LOS ANGELES (WKRC) – Jennifer Finch, the bassist and vocalist whose work with L7 helped define the alternative rock and grunge movement of the 1990s, has died after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was 59.
Finch’s family announced her death in a statement shared on social media.
“We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch,” the statement said. “Jennifer’s impact on the world of music was seismic; her impact on our lives, even moreso.”
Per Billboard, her death came about a week after L7 revealed Finch had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and had undergone multiple surgeries. The band said she would be unable to join its upcoming farewell tour because of serious complications from the disease.
L7 later confirmed the tour will continue at Finch’s request, reports Entertainment Weekly.
Finch joined the Los Angeles-based band in 1986 and helped shape its signature blend of punk, grunge and heavy rock. She played on five of the group’s seven studio albums, including the landmark 1992 release Bricks Are Heavy, which featured the hit “Pretend We’re Dead.”
In addition to her work with L7, Finch performed with Shocker, Sugar Babylon and Other Star People. She was also an accomplished photographer, writer and visual artist.
Following news of her diagnosis, more than 5,000 supporters — including fellow musicians Joan Jett, Courtney Love and Juliette Lewis — donated to a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $395,000 to help cover her medical care.
