Beloved Alternative Rock Guitarist Greg Brown Dead at Age
Greg Brown, the founding guitarist and key songwriter behind influential alternative rock band Cake, has passed away after a brief illness. The news was announced by the band on social media, with a heartfelt message paying tribute to Brown's immense creative contributions and presence within the band.
Brown joined Cake in 1991 alongside singer John McCrea, multi-instrumentalist Vince DiFiore, and others. While McCrea served as the primary songwriter, Brown co-wrote tracks for the band's early albums 'Motorcade of Generosity' (1994) and 'Fashion Nugget' (1996), with one of his most notable contributions being the hit single 'The Distance.' Released in 1996, 'The Distance' became a massive success, solidifying Cake's place in the alternative rock scene.
In an interview with Billboard in 2021, Brown discussed the creation of 'The Distance,' saying that McCrea took to it right away but he didn't fully understand what McCrea saw in the song. Despite this, Brown acknowledged his admiration for McCrea's taste and ultimately accepted the band's choice to release 'The Distance' as their single.
Brown left Cake following the tour supporting 'Fashion Nugget,' citing turmoil within the group and a decision that would benefit his health. He went on to pursue other musical endeavors, including forming his own band Deathray with fellow former Cake member Victor Damiani on bass. Additionally, Brown contributed to Weezer's side project Homie, playing on their single "American Girls."
In recent years, Brown reunited with Cake for a solo stint as guitarist on the 2011 album 'Showroom of Compassion.' The news of his passing marks a loss not only for Cake but also for fans worldwide who have cherished Brown's unique guitar work and contributions to alternative rock.
Greg Brown, the founding guitarist and key songwriter behind influential alternative rock band Cake, has passed away after a brief illness. The news was announced by the band on social media, with a heartfelt message paying tribute to Brown's immense creative contributions and presence within the band.
Brown joined Cake in 1991 alongside singer John McCrea, multi-instrumentalist Vince DiFiore, and others. While McCrea served as the primary songwriter, Brown co-wrote tracks for the band's early albums 'Motorcade of Generosity' (1994) and 'Fashion Nugget' (1996), with one of his most notable contributions being the hit single 'The Distance.' Released in 1996, 'The Distance' became a massive success, solidifying Cake's place in the alternative rock scene.
In an interview with Billboard in 2021, Brown discussed the creation of 'The Distance,' saying that McCrea took to it right away but he didn't fully understand what McCrea saw in the song. Despite this, Brown acknowledged his admiration for McCrea's taste and ultimately accepted the band's choice to release 'The Distance' as their single.
Brown left Cake following the tour supporting 'Fashion Nugget,' citing turmoil within the group and a decision that would benefit his health. He went on to pursue other musical endeavors, including forming his own band Deathray with fellow former Cake member Victor Damiani on bass. Additionally, Brown contributed to Weezer's side project Homie, playing on their single "American Girls."
In recent years, Brown reunited with Cake for a solo stint as guitarist on the 2011 album 'Showroom of Compassion.' The news of his passing marks a loss not only for Cake but also for fans worldwide who have cherished Brown's unique guitar work and contributions to alternative rock.
just saw this news about Greg Brown 
I'm so sad... he was such an iconic part of Cake's sound, you know? 
'The Distance' is still one of my fave songs ever 
always loved how the guitar riffs complemented John McCrea's vocals 
I'm gonna miss seeing Greg's face in old concert vids and hearing his playing style 
I remember listening to Cake's music back in the day and loving 'The Distance' - it's crazy that Greg Brown is no longer with us 
I've always thought his guitar playing was underrated, but now I get why people say he was the glue that held the band together 
sadly, I don't think about these kinds of losses enough... maybe I'll have to go back and listen to some Cake again 
He brought a whole new level of awesomeness to 'The Distance' and let's be real, who didn't love singing along to that catchy tune? 
But seriously, 25 is way too young... it's like the world lost its best guitar-playing friend 
.
- Weezer, Deathray, Homie... the dude was a true original 
. I remember seeing Cake live back in '97 and Greg's guitar playing just blew me away 
. What a loss for music fans everywhere 
anyway, sorry about greg brown... he sounds like an awesome guitarist 
Sorry to hear that Greg Brown is gone, he was always rocking out in the background 
. I mean, 'The Distance' still gives me chills to this day, that guitar riff is like a time machine back to 90s alt-rock 
. But for real though, it's sad to see him go, he was an underrated dude 
. Cake's music will live on, and who knows, maybe Greg Brown's ghost will start jamming with Weezer again 
anyone who grew up on alternative rock can't help but feel this loss 
. I loved how he talked about McCrea taking it to the next level in that interview... like, yeah, McCrea has great taste! 
. He had a way with guitar that was just infectious 
i loved how he co-wrote with John McCrea on some of Cake's biggest hits 
anyway, total loss for Cake and their fans 
anyway, let's celebrate greg brown's life & music – he will be deeply missed 
. McCrea got all the credit and Brown just kinda... existed on stage, playing his guitar 
. And don't even get me started on how long it took him to find success after leaving Cake - what a letdown 
. Still, his legacy lives on in 'The Distance' and his solo work with Deathray 
their music still holds up today, but I think we're losing another musical genius 
only good for his health but still gotta feel bad for the fans who got left out 
, RIP Greg Brown 
just heard about Greg Brown's passing & I'm still trying to process it... my favorite guitarist!