Jennifer Finch, the bassist of the legendary 1990s grunge band L7, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, forcing her to withdraw from the group's upcoming farewell tour. The 59-year-old musician's bandmates—Suzi Gardner, Demetra Plakas, and Donita Sparks—shared the heartbreaking news on Monday via Instagram, detailing Finch's medical struggles and the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to cover her expenses.
Bandmates Announce Diagnosis and Tour Withdrawal
In a statement on Instagram, the band 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 group explained that the farewell tour, dubbed "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 without her. "We will honour her request while making her care and well-being our immediate priority," the statement added.
Family Provides Update on Finch's Condition
Finch's loved ones also shared an update on Instagram, describing her as "a musician, artist, writer, photographer, punk historian, and a force of nature." They revealed that after her diagnosis, complications led to multiple surgeries and setbacks, leaving her with significant physical limitations requiring round-the-clock professional care. The GoFundMe aims to cover in-home nursing, physical and speech therapy, medical equipment, and home-care expenses, as well as to preserve 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, urging donations and shares of the campaign.
Finch's Legacy with L7 and Beyond
Finch joined L7 in 1986, a year after the band formed, and became a key member during their rise in the grunge era. She appeared in the music video for Hole's "Doll Parts" in 1994, substituting for bassist Kristen Pfaff after her death. Finch left L7 in 1996, and the band disbanded in 2001, but they reunited in 2014. In May 2026, they announced "The Last Hurrah 2026" farewell tour, scheduled for October.
The band's Instagram post caption read: "Please Donate and Share. We Love You, Jennifer." As of the announcement, the campaign had garnered support from fans and the music community.
