Jennifer Finch, historic bassist for L7, has died at the age of 59 after a long battle with an aggressive form of brain tumor, a disease she had spoken about publicly in recent weeks. The announcement was made by her bandmates with a message spread on social media: “With a very heavy heart we announce that today our beloved bandmate, friend and accomplice in many pranks Jennifer Finch passed away. She faced a long and courageous battle against brain tumor and was loved by many extraordinary friends, fellow musicians and fans all over the world. We love you, Jennifer”.
Having joined L7 in 1986, Finch was one of the key figures of the band, contributing not only as a bassist but also to the composition of the repertoire. Together with Donita Sparks, Suzi Gardner and Dee Plakas he helped define a powerful and abrasive sound, capable of fusing punk, grunge and hard rock with lyrics steeped in irony, anger and social criticism.
L7 were one of the symbolic bands of alternative rock of the early nineties and played a fundamental role in affirming the female presence within a scene dominated by male groups. Although they are often compared to the riot grrrl movement, they have always maintained a strong identity linked to punk and hard rock, becoming a point of reference for entire generations of musicians. Jennifer Finch took part in the most successful period of the group's career, recording fundamental albums such as “Smell The Magic” (1990), “Bricks Are Heavy” (1992) and “Hungry For Stink” (1994). In particular, “Bricks Are Heavy”, produced by Butch Vig, consecrated L7 on the international scene thanks to the success of the single “Pretend We're Dead”, which became one of the most representative songs of alternative rock of the nineties.
In 1995 Jennifer Finch adopted the stage surname “Precious” in homage to her adoptive father, who died in the same year. After leaving L7 in 1996, he formed OtherStarPeople and, later, The Shocker. In 2014 he returned to the lineup for the band's reunion, taking part in tours and also recording “Scatter the Rats”, the album released in 2019.
Alongside her musical activity she also developed a career as a photographer. In 2006 he presented an exhibition dedicated to the Los Angeles punk scene, with a collection of shots documenting the protagonists and atmosphere of that movement.
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
