Greg Brown, former founding member of the 90s alternative rock band Cake and author of the group’s biggest hit, The distancedied.
The band announced his passing on Saturday, February 7, announcing that Brown passed away following a brief illness, according to a statement posted on their official Instagram.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Greg Brown after a brief illness,” the group wrote. “Greg was an integral part of the early sounds and development of CAKE. His creative contributions were immense and his presence, both musical and personal, will be deeply missed. Good luck, Greg.”
Brown co-founded Cake in 1991 alongside frontman John McCrea, bassist Shon Meckfessel, drummer Frank French and trumpeter Vince DiFiore. He played on the group’s first two albums, 1994’s. Procession of generosity and their breakthrough in 1996 Nugget Fashionwhich launched Cake into the alternative rock mainstream.
Brown was the sole author of The distance released in 1996, a track that opened with McCrea’s deadpan tone and became a defining anthem of the era. The song peaked at number 4 on the US Alternative Airplay chart and was certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA in 2022.
Brown left Cake in 1997, later explaining that the decision was related to personal turmoil. “There was a lot of unrest at the time and I felt like leaving Cake would be a decision that would be good for my health,” he said.
Over the next few years, Brown reestablished his relationship with the band and even contributed to Cake’s 2011 album. Compassion Exhibition Hall.
