Jennifer Finch, the bassist for the influential rock band L7, passed away on Saturday at the age of 59 after battling brain cancer. Her death was confirmed in a post on Instagram by the band, which expressed deep sorrow for the loss of their “beloved bandmate and friend.” They described her as a courageous person who was loved by many friends, fellow musicians, and fans around the world.
L7 also released a statement through their representative, stating they were devastated by Finch’s death. They highlighted her “fierce spirit, humour, and boundless creativity” as essential to L7’s identity and noted that her impact on music and art was immeasurable.
Earlier this month, Finch revealed she was undergoing treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer. Initially, her diagnosis suggested that radiation treatments would suffice, but complications led to several surgeries, resulting in significant physical limitations and the need for ongoing medical care. Finch had previously been diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011.
Due to her health issues, Finch withdrew from the upcoming U.S. leg of L7’s Last Hurrah Tour, which was planned when she was in good health. She encouraged her bandmates to continue the tour without her.
L7 formed in 1985, with Finch joining in 1987. She became known as an energetic performer, contributing to the band’s debut album released in 1988. After leaving in 1996, she pursued other musical projects and a career in photography but reunited with L7 in 2015 and appeared on their 2019 album.
A GoFundMe has been set up by friends and family to help with medical expenses and to support an archive of Finch’s work and a significant creative project due for release next year.
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