on alternative rock will continue to inspire fans.Image credit (Instagram)
After leaving ‘L7’, Finch played in two additional bands, OtherStarPeople and the Shocker, while launching her own record label, Little Pusher Records. She also worked prolifically as a photographer throughout her career. 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, as well as to support efforts to create an archive of Finch’s work and complete a significant creative project scheduled for release in the following year.
