“Punk rock and alternative music would not be what it is or where it is without her”: L7 bassist Jennifer Finch reveals aggressive brain cancer diagnosis ahead of band’s farewell tour

L7 bassist Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

The news was shared publicly by her bandmates on social media yesterday (July 13), only two months after the band announced The Last Hurrah Tour – their farewell tour – which will be kicking off on October 6 in San Diego, California.

“Following multiple surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support,” reads the statement.

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“The Last Hurrah Tour was planned along with Jennifer when all four of us were in good health and spirits.” The band confirmed that, as per Finch’s wishes, the tour will continue as planned “while making her care and well-being our immediate priority.”

They also announced that her friends and family, along with the L7 members, have launched a GoFundMe to cover urgent medical expenses, professional in-home nursing care, physical and speech therapy, medical equipment, and legal fees.

As the GoFundMe page explains, “The cancer and everything that comes with it have left her with significant physical limitations, so she’s handling this the only way she knows how: one day at a time.”

The money raised will also help preserve Finch’s legacy by creating an archive of her artistic and creative work, as well as completing a “significant creative project” originally scheduled for release next year.

As of the time of writing, around $220,400 has been raised toward the fundraising goal of $350,000.

Garbage and R.E.M‘s Michael Stipe are among the fellow musicians supporting the GoFundMe effort, with Stipe posting on Bluesky, “Punk rock and alternative music would not be what it is or where it is without Jennifer Finch. We send loving energy to her. Please – if you can – every contribution helps.”

In an interview with Bass Player last year, Finch spoke about her and the pioneering band’s legacy, and insisted that “L7 ain’t over yet”.

“I’m in my 50s now, and we still get to be examples,” she said. “But also we get to fail publicly in a way that we couldn’t do in our 20s. I’ve never felt directly responsible for anyone picking up a guitar – pick up your own fucking guitar! It’s a thing you gotta do or do not.

“I’m very heart-warmed when particularly women say, ‘Because of you, I got into politics’ or ‘I got my medical degree because of you.’ You know, fighting for housing rights – that’s awesome.”

Head to GoFundMe to donate.