Jennifer Finch, the bassist, vocalist and songwriter for female-powered rock band L7, has died following a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was 59.
The news comes just days after Finch’s family revealed that she had been diagnosed with the disease and had undergone multiple surgeries that left her with significant physical limitations. The complications forced Finch to step away from L7’s upcoming Last Hurrah Tour while friends, family and collaborators launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her medical care, rehabilitation and in-home assistance.
Finch was a defining force in L7’s uncompromising sound and attitude, helping establish the band as one of the most influential acts to emerge from the Los Angeles punk and alternative rock underground. In a statement, L7 paid tribute to their longtime bandmate.
“We are shattered by the loss of our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch, whose fierce spirit, humor and boundless creativity helped shape L7 and changed all of our lives forever,” the band wrote. “Jennifer was a true original who lived entirely on her own terms, and the impact she made on music, art and everyone lucky enough to know her cannot be measured. We love her beyond words and will carry her with us always. Rest in power our dear friend.”
The announcement described Finch as “a musician, photographer, writer and multidisciplinary artist,” as well as “a deeply loved partner, daughter, sister, bandmate and friend,” noting that her impact on L7, the Los Angeles punk community and generations of musicians and fans “was profound.”
Those closest to Finch also thanked supporters who rallied around her after news of her diagnosis became public. “The extraordinary outpouring of love and support shown to Jennifer and those caring for her has meant more than words can express,” the statement reads. “Those closest to her have requested privacy and space to grieve during this extraordinarily difficult time.”
