Posted by L7 bass player Jennifer Finch has died at the age of 57. The American punk heroine went public with a brain cancer diagnosis earlier this month, with fans rushing to help fund her medical treatment. Tragically, Jennifer Finch passed away this weekend, with L7 sharing the news with an emotional statement on their official social media channels.
Calling her a “true original,” the band mourned their “beloved bandmate, sister and friend.”
“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,” reads the statement.
“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.”
Jennifer Finch joined L7 in 1987, and was a key member through their ups and downs. Flirting with mainstream success, the band skirted the edges of grunge and Riot Grrrl while steadfastly walking their own path. The bass player was onstage for the American group’s iconic set at Reading Festival 1992 — Nirvana headlined, and Donita Sparks memorably flung her tampon into the crowd, yelling: “Eat my tampon!”
Earlier this year Jennifer Finch was forced to drop out of the US leg of L7’s ‘Last Hurrah Tour’, with sickness proving to be the only barrier between the bass player and the stage.
Courtney Love saluted the passing of her old friend: