Jennifer Finch is best known as the bassist for the influential rock band L7, which rose to fame during the alternative rock movement of the 1990s. Finch brought her unique style and high energy to the band, helping “L7” become one of the most influential rock bands of the era. Now, the artist has passed away after a battle with aggressive brain cancer.Jennifer Finch died Saturday after a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was 59 years old. L7 confirmed Finch’s passing via an Instagram post, writing: “It is with a very heavy heart that we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend and troublemaker Jennifer Finch passed away today. She fought a long and courageous battle with brain cancer and was loved by many close friends, fellow musicians and fans around the world.” We love you, Jennifer. “
Jennifer Finch’s Health Battles and Medical Complications
Earlier this month, Finch announced that she was undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer, Rolling Stone reported. When the musician was first diagnosed, it was believed her condition would be easily treatable with radiation therapy, but complications required her to undergo multiple surgeries. The surgery left her with severe physical limitations and she required extensive medical care post-operatively. In 2011, Finch was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer, adding to her medical history.
Despite facing health challenges, Jennifer Finch remained dedicated to music, photography, and her creative work until the end of her life. Image source (Instagram)
Due to Fincher’s diagnosis and treatment, she withdrew from the U.S. leg of the “L7” final Viva Tour, which had been planned when Fincher was in good health. At the time, Finch asked her bandmates to continue as planned. The band wrote through their rep: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch, whose passion, humor and boundless creativity helped shape ‘L7’ and changed all of our lives forever.“
Jennifer Finch’s L7 Career and Solo Works
“L7” was formed in 1985 and Fincher joined the band in 1987. In a 2017 Rolling Stone profile, she was described as “a misbehaving and untrained bassist who added instant energy to their live performances”. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1988, and Fincher served as the band’s bassist for much of its peak in the 1990s before leaving the band in 1996 at the age of 30. She had become sober and was dealing with the loss of her father when she decided to quit.
From helping to define “L7” in the 1990s to reuniting with the band years later, Jennifer Finch’s influence on alternative rock continues to inspire fans. Image source (Instagram)
After leaving L7, Fincher joined two other bands: OtherStarPeople and the Shocker, while launching his own record label, Little Pusher Records. During her career she also worked prolifically as a photographer. In 2015, Fincher reunited with “L7” and was featured on their 2019 album “Scatter the Rats”. Friends and family previously launched a GoFundMe to cover expenses related to her treatment and recovery, as well as support the creation of an archive of Fincher’s work and the completion of a major creative project planned for release the following year.