Photo: Gie Knaeps/Getty Images
Jennifer Finch, the bassist for rock band L7, has died of brain cancer. She was 59. Her band announced Finch’s passing. “With a very heavy heart we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today,” they wrote. “She had a long courageous fight with brain cancer and was loved by many wonderful friends, musical peers and fans worldwide.”
Born in 1966, Finch grew up in Los Angeles. She got her start in the music scene photographing local punk pioneers like the Cramps and Bad Religion. Before she even picked up an instrument, she’d already become instrumental in the LA music scene. “God bless Jennifer Finch, bassist of L7 and all-around great person,” Tom Morello wrote in an Instagram story. “She welcomed my nerdy ass to LA with kindness & respect and without judgement despite her insanely cool stature. She was an important fixture of the LA scene and a friend I admired and she will be missed.”
Her first band was Sugar Babydoll, led by Courtney Love. Finch joined L7 in 1986. The band was associated with the grunge and riot grrrr scenes, but predated both movements’ mainstream moments. Their biggest hit came in 1992 with “Pretend We’re Dead.” Finch left the band in 1997, but returned for their 2014 reunion tour. She was featured heavily in the documentary L7: Pretend We’re Dead.
“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,” the band wrote to Pitchfork in a statement. “We love her beyond words and will carry her with us always. Rest in power our dear friend.”
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