The rock world is rallying around L7 bassist Jennifer Finch after she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Finch, a 59-year-old icon of the '90s grunge scene, shared the news with her bandmates Suzi Gardner, Donita Sparks, and Dee Plakas, who announced her condition on Instagram. The band set up a crowdfunding page to help cover Finch's rising medical costs, which met its $500,000 goal in just days.
Finch's diagnosis comes after multiple surgeries and serious complications, and despite initial hopes for a return to normalcy, unforeseen setbacks have emerged. Finch's friend, Aubree Miller, praised the outpouring of support, particularly highlighting Courtney Love's contribution to raising funds for eight extra weeks of medical care. Despite her diagnosis, Finch maintains a positive outlook, smiling in a hospital photo showcasing her surgery scar.
L7 is set to embark on their farewell tour in October, but Finch will not be joining them. The band's statement emphasizes their commitment to the tour, despite Finch's health challenges. Finch joined L7 in 1986 and was linked to Dave Grohl, the drummer for Nirvana, in the early '90s. L7 rose to fame with their 1992 hit 'Pretend We're Dead' and have since toured globally, including a recent visit to Australia.
Finch's battle with brain cancer has sparked a wave of support from fellow musicians, including Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament, Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong, Bikini Kill's Kathleen Hanna, and Tool's Maynard James Keenan. Their donations underscore the deep-rooted camaraderie within the rock community, where artists often support one another during times of need.
This story highlights the resilience of musicians in the face of adversity. Finch's positive attitude and the band's determination to continue their tour despite her diagnosis demonstrate the power of human spirit and the enduring nature of the rock community's support network.