The Band Index

L7

AmericasUnited StatesHard RockPunk RockAlternative MetalGrunge
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow L7!

Top L7 Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1985

Formation of L7 in Los Angeles

L7 was formed in 1985 by Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner, who were both active in the art punk community of Echo Park. They met through cultural contacts and quickly bonded musically, beginning regular performances in punk and metal venues. They recruited Jennifer Finch as bassist and Roy Koutsky as drummer, solidifying their initial lineup. This founding moment established L7 as an all-female punk rock band in Los Angeles, setting the foundation for their influential role in the alternative rock and grunge scenes.
1987

Release of Debut Album 'L7'

L7 released their self-titled debut album in 1987 under Epitaph Records. The album was characterized by intense, energetic, and fast straightforward punk music. Shortly after, drummer Roy Koutsky left the band and Anne Anderson briefly joined. Despite lineup challenges, this debut marked L7's entry into the wider punk rock scene, gaining a foothold and beginning to build their fanbase and reputation throughout the underground punk circuits.
1989

Drummer Dee Plakas Joins and Single Release on Sub Pop

After Anne Anderson's departure, Demetra 'Dee' Plakas joined as the new drummer, establishing the longest-standing lineup. In 1989, the band released the 'Shove'/'Packin’ a Rod' single as the Sub Pop Single of the Month. This period marked L7's initial connection with the influential Seattle-based Sub Pop label and the grunge scene, accompanying their growth in musical style and regional influence.
1990

Release of 'Smell the Magic' Album and Touring with Nirvana

The band released their album 'Smell the Magic' through Sub Pop in 1990, receiving critical acclaim, including a four-star review from Rolling Stone. The album elevated their status within the grunge and alternative community. L7 also toured in England and opened for the emerging band Nirvana on several occasions, intertwining their trajectory with the rising grunge movement.
1991

Signing with Slash Records and Political Activism

In 1991, L7 secured a contract with Slash Records, leading to their entry into major label exposure. They performed at the International Pop Underground Convention in Olympia, Washington, where they were notable as the only band with major label representation. This year also saw them co-found Rock for Choice, a political campaign supporting abortion rights, underscoring their commitment to activism alongside their music career.
1992

Breakthrough with 'Bricks Are Heavy' Album and 'Pretend We're Dead' Single

L7 released their third album, 'Bricks Are Heavy,' produced by Butch Vig, in 1992. This album became their most commercially successful and critically praised work. The single 'Pretend We're Dead' gained heavy airplay on US alternative radio, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart. This era cemented L7's position in the alternative rock and grunge landscape, showcasing their distinctive blend of punk rock with broader appeal.
1994-1997

Further Albums and Lineup Changes

L7 continued their momentum with releases like 'Hungry for Stink' in 1994 on Slash Records. In 1996, bassist Jennifer Finch left the band to attend college and was replaced by Greta Brink. In 1997, L7 released 'The Beauty Process: Triple Platinum,' their final album on Slash. Bassist Gail Greenwood joined for the 1999 album 'Slap-Happy,' produced by the band's own Wax Tadpole Records, alongside further lineup adjustments. These years reflected both creative output and personnel transitions in the band's evolving journey.
2001

Indefinite Hiatus Begins

After years of recording and touring, L7 announced an indefinite hiatus beginning in 2001. This pause marked a temporary end to their active collaboration and public performances, as members pursued other projects and interests. Despite the break, the band's legacy continued through their recorded works and influence in rock music.
2014

Reunion of L7

L7 reformed in 2014 with the core lineup including Jennifer Finch returning on bass. Their reunion was warmly received by fans and critics, leading to a series of performances in Europe and North America the following year. This comeback reignited their presence in the rock music scene and set the stage for new creative output.
2016-2019

Documentary Release and New Music

In 2016, a Kickstarter-funded documentary titled 'L7: Pretend We're Dead' premiered, chronicling the band's history and influence. The band released new singles including 'Dispatch from Mar-a-Lago' (2017) and 'I Came Back to Bitch' (2018), followed by the full-length album 'Scatter the Rats' in 2019. These releases marked L7's successful return to recording and performing, demonstrating their enduring energy and relevance in alternative rock and punk music.

Albums

l7_1st_album
L7
11 tracks
1988
l7_2nd_album
Smell the Magic
6 tracks
1990
l7_3rd_album
Bricks Are Heavy
11 tracks
1992
l7_4th_album
Hungry for Stink
12 tracks
1994
l7_5th_album
The Beauty Process: Triple Platinum
12 tracks
1997
l7_6th_album
Slap-Happy
12 tracks
1999
l7_7th_album
Scatter the Rats
11 tracks
2019
Sponsor content

Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Jennifer Finch

1987
1996

Janis Tanaka

2000
2000

Dee Plakas

1988
2000

Gail Greenwood

1997
2000

Donita Sparks

1985
2000

Suzi Gardner

1985
2000

Roy Koutsky

1987
1988

Story of L7

L7: A Legacy of Raw Power and Uncompromising Sound

L7, the seminal Los Angeles punk rock band, exploded onto the scene in 1985, forging a powerful sound that defied easy categorization. Initially active until 2001, the band triumphantly reunited in 2014, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide. Their iconic lineup, featuring Suzi Gardner (guitar, vocals), Donita Sparks (vocals, guitar), Jennifer Finch (bass, vocals), and Dee Plakas (drums, vocals), became synonymous with raw energy and unapologetic attitude.

Over their career, L7 unleashed seven studio albums, electrifying audiences across the US, Europe, Japan, Australia, and South America. Their breakthrough hit, "Pretend Were Dead," dominated US alternative radio in 1992, reaching the Billboard Modern Rock charts top 10.

Often associated with the grunge movement of the late 80s and early 90s due to their sound and image, L7’s all-female composition sometimes linked them to the riot grrrl scene. However, they predate and ultimately stand apart from both movements, carving their own distinct path. Their commitment extended beyond music; in 1991, they founded Rock for Choice, showcasing their dedication to political activism. Their story was further immortalized in the 2016 documentary, L7: Pretend We`re Dead.

Formation and Early Years (1985-1989)

The bands genesis lies in the vibrant art punk community of Echo Park, where Donita Sparks and Suzi Gardner, both already active musicians, connected in 1984 through mutual acquaintances at the LA Weekly. Sparks vividly described hearing Gardner’s demos as "one of the happiest days of my life," recognizing an immediate creative synergy that would define L7s unique sound.

Sponsor content

Learn more about L7

Bands you may like