Jennifer Finch, L7 Bassist, Dead At 59

Jennifer Finch of L7 has died. The musician joined the Los Angeles rock band in 1986 as bassist and vocalist and played on all five of the band’s original studio albums, including 1990’s Smell The Magic and 1992’s Bricks Are Heavy, two of the grunge era’s essential and most influential albums.

“We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch,” reads a statement on the musician’s social media. “Jennifer’s impact on the world of music was seismic; her impact on our lives, even moreso. We appreciate everyone’s interest and concern, thank you for all the kind messages. We appreciate some space to heal privately during this difficult time.”

Earlier this week, Finch revealed she’d been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, forcing her to sit out L7’s fall farewell tour. A GoFundMe launched by her friends and family quickly surpassed its goal, raising nearly $400,000.

Jennifer Finch was born August 5, 1966 and raised by her adoptive parents in West Los Angeles. (She chose the middle name Precious as a teenage in tribute to her adoptive father, who supported her creative pursuits.) Before joining L7, Finch played in Sugar Babydoll with future Hole and Babes In Toyland founders Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland, and in addition to her time those bands, Finch was part of OtherStarPeople, and the Shocker, and she worked extensively as a music photographer. At the time of her death, plans were underway to preserve and exhibit an extensive archive of her photography.

Finch was 59.