Greg Brown, Founding Guitarist of Alt-Rock Band Cake, Dies Suddenly at Age 56
Greg Brown, the founding guitarist of the celebrated alternative rock band Cake, has passed away. He was 56 years old. The news was confirmed by his bandmates through an official statement posted on Instagram, where they expressed their profound grief and shared details of his sudden passing.
Bandmates Announce Heartbreaking News
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Greg Brown's passing after a brief illness," the statement from his bandmates read. They emphasized his crucial contributions to the band's formative years, noting, "Greg was an integral part of Cake's early sound and development. His creative contributions were immense, and his presence — both musical and personal — will be deeply missed. Godspeed, Greg."
The band did not disclose further specifics regarding the nature of his illness or the circumstances surrounding his death, leaving fans and the music community in mourning.
Tributes from Fellow Musicians
Former Weezer bassist Matt Sharp, who collaborated with Brown, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, remembering him as his "shyest, most gentle and delicate friend." Sharp wrote, "It's beyond my capacity to put together the right words to describe his beautiful, beautiful soul. Our partnership, however brief, had a lifetime's worth of love, tenderness and heartbreak."
He added, "My sweetest friend, I'll never meet another like you. All my thoughts are with your friends, family and children. With love forever, Matt." Alongside his emotional message, Sharp posted photos of the two musicians playing together, capturing their bond.
Brown's Legacy with Cake and Beyond
Greg Brown co-founded Cake in 1991 alongside singer John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, drummer Frank French, and bassist Shon Meckfessel. The band's journey began with their self-released debut album, Motorcade of Generosity, in 1994. They later signed with Capricorn Records and achieved breakthrough success with their 1996 album, Fashion Nugget, which went platinum.
One of Cake's most iconic songs, "The Distance," was written solely by Brown and features some of his most prolific guitar work. In a 2021 interview with Billboard, Brown reflected on the song's impact, saying, "I liked the way it sounded and everything, but I thought Frank Sinatra was a much stronger choice for the single. But the record label chose it and it worked out."
Brown, along with then-bassist Victor Damiani, left Cake before the recording of the band's third album, Prolonging the Magic. He went on to form the band Deathray and collaborated with ex-Weezer members, including Rivers Cuomo and Matt Sharp. In 2023, Brown released his only solo project, The End of Something New, showcasing his enduring creativity.
His sudden death has left a void in the music world, with fans and colleagues remembering him for his unique sound and gentle spirit. As tributes continue to pour in, Brown's legacy as a key architect of Cake's quirky and influential alt-rock style remains firmly etched in music history.
