Jennifer Finch, the 59-year-old bass guitarist of the all-female punk band L7, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and has withdrawn from the band's upcoming farewell tour. Her bandmates Suzi Gardner, Demetra Plakas, and Donita Sparks announced the news on Monday via Instagram, explaining that Finch requires extensive medical care and professional in-home support following multiple surgeries and serious complications.
Bandmates Announce Diagnosis and Tour Withdrawal
In a statement, the group wrote: "Our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Following multiple surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support. 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 band added that the farewell tour, titled "The Last Hurrah Tour," was planned when all four members were in good health. Although Finch cannot join the U.S. dates, she has asked the band to continue as planned. "We will honour her request while making her care and well-being our immediate priority," the statement continued. "Please donate if you are able - and, just as importantly, please share the campaign as widely as possible."
Family Shares Update on Finch's Condition
Finch's loved ones also posted an update on Instagram, describing her as a "musician, artist, writer, photographer, punk historian, and a force of nature." They revealed that after the diagnosis, there was hope that treatment would lead to recovery, but complications resulted in multiple surgeries and setbacks. Finch now lives with significant physical limitations and requires around-the-clock care that "love, friendship, and sheer determination cannot safely provide."
The GoFundMe aims to cover professional in-home nursing, physical and speech therapy, medical equipment, and home-care expenses, as well as to protect her creative legacy. "Jennifer has spent her life making noise. Making art. Making history. Now it's our turn to show up for her," the family wrote.
Finch's History with L7
Finch joined L7 in 1986, a year after the band formed, and played on several of their most influential albums. She left the band in 1996, and L7 disbanded in 2001. The group reunited in 2014 and announced their farewell tour, "The Last Hurrah 2026," in May, scheduled for October 2026. Finch also appeared in the music video for Hole's "Doll Parts" in 1994, replacing bassist Kristen Pfaff after her death.
