L7 BASSIST, vocalist and songwriter Jennifer Finch has died aged 59, it has been announced.
The 90s grunge legend passed away after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, according to a statement.
Her former group has paid a moving tribute to their late bandmate.
They wrote in a statement: “With a very heavy heart we announce that our beloved bandmate, friend, and fellow troublemaker Jennifer Finch has passed away today.
“She had a long courageous fight with brain cancer and was loved by many wonderful friends, musical peers and fans worldwide.
“We love you Jennifer.”
L7 recently shared the news that Finch had been diagnosed with cancer and would be missing their upcoming Last Hurrah Tour in October.
She had suffered serious complications and required extensive treatment and in-home support, the band said.
Posting to Finch’s own Instagram, the band described her as a “true original who lived entirely on her own terms”.
“The impact she made on music, art and everyone lucky enough to know her cannot be measured”, the post added.
Finch helped power L7 through the 90s alternative-rock boom.
She played base alongside guitarists Donita Sparks, Suzi Gardner and Dee Plakas and helped define L7’s place at the intersection of punk, metal and grunge.
Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, L7 became known for break-out tracks including “Pretend We’re Dead,” “Shove,” “Andres” and “Fuel My Fire.”
Jennifer joined L7 in 1986 and was known for performing barefoot and her wild stage presence.
The band put out a run of four grunge classics in L7 (1988), Smell the Magic (1990), Bricks Are Heavy (1992), and Hungry for Stink (1994), before she left the group in 1996.
She went on to form two bands — OtherStarPeople and The Shocker — before reuniting with L7 in 2014, putting out Scatter The Rats, their first record in 20 years.
Jennifer had a friendship with Kurt Cobain’s wife Courtney Love dating back to the early 80s when they played in the band Sugar Babylon.
They resumed their working relationship in 1994 when Jennifer stepped in on bass to perform in Hole’s Doll Parts video after the death of bassist Kristen Pfaff from an accidental heroin overdose.
But Finch’s creative work spanned far beyond the stage.
She was also a photographer, writer and visual artist.
The statement announcing her death also acknowledged “the extraordinary outpouring of love and support” shown to Finch.
