The death of Jennifer Finch is a huge loss for the world of punk rock.
The iconic bassist, a leading figure in the ’90s rock boom, died at age 59 on Saturday, July 18, just days after it was revealed she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Leading the tributes was American rock band L7, known for their raw and politically charged sound.
“Jennifer was a true original who lived entirely on her own terms, and the impact she had on music, art, and everyone lucky enough to know her cannot be measured,” the band wrote in a statement via Billboard. “We love her beyond words and will always carry her with us. Rest in power our dear friend.”
In an Instagram tribute, the band called Finch a “beloved band member, friend and fellow troublemaker.”
Just six days earlier, the band – made up of Suzi Gardner, Donita Sparks and Dee Plakas – revealed that Finch would miss their upcoming farewell tour due to “unforeseen complications” from his brain cancer diagnosis.
Before joining L7 in 1986, Finch played bass in the San Francisco-based band Sugar Babydoll, consisting of Courtney Love and Kat Bjelland. Love paid tribute to Finch with a simple photo.
Finch officially left L7 in 1996, but the band reunited in 2014, with their final album, Scatter the Rats, released in 2019. In May of this year, L7 announced the dates for the first leg of their latest tour, The last hurray 2026which should start in October.
In her personal life, Finch dated Dave Grohl of Nirvana and later Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. She was married to actor, musician and racing driver Chris Pedersen from 2000 to 2007.
Beyond music, Finch was also an accomplished photographer, writer and visual artist.
