GoFundMe launched to support late Cake guitarist Greg Brown’s family and cover medical debt
A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of the late Cake guitarist Greg Brown.
Brown was a founding member of the rock band, serving with them from their inception in 1991 until 1997. His death, aged 56, was confirmed in February.
His former band announced his passing on social media, mournfully writing, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Greg Brown’s passing after a brief illness.”
They added, “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.”
Following his departure from the band, Brown formed Deathray and also released solo work as recently as 2023.
Now, a GoFundMe has been launched to support his family, which reveals his cause of death. According to the fundraiser, Brown was hospitalised with a traumatic spinal cord injury, and his condition worsened throughout 2025 before he died in February.
As a result of his health struggles, medical debt was accrued, which the GoFundMe has been set up to cover, along with financial support for his wife, Courtney, and their three children.
His family also said in a statement, “Although a very quiet and private individual, by high school, Greg found his voice in music, specifically through guitar playing and songwriting. He loved the mythology and mystery of music and spent hours poring over liner notes, lyrics, and tablature from his favorite bands like Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin.”
They added, “We remember Greg as an artist, a dedicated and loving father, and husband. He loved animals. He loved dusty old instruments and the crackle of vinyl records. He loved sharing songs and new ideas. He loved a good book. And a good cup of coffee.”
The statement from the Brown family concluded, “He loved, and is loved.”
So far, at the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised almost $20,000 of its $100,000 target.
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