Greg Brown, Lead Guitarist of 90’s Rock Band ‘CAKE’, Dies Of Illness, What We Know About His Demise

Greg Brown, a founding member and lead guitarist of the 90s rock band, CAKE, has passed away. The band announced the news about his demise on February 7, 2026, in an Instagram post on the band’s page. Greg died of a brief illness. Being an integral member of the band, his passing has cast a dark shadow over the lives of all the band members and his fans. Greg’s passing away is not just the loss of the band, but also highlights the significant impact he had on the music scene of the 1990s.

Greg played on both CAKE’s 1994 debut, Motorcade of Generosity and its 1996 follow-up, Fashion Nugget. Greg was an integral part and wrote the band’s biggest hit, The Distance. Greg had an instrumental role in shaping the band’s unique sound and creating pop and rock that made them stand out in the industry. Here’s what we know about his demise.

Greg founded the band CAKE and wrote its biggest hit

CAKE was formed in 1991 in Sacramento, California, by Greg, along with California singer, John McCrea, Trumpeter, Vince DiFiore, Drummer, Frank French and Bass player, Shon Meckfessel, and rose to fame for the innovative take on music. Their catchy hooks, jazzy sounds, and unique sound blending gained them quick recognition. Greg’s ability to provide comfort and connection to his audience in his songs is what made him so memorable among the fans. Greg made music a universal language, and for the people of the 90s, he left behind a legacy that goes beyond just his passion for music. 

CAKE’s biggest hit, The Distance, was written by Greg Brown and opened with John McCrea’s deadpan vocals, and in no time, the song became a staple of alt-rock radio and reached No.4 on the US Alternative Airplay charts and No. 38 on the Mainstream Rock Charts. CAKE’S most successful song, The RIAA certified it 2x platinum in 2022.

Greg left the band to form Deathray, but reconciled later

Greg left the band to form Deathray shortly before its third album was released and released his project Deathray’s debut album in 2000. Earlier, in 1997, Greg had exited the band but later reconciled. Deathray became his primary focus throughout the decade, though he collaborated with Rivers Cuomo in the short-lived supergroup ‘Homie’ and also worked on a Matt Sharp solo project. On his reconciliation with the group, Greg contributed his guitar skills to the track, Bound Away on the band’s 2011 album, Showroom of Compassion.

Fans are still reeling with the demise of two iconic rock music figues Brad Arnold and Greg Brown

Greg Brown was known for using a 1965 Guild Starfire III guitar, which became his identity. Fans had not yet grieved the passing away of Brad Arnold and heard the news of Greg’s demise as well. News of his demise has completely shaken fans because they were just hit with the news of demise of Brad Arnold who was yet another 90s rock and alt-rock prominent figure. Brad died at 47, while Greg’s age remains unknown. Brad suffered a long journey battling stage 4 cancer that had spread to his lungs and eventually succumbed to his illness, and Greg died of a short illness. Greg has been married to Iris DeMent since 2002, and they share a daughter named Pieta Brown.

We wish the band members and Greg’s family our deepest condolences!

Also Read: How Did ‘3 Doors Down’ Lead Singer, Brad Arnold Die? Here’s The Cause Of His Death At The Age Of 47