Greg Brown, the guitarist who helped define the sound of Cake during its formative years, has died, the band announced today. He was , after a brief illness. He was 67.
“It’s with heavy hearts that we share the news of Greg Brown’s passing after a brief illness,” Cake posted on Instagram. “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 co-founded the Sacramento-based band in alongside vocalist John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, drummer Frank French, and bassist Shon Meckfessel. His guitar work became instantly recognizable, characterized by a distinctive blend of alternative rock, Latin rhythms, and a dry, almost detached coolness that perfectly complemented McCrea’s sardonic lyrics.
Brown’s contributions were central to Cake’s breakthrough albums, ’s Motorcade of Generosity and ’s Fashion Nugget. He co-wrote several songs on those albums, most notably “The Distance,” which remains Cake’s most enduring and popular single. The song’s quirky arrangement and Brown’s understated guitar riff helped propel the band to national attention.
While Cake’s sound evolved after his departure in , Brown’s influence remained palpable. Liner notes for the album, Prolonging the Magic, indicated that some of his guitar arrangements were still utilized, a testament to the foundational role he played in shaping the band’s musical identity.
Brown’s departure from Cake came amid lineup changes as the band’s success grew. He didn’t retreat from music, however. He went on to join Deathray, a modern rock band where he played lead guitar and provided backing vocals, contributing to their debut album released on Capricorn Records (and later re-released on Doppler Records). He wrote four songs and co-penned two more for the album.
His musical explorations extended beyond Deathray. He collaborated with Rivers Cuomo of Weezer in the side project Homie in , and in , he played piano and guitar and co-produced Puckett’s Versus the Country Boy, an EP by Matt Sharp, formerly of Weezer and The Rentals. Deathray released their second album, Believe Me, in , with Brown again contributing guitar, backing vocals, and other instrumentation.
Throughout his career, Brown was known for his particular approach to guitar playing. During his time with Cake, he favored a Guild Starfire III, run through a Pro Co RAT distortion pedal and into a Silvertone amp, a setup that contributed to the band’s unique sonic texture.
In recent years, Brown continued to pursue his musical interests, releasing a solo EP in . This return to solo work demonstrated a continued creative drive and a willingness to explore new musical avenues.
Greg Brown’s passing marks the end of an era for Cake fans and the broader alternative rock community. He leaves behind a legacy of innovative guitar playing, memorable songwriting, and a significant contribution to the sound of a generation. While his time with Cake was relatively brief, his impact on the band’s success and enduring appeal is undeniable.
He is remembered not only for his musical talent but also for his integral role in establishing Cake’s distinctive identity, a band that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its initial rise to prominence.
