Greg Brown, founding Cake guitarist who wrote 'The Distance,' dies

Brown was an integral part of the band's early sound and development.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Greg Brown, a founding guitarist in the band Cake who wrote their biggest hit song 'The Distance,' has died. Cake announced Brown's passing on their social media accounts, stating that his 'creative contributions were immense, and his presence—both musical and personal—will be deeply missed.'

Why it matters

Greg Brown was a founding member of the popular 1990s rock band Cake, known for their unique sound and hit song 'The Distance.' His death marks the loss of an influential figure in the Sacramento music scene and a key contributor to Cake's early success.

The details

Brown was a member of Cake for their first two major label albums, 'Motorcade of Generosity' and 'Fashion Nugget,' on Capricorn Records. His gritty, staccato-style guitar playing, along with Vince DiFore's trumpet melodies and John McCrae's baritone, half-spoken, deadpan vocal delivery, helped set the band apart from other rock groups of the era. Brown was credited with writing 'The Distance,' which is used to kick off the California International Marathon each year.

  • Greg Brown passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Greg Brown

A founding guitarist in the band Cake who wrote their biggest hit song 'The Distance.'.

Cake

A popular 1990s rock band known for their unique sound, with John McCrae on vocals, Vince DiFore on trumpet, and Greg Brown on guitar.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Cake (Cake's social media accounts)

The takeaway

Greg Brown's passing marks the loss of a key figure in the influential 1990s Sacramento rock band Cake, whose unique sound and hit song 'The Distance' helped define an era of alternative music.