L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of brain cancer, prompting the band to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her mounting medical expenses as she undergoes treatment.
The 59-year-old will miss L7’s upcoming Last Hurrah tour after multiple surgeries and complications left her requiring extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support. Tsuzumi Okai, who has previously played with Limp Bizkit and Kim Dracula, will fill in on bass while Finch focuses on her recovery.
“Following multiple surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and professional in-home support,” the band said in a statement.
“Friends, family, and L7 have launched a GoFundMe to help cover these urgent expenses and allow her to remain safely at home with the care, dignity, and support she needs. The Last Hurrah Tour was planned along with Jennifer when all four of us were in good health and spirits.
“Although she will not be able to join us for the upcoming U.S. dates, Jennifer has asked us to continue with the tour as planned. We will honor her request while making her care and well-being our immediate priority.
“Please donate if you are able,” the statement continues. “And, just as importantly, please share the campaign as widely as possible. Every contribution, share, and message of support matters.”
The GoFundMe page explains that Finch’s prognosis initially appeared more hopeful.
“When she first heard the diagnosis, there was reason to believe that treatment, including a full course of radiation, would get her back to some version of normal living,” the page reads. “Unforeseen complications led to multiple surgeries and a string of difficult setbacks.”
It adds, “The level of care Jennifer needs has gone beyond what friends and family can safely provide around the clock. As we face the difficult reality that Jennifer may have more good days behind her than ahead, we are asking for help to make the time she has with her friends, family, and fans as comfortable, meaningful, and full of love as possible.”
Finch was part of L7’s founding lineup and spent 23 years with the Los Angeles punk band across two stints, appearing on five studio albums. Although often associated with grunge, L7 helped define the riot grrrl movement of the early 1990s and has influenced generations of artists.
“I was really inspired by them, and I think that’s why I wanted to have an all-girl band up on stage,” Olivia Rodrigo once told Rolling Stone. “It feels very feminine on stage, but we’re all playing power chords and screaming. There’s something fun about that.”
News of Finch’s diagnosis prompted an outpouring of support from fellow musicians and fans. Joan Jett and Garbage each responded with a black heart emoji, while Violet Grohl wrote that she was sending “so much love and strength.” Hundreds of fans also shared messages of encouragement and gratitude for Finch’s contributions to L7 and alternative rock.
