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Greg Brown, Founding Guitarist of Cake and Writer of 'The Distance,' Dies

Cake said he died after a brief illness without disclosing his age or a cause.

Overview

  • The band announced his death on Feb. 7, praising his “immense” creative contributions and sharing no further details on circumstances.
  • Brown’s staccato guitar helped shape Cake’s early identity, and he performed on Motorcade of Generosity and Fashion Nugget on Capricorn Records.
  • He was credited with writing the hit The Distance, which continues to open the California International Marathon.
  • After departing the group in 1997, he co-founded Deathray and recorded for side projects involving members of Weezer.
  • Fans and musicians posted tributes, including a note from former Weezer bassist Matt Sharp, as Cake’s current lineup prepares three sold-out Sacramento shows March 21–23 at Channel 24.