Greg Brown, Cake Founding Guitarist And Writer of "The Distance," Has Died

Greg Brown, founding guitarist for alternative rock band Cake and writer of their hit "The Distance," has died after a brief illness. No official age of death was given, though the musician was believed to be in his mid-50s. The band confirmed his death on social media on Saturday (Feb. 7), stating: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Greg Brown's passing after a brief illness. 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." Brown helped form the Sacramento band in 1991 alongside singer John McCrea and multi-instrumentalist Vince DiFiore. He co-wrote songs on Cake's first two albums, 1994's Motorcade of Generosity and 1996's Fashion Nugget, and was sole writer of "The Distance," which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's US Alternative Airplay chart and was certified 2x-Platinum. Brown left Cake after the Fashion Nugget Tour, later forming the band Deathray and working with Rivers Cuomo's side project Homie. He reunited with Cake in 2011 to play guitar on the track "Bound Away."