Veteran rocker Jennifer Finch of L7 sidelined from farewell tour after brain cancer diagnosis

Jennifer Finch, the bassist for veteran rock band L7, has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and will miss the group’s farewell tour.

“Our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer,” the band announced in a post on Instagram.

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

The band said the 59-year-old musician would be unable to join its forthcoming The Last Hurrah Tour, but she had asked the remaining members to continue with the shows as planned.

“We will honour her request while making her care and well-being our immediate priority,” the statement said. 

The statement also urged fans to donate to a GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover Finch’s mounting medical costs, allowing her to “remain safely at home and with the care, dignity, and support she needs”.

“Jennifer is part of our family. We love her, and we want her to feel the full strength of the community that has loved and supported her for so many years.”

The band is due to begin its farewell tour in San Diego on October 6.

Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, L7 became one of the defining acts of the 1990s, earning a cult following with songs including Pretend We’re Dead, S***list and Andres. 

The band’s third studio album Bricks Are Heavy, released in 1992, was their biggest commercial success, breaking into the Top 50 in Australia and selling more than 300,000 copies worldwide. It was co-produced by Butch Vig, renowned for his work on Nirvana’s Nevermind and albums by a range of acts including The Smashing Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Green Day and his own band Garbage.

Finch joined the band in 1986 and has remained a key member throughout its career, aside from a hiatus before reuniting with the group in 2014.

On the GoFundMe page, organisers said Finch had “never been very good at sitting still”, but was now facing significant physical limitations.

“When she first heard the diagnosis, there was reason to believe that treatment, including a full course of radiation, would get her back to some version of normal living,” the page read. 

“Unforeseen complications led to multiple surgeries and a string of difficult setbacks.”

The organisers said they were now focused on making Finch’s remaining time as comfortable and meaningful as possible.

“As we face the difficult reality that Jennifer may have more good days behind her than ahead, we are asking for help to make the time she has with her friends, family, and fans as comfortable, meaningful, and full of love as possible.

“On behalf of Jennifer and from all of us who love her: Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.”