L7 bassist Jennifer Finch dies at 59 after brain cancer

Jennifer Finch, the bassist and vocalist whose fierce energy helped define the influential punk band L7, died on July 18, 2026, after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was 59. The band confirmed her death in a statement posted to her official social media accounts, describing her as a partner, sister, daughter, and friend whose impact on music was seismic.

Finch's death came just days after she publicly disclosed her diagnosis and withdrew from L7's planned farewell tour, titled "The Last Hurrah," which is scheduled to begin in October. According to the band's earlier statements, Finch had undergone multiple surgeries and faced serious complications, requiring extensive medical care and professional in-home support. A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist with her care quickly surpassed its initial goal, raising nearly $400,000 with support from fellow musicians and fans.

Born on August 5, 1966, in Los Angeles, Finch was a founding force in L7, which formed in 1985. She played on all five of the band's original studio albums, including the landmark 1992 release "Bricks Are Heavy," produced by Butch Vig. The album featured the hit "Pretend We're Dead" and cemented...