Cake Guitarist and ‘The Distance’ Writer Greg Brown Dies
Greg Brown, renowned guitarist and co-founder of the alternative rock band Cake, has passed away. The band announced this sad news through their social media channels, expressing their sorrow over the loss of an integral member of their early sound. Cake noted that Brown’s creative influence was significant and that he would be deeply missed.
Remembering Greg Brown: The Creative Force Behind “The Distance”
Greg Brown played a vital role in shaping Cake’s unique sound. The Sacramento-based band formed in 1991, with Brown contributing guitar alongside frontman John McCrea and multi-instrumentalist Vince DiFiore. Although McCrea was the primary songwriter, Brown was instrumental in co-writing several tracks on their early albums. These include:
- 1994’s Motorcade of Generosity
- 1996’s Fashion Nugget
Among his notable achievements, Brown was the sole writer of the hit single “The Distance,” which became one of Cake’s defining songs. In a 2021 interview with Billboard, he reflected on the song’s success, sharing his initial surprise that it was chosen as a single over another track, “Frank Sinatra.” Brown mentioned, “I liked the way it sounded but didn’t understand the label’s choice at first.”
Brown’s Departure and Musical Journey
After touring in support of the album Fashion Nugget, Brown made the difficult decision to leave Cake. He cited personal struggles and the challenging environment within the band at the time, stating, “I felt like leaving Cake would be a decision that would be good for my health.” Following his departure, he pursued various musical projects.
- Deathray: Brown formed this band with Victor Damiani, another ex-Cake member.
- Homie: This short-lived project involved Rivers Cuomo from Weezer, featuring Brown on the song “American Girls” from the Meet the Deedles soundtrack.
In the early 2000s, Brown released two albums with Deathray. He later reunited with Cake for their 2011 album, Showroom of Compassion, contributing guitar to the track “Bound Away.”
Legacy of Greg Brown
Greg Brown will be remembered not only for his contributions to Cake but also for his lasting influence in the alternative rock genre. His talent and creativity continue to inspire countless musicians and fans alike.
