Nana Wu
Jennifer Finch, the formidable bassist, vocalist, and songwriter whose commanding presence was instrumental in propelling L7 to the forefront of the 1990s alternative-rock explosion, has passed away at the age of 59. Her death, announced by the band, followed a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. L7, in a poignant statement, expressed profound grief, writing, "We are shattered by the loss of our beloved bandmate, sister and friend Jennifer Finch, whose fierce spirit, humor and boundless creativity helped shape L7 and changed all of our lives forever." The band’s tribute continued, emphasizing her unique essence: "Jennifer was a true original who lived entirely on her own terms, and the impact she made on music, art and everyone lucky enough to know her cannot be measured. We love her beyond words and will carry her with us always. Rest in power our dear friend." This heartfelt message, signed "With Love, L7," underscores the deep personal and professional bond shared within the band.
The Genesis of a Groundbreaking Band
Born in Los Angeles in 1964, Jennifer Finch emerged from a vibrant, often gritty, underground music scene that was brewing in Southern California in the mid-1980s. Before co-founding L7, Finch had already immersed herself in the burgeoning punk and hardcore subcultures, honing her musical instincts and developing a keen sense of rebellious artistry. Her early influences ranged from the raw energy of punk rock to the heavy riffs of metal, all of which would coalesce into L7’s signature sound.
In 1985, Finch co-founded L7 with guitarist and vocalist Donita Sparks. The band’s initial lineup also included Suzi Gardner on guitar and later, Dee Plakas on drums, forming the core quartet that would define their most impactful era. From the outset, L7 aimed to dismantle gender stereotypes prevalent in the rock landscape, asserting their prowess and unfiltered aggression without compromise. Their formation coincided with a pivotal moment in music history, as independent labels and college radio stations began to champion sounds that diverged sharply from mainstream pop and hair metal. L7 quickly carved out a niche, known for their visceral live performances and a sound that blended the abrasive force of punk with the sludge of early grunge and the melodic sensibilities of alternative rock.
The Rise of an Alternative Icon
L7’s early years were characterized by relentless touring and a commitment to their DIY ethos. Their self-titled debut album, L7, released in 1987 on Epitaph Records, showcased their raw power and established their no-holds-barred approach. This was followed by Smell the Magic in 1990, an album that caught the attention of larger labels and critics alike, featuring tracks like "Shove" that demonstrated their ability to craft catchy yet ferocious anthems. It was a crucial stepping stone, demonstrating their growing maturity as songwriters and performers.
The band’s breakthrough arrived decisively with their third album, Bricks Are Heavy, released in 1992 on Slash Records. Produced by Butch Vig, who had just achieved massive success with Nirvana’s Nevermind, Bricks Are Heavy perfectly captured L7’s explosive energy and sharpened their sonic attack. The album became a cornerstone of the burgeoning grunge and alternative rock movements, featuring indelible tracks such as "Pretend We’re Dead," which became a college radio staple and earned significant rotation on MTV. Other notable singles like "Wargasm" and "Everglade" cemented their reputation for combining sludgy riffs with sharp, often politically charged lyrics and shout-along hooks. The album’s success was not just critical; it positioned L7 as a vital force in a male-dominated genre, inspiring countless aspiring musicians, particularly women. Bricks Are Heavy ultimately sold over 200,000 copies in the US, a significant achievement for a band of their style at the time, and peaked at number one on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.
Finch’s bass playing was central to L7’s signature sound. Her style was blunt, melodic, and built for maximum impact, providing a heavy, rhythmic foundation that anchored the band’s dual guitar assault. She was not merely a rhythm section player but a dynamic performer whose stage presence was as compelling as her bass lines. Her contributions extended beyond her instrument, as she was also a key songwriter and vocalist, further imprinting her unique artistic vision onto L7’s discography.
Beyond the Music: Activism and Cultural Impact
L7’s influence extended far beyond their musical output. They became iconic figures in the feminist punk movement of the early 90s, often associated with the Riot Grrrl movement due to their unapologetic assertiveness and challenge to patriarchal norms in rock music. While not strictly a Riot Grrrl band, L7 shared many of its core tenets: empowering women, dismantling sexism, and fostering a community of fierce, independent female artists.
One of L7’s most enduring legacies is their co-founding of Rock for Choice in 1991, an organization dedicated to supporting abortion rights. In an era when reproductive rights were under increasing threat, L7 galvanized the music community, organizing benefit concerts that featured a roster of influential bands including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Hole. These concerts not only raised crucial funds for pro-choice organizations but also amplified a powerful message of bodily autonomy and social justice to a global audience. Jennifer Finch, along with her bandmates, stood at the forefront of this activism, demonstrating that rock music could be a potent tool for social change.
The band was also notorious for their uninhibited, sometimes controversial, live performances and media appearances. From Donita Sparks famously throwing a used tampon into the crowd at Reading Festival in 1992 to Jennifer Finch dropping her trousers on live UK television during an appearance on The Word, L7 consistently defied expectations and challenged conventions. These actions, while shocking to some, solidified their reputation as authentic, rebellious artists who refused to conform to industry pressures or societal norms. They were fierce, funny, and utterly fearless, embodying a spirit of genuine counter-culture that resonated deeply with their fanbase.
Later Years, Hiatus, and Reunion
Following the success of Bricks Are Heavy, L7 continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including Hungry for Stink (1994) and The Beauty Process: Triple Platinum (1997). While these albums maintained their signature sound and lyrical bite, the shifting musical landscape of the late 90s saw alternative rock’s mainstream dominance wane. L7 officially went on an indefinite hiatus in 2001, after nearly two decades of pushing boundaries and delivering uncompromising rock.
During the hiatus, Jennifer Finch continued to pursue a rich and diverse creative life. She was a prolific photographer, writer, and visual artist, building a multidisciplinary practice that reflected the same raw, self-directed spirit she brought to music. Her artistic endeavors allowed her to explore different mediums for expression, further cementing her identity as an artist whose vision transcended a single discipline. She also played in other musical projects, including the punk rock band The Shocker and the garage rock band Spun.
In 2014, much to the delight of their dedicated fanbase, L7 announced their reunion, with Finch rejoining Sparks, Gardner, and Plakas. The reunion saw them embark on successful tours, reminding audiences of their enduring power and relevance. They released their first new album in 20 years, Scatter the Rats, in 2019, proving that their fire had not diminished. The documentary L7: Pretend We’re Dead, released in 2016, chronicled their journey, offering an intimate look at the band’s history, struggles, and triumphs, further solidifying their place in rock history.
A Sudden Farewell and Enduring Legacy
The news of Jennifer Finch’s illness emerged recently when L7 announced that she had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The diagnosis necessitated her withdrawal from the band’s upcoming farewell tour, a decision made to allow her to focus on extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and professional in-home support following multiple surgeries and serious complications. The outpouring of love and support from fans, fellow musicians, and industry colleagues during this difficult time was immense, providing comfort to Finch and her loved ones, as acknowledged by the band in their statement.
Jennifer Finch’s passing leaves an undeniable void in the music world. Her contributions to L7 were foundational, not just as a bassist but as a key creative voice whose artistry helped define a generation of alternative music. Beyond her technical skill and songwriting prowess, Finch embodied a spirit of authentic rebellion and fearless individuality that resonated deeply with listeners. She was a trailblazer, breaking down barriers for women in rock and demonstrating that female musicians could be as loud, aggressive, and politically charged as their male counterparts, if not more so.
Tributes from across the music industry are expected to pour in, reflecting the widespread impact she had on her peers and the countless artists she inspired. From the grunge pioneers to the Riot Grrrl bands, and beyond, L7’s influence, driven by Finch’s unwavering presence, is woven into the fabric of modern alternative music. Her legacy will continue to resonate through L7’s powerful discography, their pioneering activism with Rock for Choice, and the indelible image of a musician who lived and played entirely on her own terms. Jennifer Finch’s fierce spirit, humor, and boundless creativity will indeed be carried with us always, a testament to a life lived powerfully and passionately in service of art and authenticity. Rest in power, dear friend.
